The Founders’ Milestone Event brought together 40 stakeholders from across Lebanon’s waste valorization ecosystem to celebrate one year of building – and to launch the next chapter. 

On Tuesday, 9 June 2026, QEEMA – Lebanon’s Waste Valorization Cluster – held its Founders’ Milestone Event at Berytech, Mar Roukoz, bringing together 40 participants including founding members, representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, international organizations including UNIDO and UN Global Compact Network Lebanon, fellow cluster builders, and sector stakeholders. 

The evening marked the culmination of QEEMA’s first year of establishment – a year defined bystakeholder engagement, strategy co-creation, field visits,  international exposure, and the building of Lebanon’s first structured platform for the waste valorization sector. 

 “The ecosystem wins. Or no one does. QEEMA exists to build that ecosystem within the waste valorization sector – and tonight, it has the governance to do it” – Ingrid Salloum, Cluster Manager, QEEMA 

A Year Built by Thirteen 

The evening also paid tribute to QEEMA’s 13 founding members – the organizations that said yes from the very beginning, co-created the cluster’s strategy, and whose commitment over the past year made this milestone possible. From field visits to international exhibitions, from strategy workshops to nucleus meetings held across their own company locations, the founding members have been the backbone of everything QEEMA has built to date. 

Their collective decision to build together rather than alone is what distinguishes QEEMA and sets the foundation for what comes next. 

Announcement of QEEMA’s Founding Board 

The highlight of the evening was the official announcement of QEEMA’s founding board – a milestone that marks the transition from a cluster in  developmentto a cluster with formal governance. The seven founding board members, drawn from QEEMA’s founding membership, bring diverse expertise across the waste valorization value chain: 

• Chahid Chamoun — Arcenciel 
• Lara El Khoury — Berytech 
• Ziad Abichaker — Cedar Environmental 
• Marc Aoun — Compost Baladi 
• Chady Makhlouf — Gemayel Frères 
• Pietro Aoun — Holdal Group 
• Mark Khoury — Phoenix Energy — Indevco Group 

Following the announcement, the founding board members signed QEEMA’s founding charter – officially marking the establishment of the cluster’s governance structure. 

Looking Ahead: Four Priorities for Year Two 

With the founding board in place, QEEMA enters its second year with four strategic priorities: 

• Public Sector Engagement — Deepening collaboration with municipalities and advancing policy dialogue with the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority. 

• Private Sector Activation — Expanding into new sectors including healthcare waste, construction and demolition wasteand agrifood waste, and building the evidence base for waste valorization through surveys and field studies. 

• Official Establishment – Completing QEEMA’s legal registration and finalizing its governance structures. 

• Innovation & Knowledge – Connecting operators, entrepreneurs, and researchers to build a pipeline of solutions for the waste valorization sector. 

An Open Invitation to Join 

QEEMA is now open to new members across Lebanon’s waste valorization ecosystem – from operators and investors to municipalities, researchers, and innovators. As Lebanon’s only waste valorization cluster, QEEMA offers its members access to a structured network, international exposure, capacity building, and a seat at the table in shaping the sector’s future. 

Organizations and individuals interested in joining QEEMA are invited to visit www.qeema.org or reach out directly to the cluster team. 

About QEEMA 

QEEMA – Lebanon’s Waste Valorization Cluster – was established in 2024 with the support of ACT Smart and co-funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It brings together like-minded organizations from across Lebanon’s waste valorization sector to collaborate, innovate, and build a stronger, more competitive ecosystem. QEEMA is hosted by Berytech. 

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As the cohort moves deeper into the incubation phase, Berytech’s Clyntech program delivers a hands-on governance workshop to equip eight early-stage startups with the frameworks they need to grow responsibly and attract investment.

Growing a startup is not just about increasing revenue, it is about building the internal infrastructure that makes growth sustainable. With this in mind, Berytech organized a half-day governance workshop for the eight startups currently enrolled in the Clyntech Incubator Program, bringing in a specialized consultant to guide founders through the organizational and governance challenges that define this critical stage of their journey.

