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Prof. Yasser Magdy Hatata, President of Fayoum University, witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between Fayoum University and Athar Accelerator, a startup and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) accelerator specializing in supporting entrepreneurship and developing startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Upper Egypt.
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The protocol was signed by Prof. Assem Fouad El-Essawy, Vice President of Fayoum University for Community Service and Environmental Development, representing Fayoum University, and Mr. Shoaib Mohamed Abdel Hakim Mohamed, Chairman of the Board of Directors, representing Athar Accelerator.
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The cooperation protocol aims to promote innovation and empower youth economically and socially, and enhance the capabilities of Fayoum University students and faculty members in the fields of entrepreneurship through training and practical activities, including training, mentorship, hackathons, and boot camps. This includes training a number of university faculty members on entrepreneurship and mentorship curricula, awarding them accredited certificates from the American University in Cairo, organizing a student hackathon competition with the participation of university students, and connecting students with real-life challenges presented by the local and international private sector. Prof. Assem Fouad El-Essawy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, also attended a ceremony honoring the participating students and winners of the "Million Ideas Challenge" hackathon, organized by the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Emad Abdel Salam, Media Advisor to the University President and Director of the University Center for Professional Development; Dr. Nisreen Nasr, Director of the Postgraduate Follow-up Unit at Fayoum University; Dr. Eslam Adel, Deputy Director of the University Center for Professional Development; and Mr. Abdel Nasser Bakry, Director General of Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Central Library.
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In his speech, Prof. Assem El-Essawy welcomed the faculty members, guests, and students participating in the hackathon. He added that the university initiated the first entrepreneurship protocol two years ago with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA). This was followed by a series of workshops on entrepreneurship. It was then decided to teach an entrepreneurship course at the university, hold a TOT training program for faculty members to develop a scientific curriculum, provide students with the opportunity to train in laboratories, and hold meetings and training sessions aimed at fostering continuous communication between students and the university, which reflects the public interest of students, the university, and the nation.
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Prof. Emad Abdel Salam indicated that the hackathon initiative provides an opportunity to spread the culture of innovation and transform ideas into projects that serve the community. He announced the winning project, the Banana Medical team's surgical suture manufacturing project. Made from 85% natural materials, the product is sustainable, leaves no trace on the patient, is cheaper, and boasts high efficiency.
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At the conclusion of the ceremony, Prof. Assem Al-Essawy honored the winning teams and the sponsoring company and took commemorative photos with them.
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