Athar Climate Action Accelerator Supports Green Entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt

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• September 10, 2024

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Egypt’s Athar Accelerator celebrated the completion of the fifth edition of its Climate Action Accelerator program.

The Demo Day, held in Minya, Upper Egypt, saw the presentation of 10 Upper Egyptian startups who showcased their solutions in important sectors such as eco-friendly bio-pesticides, renewable energy, organic fertilizers and sustainable furniture.

DFC, a startup aiming to develop mobile charging stations for solar-powered electric vehicles, won a prize of $3,000 (150,000 Egyptian pounds).

The programme is funded by the Embassy of Finland in Cairo and Hivos and in cooperation with Creativa Innovation Hubs in Upper Egypt.

Athar Accelerator is an entrepreneurship organization that aims to support entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt.

Press release:

Athar Accelerator is excited to announce the Athar Climate Action Accelerator Democracy Day, held on September 5, 2024 at Surf & Turf, Minya. The event is the culmination of the 5th edition of the Climate Action Acceleration Programme, bringing together some of Egypt’s brightest green entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking solutions in agriculture, clean energy, circular economy, and sustainable development.

Funded by the Embassy of Finland in Cairo and Hivos, and in partnership with Creativa Innovation Hubs in Upper Egypt, the program supports startups focused on solving critical environmental challenges. These innovative companies are poised to contribute to the global fight against climate change while stimulating green job creation and economic growth throughout Egypt and the MENA region.

During the event, 10 innovative startups from Upper Egypt showcased their solutions, addressing key sectors such as organic biopesticides, renewable energy, organic fertilizers, sustainable furniture, and more. These startups are part of a diverse and impact-driven group, each dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to a greener future.

Featured startups include:

Fertical: Fertical, which uses beneficial microorganisms to produce environmentally friendly biopesticides and biofertilizers, has served 40 customers and is committed to furthering sustainable agriculture.

DFC: DFC, a developer of solar-powered mobile EV charging stations, is revolutionizing clean energy solutions, reporting a remarkable 210% revenue growth in two years.

Vermi Valley: By transforming animal and plant waste into nutrient-rich compost, Vermi Valley has generated 600,000 Egyptian pounds in revenue while helping farmers improve soil health and increase crop yields.

Green Manifesto Launch In addition to showcasing the startups, the event included the launch of the Green Manifesto, a statement of principles and commitment to supporting overlooked founders in green sectors in Upper Egypt and other underserved regions. The Manifesto emphasizes the need to empower local entrepreneurs, recognize startup diversity, and build sustainable communities that foster long-term growth and innovation.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s cohort,” said Shoaib Elqady, CEO of Athar Accelerator. “These founders are not only creating solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges, but are also laying the foundation for sustainable economic development in Egypt and the region. Their success is evidence of the growing importance of climate action in the startup ecosystem. We saw a diversity of startups, from high-growth to small and medium-sized enterprises. It is essential that we continue to support these companies while recognizing their differences as they reach new milestones. Not all startups are suited for venture capital funding, but we need to introduce new financing models that can address their unique needs and ensure their long-term growth.”

About the Athar Accelerator

Athar Accelerator is a leading entrepreneurship support organization based in Egypt, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, especially in underserved communities. Focused on supporting innovation in sectors such as climate technology, sustainability and green business, Athar offers tailored mentoring, comprehensive business training and access to a broad network of investors and experts. Through its various programs, including the Climate Action Accelerator, Athar helps early-stage startups overcome challenges, scale their impact and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Egypt and the MENA region.