Having already completed the Acceleration phase, where they validated their products and tested their business models with early adopters, the Clyntech cohort is now focused on a new set of priorities: structuring their organizations, defining leadership roles, and becoming investment-ready. The governance workshop was designed precisely to address these needs.

“Good governance is not bureaucracy, it is the architecture that lets a startup scale without losing its soul.”

Workshop themes

Four Pillars, One Foundation

The workshop covered Four interconnected areas that together form the backbone of any investment-ready startup.

On organizational structure, founders explored how to map their team’s current needs against the demands of their growth stage, identifying gaps in skills and roles, establishing clear reporting lines, and understanding the fundamentals of cap table structuring. The session also tackled the often-overlooked but critical topic of co-founder dynamics and how shared decision-making authority should be formalized early.

The culture and leadership segment challenged founders to reflect on the values that define their companies and on their own role in embodying and sustaining those values as their teams grow. Participants worked through accountability frameworks that balance high performance expectations with team wellbeing, a balance that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain without deliberate design.

The internal governance segment provided founders with a practical roadmap: from understanding the different levels of governance appropriate to each startup growth phase, to learning how to establish a board of advisors, run effective board meetings, and manage the relationships between management, shareholders, and other key stakeholders.

What comes next

From Workshop to Action: One-on-One Clinics

The workshop was just the beginning. Each startup in the cohort will benefit from up to two dedicated one-on-one clinic sessions with the consultant, where the concepts introduced during the workshop will be applied directly to each team’s specific governance situation, their structure, their cap table, their leadership dynamics, and their growth plans.

Following the first clinic session, the consultant will assess each startup’s needs and recommend whether a second session is warranted — ensuring that support is targeted, practical, and genuinely useful for each team’s stage and context. The process will be coordinated closely with the Clyntech program team at Berytech.

The ultimate deliverable: a finalized, full governance plan for each of the eight startups — a living document they can use to guide decisions, reassure investors, and build with confidence.

For cleantech startups with disruptive scientific or technological ambitions, getting governance right is not a formality, it is a competitive advantage. Investors look for founders who understand not just their market, but their organization. The Clyntech program’s governance track is built around exactly that conviction.

The Clyntech Incubator Program at Berytech supports early-stage cleantech startups that have completed the Acceleration phase and are ready to develop further. The program equips founders with the tools, networks, and knowledge needed to become investment-ready and create sustainable impact.

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Selected from a competitive pool of eleven applicants, the cohort gathered for a full-day session spanning program design, investment readiness, OKRs, and a warm welcome from Lebanon’s highest offices.

Berytech officially welcomed the eight startups selected for its Clyntech program at a dedicated induction session held at its premises. Chosen from eleven applicants who made it through the competitive screening process, the cohort represents a new wave of Cleantech innovators ready to scale through Berytech’s structured incubation and growth pathway.

The session opened with a comprehensive overview of the program, giving founders a clear picture of what lies ahead: the program’s design, the technical support and resources made available to them, the timeline of key milestones, and the dual objectives of incubation and sustainable growth.

“Eight teams. One shared mission, to drive innovation and create lasting impact through the Clyntech program.”

The MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) team then took the floor to walk founders through the operational side of the program, outlining the procedures they will follow, the requirements expected of them, and the reporting and accountability frameworks that will guide their progress throughout the engagement.

Program sessions

A Day Built for Founders

Beyond onboarding logistics, the induction day featured a series of substantive knowledge sessions designed to equip the cohort with the strategic and financial foundations they’ll need from day one.

Elise Sfeir, Accelerator Manager at Berytech, led a focused session on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) a goal-setting framework the startups will use to define, track, and measure their ambitions throughout the program. Najib Zbeidy, Investment Specialist at Berytech, followed with a session on the broader economic and investment landscape, offering founders critical context on how to position their ventures for funding and long-term viability.

A Welcome from Leadership

The induction day was elevated by the presence of two distinguished guests who underscored the significance of this cohort and the Clyntech program within Lebanon’s broader development agenda.

