Arabnet Arabnet

The 5th edition of Techne Summit took place from 28th until 30th September in Alexandria bringing together innovators, startup founders, experts, and investors to boost the Mediterranean startup ecosystem.

"We've grown 10 times bigger in 4 years! From a local event that attracted 900 attendees, to a global one that was attended by 9,000 entrepreneurs, investors and key startup community stakeholders. The amount of energy along the 5 days was unparalleled. From side events that took place all over Alexandria at several co-working spaces, training centers, fitness boutiques, restaurants and cafes, to night networking events, competitions, talks and workshops;  The learning and networking experiences were beyond phenomenal," said Tarek El Kady, founder of Techne Summit as well as founder and chairman of the Alexandria Business Angel Network (Alex Angels), and The Mediterranean Business Angel Investment Network.

The highlight of the entrepreneurial summit was their intuitive networking tool, the first artificial intelligence-powered matchmaking solution in the region. The engine, launched in the summit, calculated who the most relevant people, products, exhibitors and sponsors were for each attendee, featuring an intuitive interface to maximize engagement. The tool made more than 100,000 recommendations to attendees, which resulted in over 8,000 potential connections and 3,643 actual recorded connections on the app, which allowed people to conclude 1,297 face to face meetings throughout the 3 days.

The event was also the launchpad of the MedAngels, the Mediterranean Business Angel Investment Network,which was officially launched on 30th September, with a panel featuring presidents and executives from angel networks of six countries, including Carthage Business Angels; Sophia Business Angels; and Business Angels Network Catalunya. 

The summit, backed by GIZ, Hivos, Inertia Construction, Axa, and the Sanad Fund for SMEs, featured prominent international speakers, including Techstars’ VP of Innovation Chris Heivly, Nina Ann Walters, founder and Managing Director of Berlin-based Expandise, andMin-Sung Kim,Venture Capital and Fund Advisor at valuebase.one in Berlin 

The summit also hosted five startup competitions, including the Startup World Cup, championed by Egyptian startup," which has now secured their spot in Grand Finale in Silicon Valley for a chance to win $1,000,000.

The "Trip to Stockholm" pitching competition, co-organized by the Swedish Institute and the Embassy of Sweden in Cairo, saw Egyptian startup Mermaid win the first place, while Verteek an Talents arena took the second and third place. Kickoff Sports won the first prize at the “Future Technopreneurs” pitching competition organized by Egypt’s TIEC, with Cure Ticket, Aqar Cash, and taking home the second, third and fourth prize. The jury at the AXA OneHealth TECHNE pitching competition decided to award 4 winners instead of 3, given the highly competitive startups participating. 3elagi won first place, followed by Imedical,Vetwork, and ByPass, who were awarded the second, third and fourth prizes. Three EdTech startups were awarded the EdVentures pitching competition, led by Innova, who took home the first prize, while Vlaby, and Entlaq were awarded the second and third prizes.