Beirut, Lebanon — Lebanon’s drive for innovation was highlighted at the virtual awards ceremony for the First Track of the LIRA 17 Program, an initiative advancing R&D and bridging research with real-world solutions in Lebanon. Funded by the European Union, and in partnership with IRALEB, ANIMA, Leitat, IRI, and led by Berytech, Lebanon Innovate is transforming local research into market-ready innovations within ICT, healthcare, and agrifood. This support framework enables young professionals to commercialize their ideas, build networks, and foster IP protection, strengthening Lebanon’s role in the regional innovation ecosystem.
Eng. Ziad Shammas, Member of the Board of Trustees and Head of the Executive Board at IRALEB, opened the event by emphasizing how LIRA, even amid Lebanon’s challenging circumstances, provides invaluable resources and networks to young Lebanese innovators. Since 2016, the LIRA Forum has been highlighting new production lines and technical firms, increasing the trust of Lebanese industrialists in local engineering and science graduates while building confidence in the Lebanese industry’s potential.
Building on this strong foundation, and the result of close collaboration between Berytech and IRALEB, the LIRA Program has undergone a strategic refinement to address long-standing challenges and better align academic research with industry need. This partnership focuses on integrating best practices, global trends, and local challenges to improve the program’s impact on Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem.
This year, the program conducted roadshows and engaged institutions across Lebanon, resulting in 68 project applications. From these, 25 teams progressed to a rigorous three-day bootcamp and subsequent jury evaluation, which selected 12 projects to enter an acceleration phase led by Berytech. Of these twelve, six final projects were chosen for incubation support.
Winning Startups Transforming Science and Healthcare
Selected from a highly competitive pool, the winning startups pitched their innovative projects to an IRALEB jury, evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and potential impact. Each of the six startups received up to €10,000 and a six-month incubation award through Berytech. These innovative projects include a 3D vascular tissue model for improved drug testing, an ECOG device for epilepsy monitoring, and a sensor for early heart failure detection. Additional winners feature an AI-driven surface finishing device for sensors, a cost-effective bionic ankle, and robotic dental devices, each demonstrating Lebanon’s rising talent in science and healthcare.
The Incubation support offered by Berytech, will assist them in developing sustainable business plans, connecting with financing networks, and accessing the technical resources essential for market entry.
The Dual Impact of LIRA 17
This year’s LIRA program also features a second track, independently funded by IRALEB, that connects academic research with industry needs. Five additional projects in this track work directly with local companies, creating solutions that benefit Lebanon’s society and economy.
Eng. Ziad Shammas concluded the event by commending the winning teams’ creativity and resilience, adding, “The LIRA 17 Program exemplifies the commitment of Lebanon’s young innovators to drive positive change.” He congratulated the winners and highlighted IRALEB’s ongoing commitment to supporting Lebanon’s next generation of talent.