• Maroun N. Chammas, Chairman and CEO of Berytech, joined the session to personally welcome the eight startups; expressing confidence in their potential and reaffirming Berytech’s commitment to fostering homegrown innovation.
• Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Technology & Artificial Intelligence, also attended, signaling the government’s recognition of Clean-tech as a strategic pillar for Lebanon’s economic resilience and technological advancement.

Their presence sent a clear message to the cohort: the work ahead carries weight beyond the individual startup, it is part of a national effort to rebuild, innovate, and grow.

The Clyntech program at Berytech supports early-stage and growth-stage startups in their sector. The current cohort will undergo a structured journey of incubation, mentorship, technical assistance, and investment readiness over the coming months.

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A Pioneer That Kept Delivering 

Berytech holds a singular place in the history of the South Mediterranean innovation landscape. Being among the first incubators in the area, it created investment funds, business centers, and clusters that have helped generations of entrepreneurs, setting the benchmark for what an entrepreneurship ecosystem may look like. Even in the face of an unprecedented confluence of political instability and economic collapse, this pioneering spirit has never wavered. 
What sets Berytech apart is not only what was developed during stable times but also what was maintained throughout difficult times.  The organization’s personnel continued to work, support partners, and produce results that affected stakeholders throughout the Mediterranean during the recent circumstances. ANIMA explicitly praised this tenacity when giving the award, expressing how greatly delighted they were that Berytech’s operations continued to benefit project partners from nations throughout the region, even in the face of the most trying circumstances. 

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

More than ten years of cooperation between Berytech and ANIMA, a partnership based on mutual trust, similar values, and a shared vision for the Mediterranean, are at the core of this honor. They have collaborated on projects aimed at bolstering networks of innovation, connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities, and bridging the gaps that frequently impede regional advancement. Real impact comes from connections between individuals, between industries, and beyond borders, as Mr. Chammas pointed out in his award speech. This idea has guided every phase of the cooperation. 

Looking Forward 

Receiving this award twice in a row is a testament to an organization’s perseverance and ability to maintain excellence. Berytech is well-positioned to continue spearheading innovation and ecosystem development throughout the Mediterranean thanks to its proven track record of resilience and strong regional collaborations. The prize is a directive to keep creating, fostering relationships, and making contributions to a region that needs precisely this kind of sustained dedication rather than a conclusion.  

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The program, co-funded by the Kingdom of The Netherlands, supports Cleantech innovation in Lebanon by empowering startups to move from prototype or MVP to market-ready solutions that can scale. 

Inside Selection Day 

Selection Day is where the acceleration journey becomes real: teams must prove how far they have pushed their product, how well they understand their market, and how committed they are to execution. Each startup had three minutes to pitch, followed by up to twelve minutes of questions from the jury, who challenged their assumptions; stress‑tested their numbers, and dug into their growth plans. 

 Clyntech assembled a jury that blends program, financial, and technical perspectives who evaluated each venture based on: product or MVP readiness and innovation, growth potential,  and scalability,  This format ensured that founders were not only rewarded for a compelling pitch, but also for the depth of their thinking and their ability to respond in real time. 

The jury members: 

• Lara El Khoury: Programs Director at Berytech 
• Rami Sbeih: Chief Executive Officer of Plastic Lab  
• Christophe El Khoury: CTO and Tech Advisor 
• Samar Hawa: Senior advisor at Berytech Fund II 
• Slayman Fawaz: Program Manager at Berytech 

Founders also prepared small, branded thank‑you gifts, turning the afternoon into a memorable moment that reflected each startup’s story and identity and reinforced the sense of community around Clyntech. 

From Acceleration to the Stage 

The eleven startups that reached Selection Day had already gone through Clyntech’s acceleration phase, where they refined their Minimum Viable Products, validated their markets, and built concrete go‑to‑market strategies. Through one‑on‑one coaching, technical clinics, and practical workshops on finance, customer acquisition, and pitching, they turned early concepts into testable and increasingly investable business models. 

Throughout this journey, teams were encouraged to iterate quickly: integrate feedback from mentors and experts, sharpen their value propositions, and back their claims with data from pilots, early users, or letters of intent. By the time they stepped onto the stage, every team had a clearer view of the problem they are solving, the people they are serving, and the path they see toward scale. 

