The program targets senior year students enrolled in faculties of engineering, computer science, and information systems in Egyptian universities and institutes. Students are to submit their graduation projects in the fields of information and communications technology (ICT) through 15 February.

ITIDA has also announced increasing the allocated fund for the Graduation Projects Support Program from EGP10,000 EGP 30,000.

Additionally, ITIDA has also raised the funds for ICT companies and academic entities within the framework of the Collaborative Funded Projects Program.

ICT companies applying for preliminary research projects (PRP) will receive an increased fund amounting to EGP 700,000 instead of EGP 250,000, according to ITIDA.

The allocated fund for academic entities applying for preliminary research projects (PRP) has been increased from EGP 250,000 to EGP 350,000, for projects reaching the “proof-of-concept” stage only; however, projects are to receive the full funding amount of EGP 700,000 if the proof-of-concept stage is further employed in developing prototypes and establishing start-up companies.

ITIDA explained that the fund increase aims to improve the capabilities of PRPs to complete the value chain of the research projects to reach the phase of product development and execution.

The initiative was launched in 2006 to boost the Egyptian ICT industry by fostering collaboration between industry and academia to develop innovative products based on research, thus positioning Egyptian ICT companies at the forefront of the ICT market, both locally and globally.