The L.I.R.A Annual Fund and Forum have long supported Lebanon’s academic and industrial research community. Since its inception in 2016, the Fund for Innovative Youth Industrial Research Applied Projects has enabled academics to pursue industrially backed projects. The Annual Forum, held since 1997, has consistently recognized and rewarded excellence in applied research through rigorous scientific evaluation.
Funded by the European Union and a key part of the Lebanon Innovate program, the new LIRA Program, integrates new best practices, global trends, to enhance opportunities for researchers and innovators and the program’s impact on Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem.
Program Milestones
IRALeb led roadshows at over five universities and engaged with all Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and research institutions in Lebanon to promote the LIRA Program, resulting in 68 projects applications.
Out of these, 25 projects were selected to participate in a three-day bootcamp in April, led by Transformeus experts. This bootcamp was designed to help participants refine their ideas and showcase their potential to evolve into viable MVPs (Minimum Viable Products). The sessions focused on project goals, market research techniques, competitor analysis, customer personas, product development, market validation, and financial modeling.
Following the bootcamp, the 25 startups pitched their ideas in front of a jury. From the 25, 12 were selected to progress to the acceleration phase, where they received intensive training on market research, product analysis and development, revenue model & Financial modeling, and pitching, guided by TRIrise experts. As the acceleration phase concluded in August, the 12 projects are now preparing to pitch their innovations during September.
Six teams will be chosen for incubation, with a total of €10,000 in grants and additional guidance to help refine and scale their innovations.
Spotlight on Innovative Projects
The final pitches will spotlight a range of innovative projects currently under development. These include a 3D model aimed at improving drug testing processes, eco-friendly devices for epilepsy treatment, and a smart biosensor for detecting heart failure in the healthcare sector. In the agrifood industry, a project is offering healthy, specialty baked goods for diverse diets, while in ICT, a startup is developing sustainable solutions for modern agriculture. These ventures highlight the LIRA Program’s commitment to driving innovation and development in Lebanon’s key industries.
Stay tuned for more updates and to meet the finalists of the LIRA Program!
What’s Next?
If you’re a researcher or innovator interested in participating in the LIRA Competition, stay tuned! The next edition and call for applications will be launched in January 2025. Keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for updates and announcements on how you can apply and showcase your innovative ideas. This could be your chance to shine and take your project to the next level!
