Berytech launched the Global Entrepreneurship week (GEW) in Lebanon at Bosa Nova Hotel, Beirut on November 10th by showcasing the impact of its NEX-LABS and CLUSTER4GREEN projects. The event was organized in collaboration with Asher Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACIE). This event was part of the worldwide GEW movement that commemorates entrepreneurship in every country and community around the world, where players in the entrepreneurship ecosystem take part in tens of thousands of activities, competitions, and events that inspire entrepreneurs to act and provide them with the knowledge, experience, and connections they need to succeed. This particular event aimed to highlight the importance of entrepreneurship by showcasing Berytech’s newly concluded projects, NEX-LABS and CLUSTER4GREEN.
During the opening note of the event Berytech’s COO, Ramy BouJawdeh and ACIE Director, Nancy Saliba highlighted GEW’s importance on the global and local entrepreneurship scene.
“GEW is an important week, and it has been something that we have been celebrating in Lebanon for quite some time. This year holds a very special place because we are seeing a new ecosystem being strengthened again as well as the players that are joining it.”
Expressed Ramy BouJawdeh, COO of Berytech
Throughout the event, NEX-LABS’ and CLUSTER4GREEN’s impact on the (WEF) Nexus and circularity sectors were highlighted by recapping the different activities and forms of support offered throughout the project.
Three-Years of Impact on The WEF Nexus Sector
In the past three years, the NEX-LABS project supported 18 entrepreneurial teams from Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Cyprus, and Spain through a 5-day summer school. Berytech, in collaboration with four partners, implemented 21 vouchers to aid innovators in testing and accelerating their WEF Nexus innovations, accessing market opportunities, and creating two spinoffs from research. The initiative also included the organization of 5 circular conferences and 5 entrepreneurs’ corner spaces, fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaborative growth throughout the project.
Renewable Energy & Program Specialist, Youssef Yammine discussed the significance of NEX-LABS and the synergy created between it and the CLUSTER4GREEN program by saying:
“The true magic happens when we view these programs as two pieces of a larger puzzle. Together, they form a holistic approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our programs have not only supported green entrepreneurs in our regions but have also contributed to the improvement towards a more sustainable, resilient future.
Two years of Impact on The Circularity Sector
As a pilot project that gathers seven countries across the Mediterranean region, CLUSTER4GREEN aims to enhance circularity among businesses, the public sector and policy influencers. During the two years of the project, Beryetch was able to train organizations and support 15 entrepreneurs in their circular journey, eight of whom were incubated. During their incubation phase, they developed circular strategies and circular business models.
Programs Manager, Joelle EL Hajjar expressed: “The work we’ve done is about nurturing a sustainable future for the generations to come. Thanks to CLUSTER4GEEN we were able to build a big community of stakeholders working together for a better future.”
Panels and Program Success Stories
In addition to commemorating the programs’ impact, the event included a panel discussion on WEF-NEXUS Solutions: Emphasizing a Holistic Approach in Lebanon and the region, and a fireside chat on Circular Transition: A roadmap to a Greener Tomorrow.
The WEF-NEXUS panel discussion was moderated by Senior Program Officer, Mira Chammas, hosted experts from across the value chain including Mr. Jawad Taher, Water & Development Advisor, Ms. Pamela Saber, Investment Facilitation Manager, and Mr. Saad Maacaron, Business Development Manager, to provide insights on the local dimensions of the Water-Energy-Food NEXUS sector.
On the other hand, the Circular Transition fireside chat was moderated by Nadine Slim, Senior Program Coordinator at Berytech hosting Mr. Mohamad Mourtada, Senior Sustainability Architect who explored the potential of circular solutions in a rapidly evolving world.
The event then concluded with two success stories from CLUSTER4GREEN alumni. The first was Pierre Baaklini, CEO of Lebanon Waste Management, and the second was by Zainab El Massri, representing startup Garbalizer.
