The Pyramids and the future of innovation in Egypt

The Pyramids and the future of innovation in Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza, the only wonder of the ancient world to remain standing, is intrinsic to the Egyptian psyche. It is not only a source of pride and revenue thanks to the millions of tourists who flock to the site every year, but a symbol of Egypt's historical ingenuity and innovative capability.

Now, the country's startup ecosystem is looking to reposition this wonder to serve as a backdrop for future innovation, and it began with Pitch by the Pyramids, a multi-stage pitching event that saw 15 startups from across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) hoping to secure investment.

The winner of the people's vote was UAE-based Yanzo, an on-demand personal assistant app that won $60,000 while the judge's choice was Egypt-based human resources and payroll platform Paynas, which won $50,000 from 500 Startups.

The event concluded the seventh RiseUp Summit, whose founder Abdelhameed Sharara announced a three-year partnership with Gemini Enterprises Africa, part of the Orascom Group, to co-develop innovation hubs at the Pyramids Plateau and other Orascom-owned holdings, while the former gains exclusivity for any entrepreneurial events in the area.

"Our aim is to position the Pyramids as a hub to merge history and the future, to connect the culture with innovation