Innovation Support Programme for the Southern Neighborhood

As part of the greater Innovation Support Programme, funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), this project primarily aims to support the public and private sector, as well as financial intermediaries within the designated Southern Neighbourhood countries. At a time where the region is seeking to further its investments in science and techno-parks as a basis for further development but is hindered by limited resources, the project emerges as an ideal opportunity for capacity building.

The main objective of the project is to build the capacity of local incubators and/or techno-parks, as well as resident entrepreneurs, through a series of joint training sessions on relevant business development themes and direct mentoring. As a result, incubators and techno parks will be equipped with the needed tools to provide new support services to more innovative startups and SMEs, as well as boost their investment readiness and employment capacity. 

The broader impact of the project lies in setting up the basis for a regional innovation ecosystem, and stimulating talented and educated people to build careers in their countries of origin as an alternative to human capital flight.