Meet the Eight Startups Moving into Incubation & Growth 

Eight startups stood out for their combination of innovation, traction, and potential to scale impactful cleantech solutions. They now move into Clyntech’s four‑month Incubation & Growth Phase, where they will focus on growth, traction, and investment readiness, with access to a matching grant of up to 17,000 USD, an international trip, and rich networking opportunities. 

• Argentum: Transforms toxic X‑ray films and other silver‑containing waste into high‑purity recovered silver using an innovative process, creating a new sustainable source of valuable metal. The team achieved certification for 100% pure recovered silver, and started production, closing their first sale in April 2026. 
• AirGuard One: Developing an AI-powered self-healing network infrastructure hardware and software system that detects interference and automatically optimizes networks in real time. They signed agreements with 5 major Internet Service Providers in Lebanon (30,000+ users) to deploy AirGuard across 10% of their network stations over the next 2 years 
• GoPark: A smart parking platform described as the “Airbnb of parking,” helping drivers pre‑book parking spaces while enabling property owners to monetize underused private spots. With 4,000 app downloads and 500 completed bookings, GoPark is already reducing time wasted searching for parking and the associated congestion and emissions in busy areas. 
• My Smart Wardrobe: A premium, tech‑enabled after‑care platform that restores, repairs, and extends the life of fashion items to make circular luxury seamless and accessible. The startup has already processed more than 2,500 items, serving over 1,200 customers with 1,300+ orders, proving that repair can be both convenient and aspirational. 
• Play Explore Learn (PEL Toys): Creates eco-friendly wooden playhouses for young children, using safe and sustainable materials. Their designs replace toys with durable, all-in-one play spaces made from sustainable wood. These screen-free environments encourage creativity and hands-on learning, while being safe, long-lasting, 
• Savvy Element: Develops high‑performance cleaning products using green chemistry and introduces concentrated and water‑reduced formats, such as tablets, to reduce packaging waste and transport inefficiencies. By combining performance, safer formulations, and refill‑friendly formats, Savvy Element is redefining everyday cleaning in a region where most products are still largely water shipped in plastic. 
• Transbollard: Repurposes waste rubber into modular products that transform underused spaces without relying on new materials. The team is moving toward its first pilot project in a private outdoor space, aiming to validate how their sustainable modules can make existing environments more functional, flexible, and durable. 
• Up For Grabs: A mobile app that helps food businesses sell surplus food as discounted “mystery bags” for pickup, turning daily waste into affordable meals. With MVP builds ready on Android and iOS and more than 20 active pilot testers, the startup is positioning itself as a practical tool for both cost‑conscious consumers and food outlets trying to reduce waste. 

What the Incubation & Growth Phase Offers 

Over the next four months, the eight selected startups will work through a focused Incubation & Growth Phase designed to help them grow faster, solidify traction, and get ready for investment. They will benefit from advanced one‑on‑one coaching, targeted workshops, and tailored support to refine their business models, strengthen their financial projections, work on their valuation, and professionalize their operations. 

Each startup will also have access to a matching grant of up to 17,000 USD, enabling them to invest in critical growth activities such as product development, user testing, team hiring, or go‑to‑market experiments. In addition, the program includes an international trip that will expose founders to new markets, networks, and best practices, as well as multiple networking opportunities with investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners. 

About Clyntech, and What’s Next 

Clyntech Accelerator is a Berytech program dedicated to supporting cleantech innovators in Lebanon who are tackling challenges in energy, water, waste management, sustainable materials, and urban mobility. Through a structured journey that combines acceleration and incubation, Clyntech offers tailored business and technical support, access to expert networks, and funding opportunities to help startups validate, grow, and scale their solutions. 

If you are building a cleantech startup and want to explore whether Clyntech is the right fit, start by taking our quick eligibility quiz Startup Readiness and submitting your application via F6S Apply to Clyntech Batch 5 | F6S before May 17, 2026. To stay updated on upcoming calls and activities, follow Berytech on our social media channels and keep an eye on our website for the latest news and opportunities. 

