Prof. Tamer Samir, the President of Benha National University, announced the launch of the "Innovation Week," organized by the university for the first time during the first half of August 2025. This initiative aims to support the state's efforts to enhance creativity and entrepreneurship within private universities and to maximize the university's role as a driver of innovative ideas and solutions.
Prof. Tamer Samir emphasized that the launch of this initiative aligns with the university's commitment to providing a modern educational environment that encourages students to think critically and develop practical solutions to societal challenges, in line with the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research 2030.
Prof. Mahmoud Shakl, the university's Vice President for Employment, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, explained that "Innovation Week" is a comprehensive initiative aimed at engaging university students in practical activities that include innovative challenges, design thinking, and solution presentation, along with networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs. He added that the events coincide with the implementation of the "Be Ready" initiative launched by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research as part of the presidential initiatives "Alliance and Development," which aims to equip students with future skills. Approximately 300 students from various university faculties have registered for the initiative.
Prof. Mahmoud Shakl also clarified that the university aims, through "Innovation Week," to connect outstanding students with incubation and acceleration stages, in collaboration with organizations supporting startups, in preparation for launching a university business incubator that nurtures viable ideas and transforms them into startups.
The week's events will include three main themes:
- The "Innovate in 72 Hours" Challenge: This involves forming multidisciplinary student teams to solve real challenges over three days using design thinking methodologies.
- The "My First Innovation" Competition: This offers students from various study teams the opportunity to present their first innovative project idea, without requiring prior experience or a prototype.
- The "Success Stories of Innovators" Seminar: The university will host a number of young entrepreneurs to share their successful experiences and inspire students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
It is noteworthy that symbolic prizes will be awarded to the winning teams, along with certificates accredited by the university, and their projects will be presented to a judging panel comprising experts and faculty members. The week's events will conclude with a ceremony to honor and announce the winning teams.
Important Note: Participation in "Innovation Week" events is available to all students of Benha National University only, through registration via the following electronic form: https://forms.gle/uFTHqhmHwJFgyDuP9.
The registration deadline is July 31, 2025.