Egypt’s startup ecosystem is witnessing unprecedented growth, with total investments in technology startups increasing sevenfold between 2020 and 2025 compared to the previous five-year period, according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat. Speaking at the Techne Summit 2025 in Alexandria, Talaat credited this surge to the government’s innovation-driven reforms and Egypt’s growing attractiveness to local and international investors.
Talaat noted that Egypt’s thriving startup environment has strengthened its position in the Global Innovation Index, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for technology and entrepreneurship. The minister emphasized that Egypt’s tech startups are actively innovating in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital transformation.
Upgraded EgyptInnovate Platform Launched
During his keynote, Talaat unveiled an upgraded version of the EgyptInnovate platform, designed to connect startups with investors through AI-powered matchmaking and interactive features. The revamped platform includes:
- An interactive map showcasing Egyptian startups and their innovations.
- An AI chatbot that provides business, technical, and economic consultations for entrepreneurs.
- A comprehensive directory of financial, technical, and training resources available from government bodies, NGOs, and private entities.
The platform, now serving over 70,000 users, will play a key role in helping startups access investors, collaboration opportunities, and growth resources.
Creativa Centers and Startup Support Programs
Highlighting Egypt’s commitment to fostering innovation, Talaat cited the expansion of the Creativa network—launched in 2018 with three centers and now grown to 24 centers across 21 governorates. These centers offer training, incubation, and funding opportunities. Over 790 startups have benefited so far.
Programs like Start IT and Creativa Incubation provide financial and in-kind support valued at up to EGP 1 million per company, including funding and cloud credits from Amazon Web Services. The ministry has also forged partnerships with global accelerators such as Plug and Play and 500 Global, which have expanded from Cairo to Upper Egypt, enabling startups to connect with investors through events at the Creativa Digital Egypt Centre in Aswan.
Global Expansion and Collaboration
To boost Egypt’s global visibility, 24 startups will represent the country at the upcoming Web Summit in Portugal, one of the world’s largest tech gatherings. The event marks another milestone in Egypt’s bid to position itself as a global player in innovation.
The summit also featured remarks from Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled Said, who introduced the Smart Alexandria initiative to apply digital solutions to urban challenges; Swedish Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, who emphasized AI cooperation between Egypt and Sweden; and Ahmed El Wakil, President of the Union of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce, who praised Egypt’s efforts to empower startups and SMEs as engines of digital economic growth.
Talaat reaffirmed that supporting entrepreneurship remains a cornerstone of the Digital Egypt strategy, ensuring that innovation and creativity drive inclusive growth and position Egypt as a regional leader in technology.
