Egypt eyes AI startup growth at Techne Summit

Egypt is positioning its startup ecosystem to capture opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on helping companies develop scalable products that address real-world challenges, Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) CEO Ahmed Elzaher said at Techne Summit Alexandria 2026.

Speaking at the summit’s opening on behalf of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindy, Elzaher said AI is giving startups access to capabilities once requiring significant resources, while increasing competition. He said startups will need strong customer understanding, specialised data, industry expertise and customer relationships to build lasting competitive advantages.

Elzaher highlighted opportunities for Egyptian startups in healthcare, education, fintech, agriculture and government services, stressing the need to turn AI capabilities into sustainable, scalable products.

He outlined four priorities for startups: skills, resources, real-world applications and scale, highlighting ITIDA programmes and partnerships including StartIT, AWS, Creativa Innovation Hubs, Plug and Play, 500 Global and Venture Ready with GIZ.

He also noted that Egypt’s ICT sector recorded 19.2 per cent growth and said the approach aligns with the National AI Strategy 2025–2030, which targets supporting the creation of 250 AI-based startups by 2030.

ITIDA is also showcasing 10 Egyptian technology startups at its Techne Summit pavilion, covering cybersecurity, edtech, fintech, healthtech, AI, deep tech, business automation and electric mobility.