Startup without Borders open EdTech Startup Competition to Middle East

Startup without Borders open EdTech Startup Competition to Middle East

Startups Without Borders has partnered with SPARK to launch the EdTech Startup Competition that is open to refugee, migrant, and local entrepreneurs based in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. Aimed at idea-stage and early-stage startups working in the educational technology (EdTech) sector, the event is supported with contributions from Qatar Fund For Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Tadamon programme from the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development.

The finalists will get the chance to pitch on the global stage at SPARK’s virtual IGNITE 2021 conference, as well as a curated mentorship program with top international experts from the corporate and startup landscape in Europe and the Middle East.

According to Leontine Specker, Regional Programme Director for the Middle East and Turkey at SPARK, “The Edtech Startup Competition aims to find the brightest ideas addressing unique challenges across the Middle East and Turkey.” She added that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic shift in education, with more remote and blended learning options now available that can benefit the most vulnerable in society, such as refugees. The competition will open up opportunities for more technology companies that can fill the new gaps in how education is delivered, absorbed and shared.