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Beyond the Program 

For the clusters gathered here, representing Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, this was the culmination of four years of work under the EuroMed Clusters Forward (ECF) program, an EU-funded initiative coordinated by ANIMA Investment Network, with Berytech as the implementing partner in Lebanon. More than fifteen cluster managers and board members, spanning sectors from agrifood and ICT to healthcare and green industries, did not arrive in Athens to receive guidance. They arrived to become leaders. 

This three-day intensive was created by Berytech as a flagship hybrid initiative that combines a masterclass, peer interaction, and strategic retreat. Greece was no random host; Athens, located in the center of the Mediterranean, provided location and resonance as a suitable setting for a program about creating networks across a shared sea. 

The Value Question 

On the first day, participants were required to examine their clusters under the eyes of their peers rather than through internal audits. The seminar encouraged cluster managers to break down what they truly give and to whom by framing it around the idea of Different Actors, Different Value. A crucial realization kept coming up: the most prosperous clusters possess a “wow factor,” a special, vital additional value. At their core, clusters act as connectors. Their role is now defined: to create meaningful linkages, unlock opportunities, and ensure that the right actors meet at the right time to generate innovation and growth. 

Mapping the Collaboration Journey 

One key concept explored was the cooperation journey, from shared goals and communication to cooperation and true collaboration. Participants highlighted that collaboration must be intentional, with clusters clearly defining stakeholder value and measuring impact to strengthen their work. The discussion showed how clusters can evolve from networks into ecosystems that co-create value and drive long-term regional impact.  

During their presence in Athens, participants took part in site visits across the city, gaining direct exposure to local innovation actors and entrepreneurial support structures. The visits offered an opportunity to observe how collaboration models are applied in practice and how ecosystem stakeholders work together to support innovation and business growth. 

Looking Ahead 

The discussions had become more focused and forward-looking by the third day. Workshop 3 transformed the group’s combined knowledge into a tangible Cluster Development Pathway for every team, based on the unique context of each cluster, enhanced by peer exchange, and shaped by global best practices. After three days of candid, high-stakes discussion, participants departed Athens not only with ideas but also with a peer network. The Academy’s primary goal was to create ties that would endure beyond the program itself; these connections were deliberate. 

A Handoff, not a Farewell 

After four years of fostering partnerships around the South Mediterranean, the EuroMed Clusters Forward project is about to begin its last phase. With this in mind, the Cluster Development Executive Academy was created as a handoff. It is anticipated that the clusters that went through Athens will return the favor by teaching the following generation, assisting clusters that are still forming inside their respective nations, and helping to create a robust South Mediterranean Cluster Network that will outlive any one initiative. They arrived in Athens after four years of hard work and education and left with stronger connections and shared experiences.

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Day 1

Welcome and Market Entry Foundations

Welcome by StartLife

The startups were welcomed by the StartLife team, who introduced them to the Wageningen agrifoodtech ecosystem and the accelerator’s role in supporting early-stage innovation. StartLife highlighted how its zero-equity programs connect founders with research partners, mentors, corporates, and investors, setting the tone for the week ahead and giving participants a clear view of how the Dutch ecosystem accelerates agritech solutions.

How LIOF Can Help You Do Business in Europe

LIOF presented Limburg as a strategic gateway to the European agrifood market, supported by strong links to Belgium and Germany and a dense network of farms, corporates, and research institutions. They explained how their publicly funded networks offer international founders free guidance, curated matchmaking, and access to tools such as Invest in Holland and the Enterprise Europe Network. The team also discussed the criteria they look for in innovative companies entering the region and introduced early-stage funding instruments like the Limburg Early-Phase Funding (LVFF).

Key Insights You Can Take Away

• Entering a new market becomes significantly easier when regional partners actively guide you, connect you, and help you navigate the ecosystem.
• Soft-landing programs help startups validate interest, explore partnerships, and understand regulatory landscapes before committing to relocation.

Founder Spotlight:

Guadalina from Luxeed

Guadalina, co-founder of Luxeed and Agrytech alumna, shared her experience transitioning her robotics startup from Lebanon to the Netherlands. She explained how LIOF facilitated introductions to farmers, engineering partners, labs, investors, and visa support services, helping Luxeed secure subsidies and establish a Dutch entity at the Brightlands campus. Her story illustrated how quickly founders can integrate into a supportive ecosystem and accelerate product development once they land in the Netherlands.

