• Egypt-based Athar Accelerator has celebrated the graduation of the fifth cohort of its Climate Action Accelerator Programme.
• The demo day, which was held in Minya, Upper Egypt, has witnessed 10 startups from Upper Egypt presenting their solutions, addressing vital sectors such as eco-friendly biopesticides, renewable energy, organic fertilisers and sustainable furniture.
• DFC, a startup that aims to develop solar-powered mobile charging stations for EVs, has won a prize of $3,000 (EGP150,000).
• The programme is funded by the Embassy of Finland in Cairo and Hivos and in partnership with Creativa Innovation Hubs in Upper Egypt.
• Athar Accelerator is an entrepreneurship organisation dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in Upper Egypt.

Press release:

Athar Accelerator is thrilled to announce the Athar Climate Action Accelerator Demo Day, which took place on September 5, 2024, at Surf & Turf, Minya. This event marks the culmination of the 5th cohort of the Climate Action Acceleration Programme, bringing together some of Egypt’s brightest green entrepreneurs to present their groundbreaking solutions in agriculture, clean energy, circular economy, and sustainability.

Funded by the Embassy of Finland in Cairo and Hivos, and in partnership with Creativa Innovation Hubs in Upper Egypt, this programme supports startups focused on addressing 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 across Egypt and the MENA region.

During the event, 10 innovative startups from Upper Egypt have presented their solutions, addressing vital sectors such as eco-friendly biopesticides, renewable energy, organic fertilisers, sustainable furniture, and more. These startups are part of a diverse and impact-driven cohort, each dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to a greener future.

Featured startups include:

Fertical: Utilising beneficial microbes to produce eco-friendly biopesticides and biofertilizers, Fertical has served 40 clients and aims to further advance sustainable agriculture.

DFC: Developing solar-powered mobile charging stations for electric vehicles, DFC is revolutionising clean energy solutions, with a remarkable 210% revenue growth over two years.

Vermi Valley: Turning livestock and plant waste into nutrient-rich compost, Vermi Valley has generated EGP 600K in revenue while helping farmers improve soil health and crop yields.

Launch of the Green Manifesto In addition to the startup pitches, the event has featured the launch of the Green Manifesto, a declaration of principles and dedication to supporting overlooked founders in green sectors across Upper Egypt and other underserved regions​. The manifesto emphasises the need to empower local entrepreneurs, recognise the diversity of startups, 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 groundwork for sustainable economic development in Egypt and the wider region. Their success is a testament to the growing importance of climate action in the startup ecosystem. We've seen a diversity of startups, ranging from those with high growth potential to small and medium enterprises. It is essential to continue supporting these businesses while recognising their differences as they reach their next milestones. Not all startups are suitable for venture capital funding, but we need to introduce new funding models that can cater to their unique needs, ensuring they thrive long-term.”

About Athar Accelerator

Athar Accelerator is a leading entrepreneurship support organisation based in Egypt, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities. Focused on fostering innovation in sectors like climate tech, sustainability, and green business, Athar offers tailored mentorship, 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 navigate challenges, scale their impact, and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Egypt and the MENA region.