A total of 12 start-ups pitched their ideas at the event to present their innovative solutions in the fields of energy-saving, pollution prevention, waste recycling, and green product designs. The pitched solutions included: VEA Upcycled Rubber Handbags, Garbaliser, Vamos Todos, Bsalim Organics, Cultiva, Green Marks, A+, BRIO, Native Nurseries, SmartLand and TERRE Liban.

The start-ups pitched their solutions after being enrolled in the coaching phase of the program, where they had the chance to validate their solutions, build capacity to secure investment, and successfully take their innovative product or service to market. The jury chose four finalists to join the incubation phase and receive additional support under the GIMED project. The winners are:

• Grade A+: a start-up that produces insulation for construction from sheep wool and blankets to replace products used in the market.
• VEA: a start-up that produces upcycled rubber handbags reusing tons of rubber tubes from tires that are disposed of as waste. This material is not degradable and would be energy-intensive to recycle.
• Mortben: a zero-plastic Lebanese brand specializing in plant-based ready-to-eat meals packed in glass jars that redefines healthy eating in the most sustainable way possible.
• Native Nurseries: an initiative that plants Lebanese native trees for the reforestation efforts and the landscape sector.

The selected four winning solutions will receive tailored business support, a grant of 7,500€ each, and access to international and regional B2B meetings and trade deals, in addition to a diversified network of green partners, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals. The pitching event was organized by Berytech for the 12 green start-ups who were part of the coaching phase of the GIMED Support Program for Green Startups.

The Jury Members

The jury included Nancy Saliba – Director of Asher Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship – ACIE, John Rbeiz – Environmental Sustainability Consultant, Rana Boji – Investment Specialist at Berytech.

The Jury members evaluated the teams to select the 4 most promising ventures who will move to the next phase and that focused on circular economy solutions and green businesses that solve environmental and social challenges and offer products, services, or technologies leading to environmental improvements and sustainability such as energy-saving, pollution-prevention, waste recycling and green product designs.

“The GIMED program in Lebanon will collaborate with investors, public administrations, and business support organizations to offer these green entrepreneurs increased investment, B2B opportunities, and better support to protect Intellectual Property Rights”, confirmed Elise Sfeir, Senior Programs Coordinator at Berytech.