AUC Venture Lab is Egypt’s first university-based incubator and accelerator at The American University in Cairo. The lab enables startups to capitalize on AUC’s intellectual capital, world-class facilities, and research capacities. Also, It connects innovative startups with AUC’s network that includes alumni, faculty, mentors, and investors. Further, through this, it fosters a thriving ecosystem of innovation, education and responsible business.

Moreover, The mission of the AUC Venture Lab is twofold: to help Egyptian startups commercialize their innovative technologies and business models into viable ventures that contribute to economic growth, competitiveness and job creation; and to provide a learning and research platform for the AUC community to connect with entrepreneurs. Further, AUC Venture Lab targets startups that are high-growth and innovation-driven. These are selected through a rigorous process based on the novelty of the idea, scalability, and commercial potential as well as the team’s track record, cohesion, tenacity, and commitment to success. Selected startups play an active role in the AUC community, sharing their entrepreneurial experience with students and staff. They also contribute to Egypt’s growth and competitiveness.

Benefit

• Evidence-based entrepreneurship & curriculum to validate your business.
• Specialized business training and support.
• Extensive mentorship from industry experts.
• Dedicated field-related business coaching.
• Networking events.
• Investment opportunities.
• A co-working space.
• Access to AUC facilities, students & faculty members.
• Seed capital award.
• 0% Equity.
• Funds up to 20k pounds per team.
• Overcome market challenges & understand the ins and outs of working within the regulations of the Central Bank of Egypt.
• Access to Temenos SANDBOX operating System to speed up your onboarding with banks.

Eligibility

• Innovative early-stage Egyptian startups from all fields who have/are developing a prototype and also, are willing to commit to the whole 4 months’ duration of the program.
• Startups working in #Energy, Health-tech, E-commerce, creative industries, and also,  fintech are especially encouraged to apply.

In Addition, The AUC Venture Lab acceleration program runs in two cycles per year where each cycle includes around ten startups. Further, The Lab provides these startups with an intensive acceleration experience for three months, followed by a longer incubation cycle of a year.