Egyptian startups were in the spotlight at the recent Underdog Tech Award 2024.
The awards celebrate tech entrepreneurs overcoming hurdles such as limited resources, lack of access to funding, and geographical isolation, and saw Mohamed Tarek Mohamed Abdelzaher from Egypt with P-vita startup secure second place ($20,000 Prize).
The startup was chosen for its efforts in recycling palm waste to mitigate carbon footprints.
In addition to the top three winners, special recognition and a $5,000 prize was awarded to Ashraf Bacheet for O7 Therapy (Egypt) for its initiatives addressing mental health challenges.
Meanwhile, first place ($30,000 Prize) was awarded to Elmira Safarova from Chile with Rarus Health startup, which assists families grappling with rare genetic diseases.
Its solutions are aimed at driving forward healthcare accessibility and empowering communities.
Saúl Paniagua-Lapenta from Bolivia, with VAKA startup, won third place ($10,000 Prize) for its platform which bridges the gap between farmers and micro-investors, fostering economic empowerment and agricultural sustainability in Bolivia and beyond.
In addition, special recognition and a $5,000 prize was awarded to Victor Juarez for Tu Consejeria (Guatemala) for its contribution to mental health support, providing essential services to communities in need.
Ekaterina Smirnova, Project Head of the Underdog Tech Award, commented: “The Underdog Tech Award serves as a beacon of encouragement and validation for innovators navigating uncharted territories. By spotlighting their achievements, we hope to inspire a new wave of entrepreneurship and foster a more inclusive tech ecosystem.”