Luxeed Website

IP and Patenting Workshop with EP&C

EP&C delivered a practical session on intellectual property, explaining what qualifies as a patentable invention, how novelty and inventiveness are assessed, and how patents can be used strategically beyond legal protection. The team emphasized the role of IP in strengthening credibility, attracting investors, and shaping long-term company value. They also clarified common misconceptions related to biological processes, substrates, and natural varieties, before moving into one-on-one consultations with each startup.

Key Insights You Can Take Away

• Patents are not just legal tools, they are strategic assets that build trust, support fundraising, and differentiate your innovation in the market.
• Understanding what is patentable helps founders shape their technology from the beginning and avoid costly missteps.

Day 2

Hands-On Coaching and Field Immersion

1:1 Pitch Feedback Sessions

Startups took part in dedicated one-on-one sessions with sector experts to refine their pitches, strengthen their messages, and receive targeted feedback from different professional perspectives. These conversations helped founders sharpen their storytelling and better position their solutions for the Dutch and European markets.

Visit to Ecological Farm De Lingehof

The group visited De Lingehof, an organic and biodynamic farm known for combining sustainable traditions with modern tools. The farmers guided the startups through several of their key practices:

• Precision agriculture, using technology to understand exactly what each plant needs, supporting efficient growth and reducing waste.
• Mixed cultivation and companion planting, growing plant combinations that absorb different nutrients so they complement each other and keep the soil balanced.
• Rest crops like grass-clover, giving the soil time to recover, rebuild nutrients, and strengthen before the next main crop is grown.
• Flowering field margins, planting flowers around fields to attract beneficial insects that naturally protect and support crops.
• Experimenting with new crops, such as quinoa and white lupine, to identify more sustainable and locally suited alternatives.

These practices showed the startups how thoughtful crop planning, soil health, and simple technological tools can work together to create a productive and sustainable farming system.

Key Insights You Can Take Away

• Sustainable farming is built on many small, smart practices that protect the soil and support long-term productivity.
• Technology and tradition can work together; simple tools combined with good planning can significantly improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Day 3

Funding Deep Dive and Community Learning

Workshop:

Dilutive and Non-Dilutive Funding Pathways

Catalyze introduced the startups to how European funding works, beginning with a simple distinction: dilutive funding gives you money in exchange for a share of your company, while non-dilutive funding supports you financially without taking any ownership. The session then explored how founders should think strategically about timing, selecting programs that fit the stage of their technology, identifying when to bring partners into a project, and understanding how innovation, impact, and clear storytelling influence application strength. Catalyze also discussed how competitive these programs have become and why staying aligned with European priorities, such as sustainability and food system resilience, can open important doors.

Key Insights You Can Take Away

• Non-dilutive funding lets you advance your technology without giving up equity.
• European grants are structured around clear R&D progression; each program targets a specific maturity level.
• Strong partnerships with universities, labs, and corporate collaborators make applications far more competitive.
• A compelling innovation story and measurable impact are essential for standing out.

Community Workshop:

How Startups Can Work With AI

This session introduced practical ways early-stage teams can use AI to speed up research, improve workflows, and test ideas quickly without heavy resources. Startups were encouraged to treat AI as a support tool, helping them prototype faster, analyze information more efficiently, and make better decisions with limited time and budgets. The workshop was part of a broader community session open to the entire StartLife ecosystem and concluded with a networking hour over drinks and bites.

Day 4

Exploring Innovation Ecosystems in the Netherlands

Visiting HortiScience Innovation Center

The group visited key research spaces at the HortiScience Innovation Center, including vertical farming facilities and advanced greenhouse environments used to study how plants respond to different lighting and climate conditions. The team also explored labs focused on LED lighting and light spectrum research, where small shifts in light quality are tested to improve growth, flavor, and resilience.
These visits gave the startups a clear look at how technology, plant science, and environmental control come together to shape the next generation of horticulture.

