Two more programs
by UK Lebanon Tech Hub

Pilot phase precedes March 2017 launch

Two programs by UK Lebanon Tech Hub are expected to be launched in March 2017. The programs target supporting research and development (R&D), and opening up new markets.

The programs will run with the support of Central Bank (BDL).

Nadim Zaazaa, MENA and US Director of UK Lebanon Tech Hub, said that the first program is an international R&D program which connects multinational research centers with local universities, SMEs, and tech startups.

There are three pilot projects within this program: Agri-tech, biotech, and laser speckle. These are partnered with CERN, Italian college UNISANNIO, and the University College of London.

“We hope to get six other projects by next March,” said Zaazaa, who believes that “the program will spin out the next billion dollars in the region.”

The second program is a national resource center, which is an initiative aimed at connecting local talent with international clients in tech projects that service the global markets. The scope of the program is software development and embedded software and hardware.

Zaazaa said: “It will help local talent gain international experience.” There are four pilot projects in this program.

According to Zaazaa, there are three main pillars for the UK Lebanon Tech Hub: The accelerator, the two programs, and a new academy in the pipeline.

“The goal of establishing an academy is still far away,” he said.

“We want to make Lebanon the number one exporter in the region, by transforming the ecosystem from being a technology importer to an exporter of knowledge, a destination for R&D, and knowledge production in the region,” Zaazaa said.

Last month, UK Tech Hub was recognized by Lebanon Opportunities by winning the ‘Cutting Edge Entrepreneurship Program of the Year’ award.

Reported by Derek Issacs