The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has concluded its program to train young people on how to create and develop small technology and innovation projects in the Republic of Tunisia. Tunisia is one of the 10 countries benefiting from this ambitious program in its second year, which is being implemented by the Science and Technology Sector of the Organization in Tunisia in collaboration with the business incubator “Start-Up GateX.” The three winning teams were announced from among 134 participations at the national level.

The participating teams presented their projects during the forum, which began on Thursday, September 7, 2023, and lasted for two days in the city of Nabeul, Tunisia. They presented their projects before a jury consisting of Dr. Ismaila Diallo, expert in the sector of science and technology at ICESCO, the group of experts of the business incubator “Start-Up GateX”, as well as specialists in the field of entrepreneurship and Startup financing.

After the evaluation, the jury announced the names of the winning teams. The first-place went to the “Cardify” team, which presented a smartwatch project that allows remote, real-time monitoring of vital signs in heart patients. The second-place was awarded to the “Intell’Eau” team, with a project for an intelligent system that tracks water consumption, detects leaks, and monitors water quality. The third-place was secured by the “Golden Medina” team for their project consisting of a platform aimed at promoting cultural heritage.

The ICESCO Youth Training Program on how to create and develop small technology and innovation projects was implemented in 10 Member States of the Organization in its first edition in 2022. In its second annual, it has been launched in six countries so far and will be fully rolled out in ten countries by the end of 2023. This program aligns with ICESCO’s strategy, which aims to support startups in the field of innovation and technology in its Member States.

A special jury will shortlist the top three teams from each Member State to compete in the final phase, to be held at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, in order to present their project ideas to donor institutions and investors, to provide funding for their implementation.