Makani Innovation Hub Organizes the Final Demo Day of Makani Startup Weekend Program
Makani Innovation Hub, in collaboration with MENACatalyst foundation, organized the final Demo Day for entrepreneurial projects as part of the first Makani Startup Weekend program. The program aims to empower entrepreneurs to develop their projects and sharpen their pitching skills before investors and experts, in preparation for transforming their projects into scalable startups.
The event was opened by Ramallah Mayor Issa Qassis, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs’ participation in such programs to enhance their capabilities and develop their creative ideas. He also praised the role of trainer Bader Al-Hudhud for delivering an intensive two-day training that enabled participants to prepare for pitching before the jury. He extended his thanks to MENACatalyst foundation for supporting the program and to the judging panel, which included businessman Hani Al-Alami, expert Mahmoud Al-Natsheh, co-founder of the “Foras” platform Safaa Ayyad, and Dr. Safaa Al-Dweik, Director of the GIS & IT Department at Ramallah Municipality.
In his remarks, Mahmoud Nazzal, Head of Economic Empowerment, Inclusion, and Impact at MENACatalyst foundation, highlighted the organization’s role in supporting entrepreneurs and startups through various programs, including the SEED program supported by Palestinians in the diaspora, with the aim of contributing to national economic development. He also commended the efforts of Makani Innovation Hub and Ramallah Municipality in providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
Nazzal announced the “Palestine National Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” through which winners of this event will qualify to participate. The award is valued at USD 10,000 and will be organized annually.
During the event, ten entrepreneurs presented their diverse projects before the judging panel. After discussion and deliberation, the top three projects were announced: Pro Order by entrepreneur Jad Dwani, Strawberry Farm by entrepreneur Bayan Lahloh, and Students’ Hub by entrepreneur Lana Abu Ein. The three winning projects qualified to compete for the National Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
It is worth noting that the Makani Startup Weekend program will continue over the next two years, as a partnership between Makani Innovation Hub and MENACatalyst foundation, in support of entrepreneurial projects and the development of the innovation ecosystem in Palestine.
