The Athar Accelerator, based in Egypt, has recently celebrated the successful completion of its fifth Climate Action Accelerator Programme, with the startup DFC emerging as the winner. DFC, which focuses on creating solar-powered mobile charging stations for electric vehicles, was awarded a prize of EGP150,000 (US$3,000).
The accelerator programme, which is funded by the Embassy of Finland in Cairo and Hivos, and operates in partnership with Creativa Innovation Hubs in Upper Egypt, is dedicated to nurturing startups that are developing solutions to pressing environmental issues.
The programme’s latest edition concluded with a demo day event in Minya, Upper Egypt, where 10 innovative startups from the region showcased their projects. These ventures spanned a range of environmental sectors, including the development of eco-friendly biopesticides, renewable energy, organic fertilisers, and sustainable furniture.
DFC stood out with its initiative to develop solar-powered mobile charging solutions for electric vehicles, securing the top prize. Other notable participants included Fertical, which leverages beneficial microbes to create eco-friendly biopesticides and biofertilisers, and Vermi Valley, which transforms livestock and plant waste into high-quality compost.
The demo day also marked the introduction of the Green Manifesto, a statement of commitment to support the often-overlooked founders in the green sector within Upper Egypt and other regions that typically receive less attention. The manifesto underscores the importance of empowering local entrepreneurs, acknowledging the diversity of startups, and cultivating sustainable communities that encourage enduring growth and innovation.
Shoaib Elqady, CEO of Athar Accelerator, praised the founders for their contributions to addressing environmental challenges and for fostering sustainable economic development in Egypt and beyond. He recognized the significance of climate action within the startup community and the potential for these entrepreneurs to drive positive change.
Elqady also noted the variety of startups participating in the programme, from those with significant growth potential to small and medium-sized enterprises. He stressed the necessity of continued support for these businesses, acknowledging their unique needs and the importance of developing new funding models to accommodate them. This approach aims to ensure that these startups can thrive in the long term, regardless of their suitability for traditional venture capital funding.
