Egypt aspires to tech development, innovation | http://www.thenextsiliconvalley.com

Egypt aspires to tech development, innovation | http://www.thenextsiliconvalley.com

Egypt is jockeying for position in the global innovation business as it aggressively promotes this middle east nation's accomplishments in IT, nanotechnology, and communications technology development.



"Egypt recognizes that a country's capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship is a critical contributor to success in today's competitive global marketplace," said Dr. Tarek El-Sadany, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Egypt for Technology Policies. His comments were made in conjunction with plans for the Information Technology Industry Development Agency of Egypt to host a breakout panel discussion at a symposium focusing on value of technology innovation.


"That's why Egypt has invested heavily in the education and training over the past decade, resulting in a highly technical, multilingual workforce, a modern and safe business environment and cost-competitive services that foster the free flow of business innovation."


Dr. El-Sadany adds, "With the government's backing and support, Egypt will help companies and organizations by providing an environment where innovators and entrepreneurs can thrive. Through multinational collaboration and partnerships, entrepreneurs will focus on building ground-breaking business models and further creating or developing existing capabilities to solve problems. Egypt has so much to offer and, together with our clients, ITIDA is the guiding force for technology innovation, investment and development across Egypt."

Already established as a world leader in global outsourcing and offshoring, Egypt is now focusing its investments and resources towards technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

Technology milestones in Egypt include the Smart Village, a modern business park outside Cairo that spreads over 32 million square feet. Currently home to 120 entities including over 20 multi-national companies and 28,000 professionals, it is expected to host more than 500 companies and more than 100,000 employees by 2014.

Additional projects include Egypt's Nanotechnology Center (EGNC) was launched in 2008 as a partnership among IBM, Cairo University, Nile University, and with support from ITIDA and the Science and Technology Development Fund. The center's research focuses on simulation and modeling software, alternative energy and energy recovery for desalination.