Key Insights You Can Take Away

• Light and climate control are powerful tools for improving plant performance and sustainability.
• Vertical farming and advanced greenhouse systems show how food production is adapting to future environmental and resource challenges.
• Engaging with these research environments highlights where collaboration could accelerate learning or validation beyond what is available locally.

Visit:

Unknown University of Applied Sciences

Participants then explored Unknown University, a university built specifically for founders, where learning happens through building real ventures from day one. As part of the wider Unknown Group, which includes initiatives like Get in the Ring and the Titaan impact hub, the university immerses entrepreneurs in a hands-on, challenge-driven environment supported by a global network.
As part of the visit, the group also stopped by KiCo, a sustainable and inclusive co-working kitchen located within the Unknown Campus. Founded by two brothers, KiCo supports the next generation of food innovators by offering shared production space, community support, and practical guidance. The stop demonstrated how multiple entrepreneurial concepts coexist under one roof, creating opportunities for collaboration and cross-sector inspiration.

Day 5

Pitch Day and Closing Moments

Agrytech Startup Pitches at StartLife

The immersion program concluded with Pitch Day, where the five Agrytech startups delivered their refined pitches to members of the StartLife ecosystem and a group of Lebanese-Dutch entrepreneurs who joined to listen, challenge, and encourage them. This session marked the culmination of five days of workshops, expert conversations, and hands-on refinement, giving each team the opportunity to showcase how their ideas had evolved throughout the week.These visits gave the startups a clear look at how technology, plant science, and environmental control come together to shape the next generation of horticulture.

To end the experience on a lighter note, the group enjoyed a friendly game of football, ending the trip with shared energy, connection, and a sense of momentum for the next chapter.

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For many startups, intellectual property (IP) protection feels like a faraway step, something to worry about after growth or investment. But as Fouad El Saddi explains, protecting your innovation starts much earlier than most founders think.

“IP protection begins the moment research and development begin,” El Saddi says. “At that stage, what matters most is keeping your ideas confidential until they’re ready for protection.” He breaks down IP protection into stages that evolve with your business.

1. Early Stage: Confidentiality First

Before anything else, protect your ideas from leaking. “Founders should start with NDAs and confidentiality agreements, with each other, employees, freelancers, and suppliers,” El Saddi advises. Avoid public disclosures in events, competitions, or on social media. Once something is made public, you lose the right to protect it, it becomes part of the public domain.

2. Pre-Launch: Patents and Trade Secrets

If your solution involves a technical innovation, a new formula, or an inventive process, you may be eligible for a patent. “File a patent before seeking investment or launching commercially,” El Saddi stresses. “It gives your startup more value and credibility.” For sectors like agrifood, where the innovation may lie in a recipe or production method, secrecy is often the smarter route. Keep such knowledge as a trade secret, safeguarded through strong NDAs and internal confidentiality processes.

3. Company Registration: Securing Your Brand Identity

Once your entity is legally established, protect your name.

“A trademark covers your brand identity, the name, logo, or product line,” El Saddi explains. “You should check its availability before printing packaging or going to market.”
Trademark registration typically happens at or just before commercial launch, ensuring your brand cannot be used or copied by others.

4. Growth Stage: Design and Presentation

As your product evolves, industrial design protection may apply. This covers the look and feel of a product, the shape of a bottle, the form of a package, or an ornamental design that distinguishes it. “Industrial design protection applies to how your product looks, not how it works,” El Saddi notes.

5. Scaling and Expansion: Creative and Digital Assets

Finally, your content, manuals, visuals, and software are protected under copyright. “Everything you create as a human, text, graphics, software, user manuals, is automatically protected by copyright,” El Saddi says. While copyright registration isn’t mandatory, it strengthens your legal position in disputes, especially as your brand starts producing more digital and creative assets.

The Takeaway

IP isn’t one step, it’s a layered process that grows with your startup. Start with confidentiality, move toward patents or trade secrets, then secure your trademark, designs, and creative outputs as your company matures.

As El Saddi puts it, “Every stage has its own protection tools, but the sooner you think about IP, the stronger your business foundation becomes.”

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