The SelectUSA Tech initiative, a segment of the broader SelectUSA programme by the U.S. Department of Commerce, aims to assist international startups in breaking into the U.S. market. Since its inception, SelectUSA has been instrumental in creating over 200,000 jobs across America by attracting foreign investments. This year, the programme spotlighted Egyptian entrepreneurs, giving them a chance to present their innovations to a large audience in the United States.
The programme will sponsor the winning Egyptian startup to participate in the SelectUSA Tech competition and the National Harbour Summit in Maryland, scheduled for May 11-14. “This initiative provides Egyptian startups with a platform to test and scale their products in the expansive U.S. market,” Pozil explained. “Our goal is to support their growth not only in the U.S. but also back home in Egypt and further afield.”
Ruben Harutunian, Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, emphasized the programme’s role in broadening the horizons of Egyptian startups beyond local confines. “We want to champion the best and brightest, with particular attention to inspiring women leaders and students,” Harutunian stated. Such initiatives align with the U.S. government’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth.
According to a report by the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Egyptian tech sector has been growing at an impressive rate of 17% annually. This growth is supported by a strong pool of young talent and increasing investment in technology infrastructure. The SelectUSA Tech initiative represents a timely opportunity for Egyptian startups to leverage this growth, gain exposure, and secure partnerships in the U.S. market.
Dr. Hanan Abdel Rahman, a tech industry analyst in Cairo, commented, “The SelectUSA Tech programme is a significant opportunity for Egyptian startups to gain credibility and access resources in the U.S. It’s a win-win situation that can drive innovation and economic progress in both countries.”
With the U.S. market as a launching pad, Egyptian startups have the potential to not only expand their operations but also bring back valuable insights and practices that could further stimulate the local tech ecosystem. The collaboration heralds a future of enhanced economic ties and shared technological advancements between Egypt and the United States, setting a precedent for future international partnerships.
