MENACatalyst MoU with MIT Enterprise Forum
MENACatalyst is changing the game for Palestinian startups looking to break into new markets and get to the next level. With a range of services aimed at strengthening Palestine’s startup scene, MENACatalyst helps startups overcome boundaries and expand their outreach on a global scale.
In what is a major step forward for Palestinian entrepreneurship, MENACatalyst has partnered up with MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab. With a series of signature programs that not only coach early stage tech entrepreneurs but connects them with a global network of business enablers and industry partners, this Lebanon-based chapter is spearheading innovation and entrepreneurship aross the Arab World
The partnership aims to establish collaborative opportunities for the two organizations as well as their network of startups. With this partnership comes a wealth of opportunities for Palestinian led startups. Namely, the opportunity to take part in MITEF’s Arab Startup Competition, in which some of the most innovative tech entrepreneurs from across the Arab world vie for the opportunity to win 160k USD, along with access to mentorship and training sessions, and invaluable media exposure.
MENACatalyst’s network of startups will be considered for MITEF Pan Arab’s Silicon Valley Program. The program is all about immersing some of the brightest tech entrepreneurs from the Arab world in the high-tech world of cutting-edge innovation, Silicon Valley.
As part of the collaboration, MITEF Pan Arab will feature updated MENACatalyst content on their dedicated platform and social media accounts. MENACatalyst will likewise share relevant promotional material to raise awareness about upcoming MITEF Pan Arab events and competitions.
While media exposure is invaluable for startups striving to make it big in international markets, networking opportunities can either make or break a startup. To this effect, MENACatalyst and MITEF Pan Arab have agreed to provide a platform where both their startups, mentors and industry partners can connect and collaborate on meaningful projects.
Regional cooperations and joint Demo Events with organizations like DTech, In5, Innovest ME, Endeavor RIT Dubai, Oasis500 and Beyond Capital have provided MENACatalyst’s network of startups with the rare opportunity to learn about regional markets and connect with mentors and potential investors. While ongoing partnerships and an MoU with players such as Wamda have repeatedly proven instrumental for propelling Palestinian entrepreneurship to the forefront to get the much-needed support and well-deserved recognition for their startup ventures. With features on Wamda’s dedicated platform and access to their senior network of Mentors, startups from MENACatalyst’s network of early stage startups are reaping the benefits of this strategic partnership.
On the international front, MENACatalyst has collaborated with UK based entrepreneurial launching pads, accelerators and Venture capital firms responsible for the UK’s position as one of the defining startup ecosystems in the world. With meetings, pitching sessions and networking events at Tech Nation, Level39, Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and UK:MENA Hub.
Most recently MENACatalyst and Startupbootcamp have joined their efforts for a scouting campaign looking for some of the highest profiled startups based out of the Middle East. Startupbootcamp’s Dubai Smart City Accelerator targets tech-based startups that adopt the latest innovations to solve a range of the most pressing issues affecting cities everywhere. Additional collaborations include identifying qualifying startups for Shanghai Week, to help startups across the Middle East scale to major industry-defining markets in China.
MENACatalyst’s partnership with MITEF Pan Arab is just further proof of their commitment towards supporting Palestinian innovation and entrepreneurship. These partnerships are paving the way for Palestinian startups to gain exposure, the know-how, and connections needed to make it big in international markets. And through it all MENACatalyst has committed their utmost efforts in leveraging the collective support, strategic resources and acumen of the Palestinian diaspora around the world.