The U.S. Embassy Cairo partnered with the American University in Cairo’s Venture Lab at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business to host its annual SelectUSA Tech Pitch Competition, spotlighting Egypt’s emerging technology entrepreneurs.
Sixteen Egyptian start-ups presented their business concepts before a panel of industry experts for the chance to travel to the United States and participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit. The competition concluded with “Untap” and “Tijara Hub” named as winners, while “Hiroy” and “Plan Q” received honourable mentions.
The two winning start-ups will now compete on the SelectUSA Tech stage at this year’s global SelectUSA Investment Summit, scheduled to take place in National Harbor, Maryland, from 3–6 May. They will join other Egyptian start-ups that independently register and finance their participation.
“I am deeply impressed with the Egyptian entrepreneurs presenting at this year’s competition. These companies have the potential to drive transformative, real-world outcomes,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Evyenia Sidereas during the awards ceremony. “We hope that pairing talented Egyptian innovators with cutting-edge U.S. technology-sector entrepreneurs will generate significant economic gains for both our countries.”
The competition provided participants with valuable exposure to investors and business leaders, as well as practical pitching experience. This year’s judging panel included representatives from FinBi, Venture Capital, Alex Angels, Entreprenelle, AUC Venture Lab and the U.S. Embassy Cairo. Nominating partners comprised Mint Incubator, Den Venture and Flat6Labs.
The SelectUSA Tech Pitch Competition underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting innovative, technology-driven start-ups worldwide seeking to expand into the U.S. market. It also highlights America’s global leadership in advanced technologies and entrepreneurship. Egyptian participants in previous editions have secured U.S. recognition and successfully expanded their operations through the programme.
SelectUSA Tech operates under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA programme, offering international start-ups direct access to American investors, market-entry guidance and high-impact networking opportunities. While winning the local pitch competition is not a prerequisite for participation in the summit, entrepreneurs must register and fund their own travel.
To qualify, start-ups must be founded outside the United States, develop an innovative technology product or service, and demonstrate plans for near-term entry or expansion in the U.S. market. Eligible companies must also be less than 10 years old, employ fewer than 40 staff and generate under $10m in annual revenue.
