Silicon Waha for Technological Areas Investment and Management today launched the sixth edition of “Waha Connect” at Borg El Arab New City Technology Park, bringing together a distinguished group of leaders from the ICT sector, government representatives, universities and academic institutions, industry executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, as well as talented young professionals and students.
The event welcomed a distinguished lineup of senior officials and prominent figures, led by H.E. Eng. Ayman Ibrahim Attia, Governor of Alexandria; Prof. Mohamed Morsi El Gohary, President of Borg El Arab Technological University; Prof. Mohamed Rashad, Chairman of the General Authority for Scientific Research and Technological Applications; Prof. Eng. Hesham Saudi, Chairman of the Alexandria Engineers Syndicate; Eng. Magdy El Taher, Chairman of Rubex Factory; Dr. Marian Amir Azer, Former Member of the Egyptian Parliament and Board Member of the National Council for Women and the Financial Regulatory Authority; Counselor Salwa Abdelkader, Attorney before the Court of Cassation and the Supreme Administrative Court, Member of the National Council for Women – Alexandria Branch, and Chairwoman of El Gedar El Mateen Association for Community Development; in addition to representatives of the National Council for Women, Dr. Nevine Gharib, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University, and Dr. Adel Mostafa, Lecturer at the Department of Painting and General Coordinator of the Faculty of Fine Arts Exhibition at Waha Connect.
The guests were welcomed by Dr. Adel Danesh, Chairman of Silicon Waha, and Mr. Hashem Mansi, Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding dialogue on the future of technology and innovation while creating an inclusive platform that brings together key stakeholders to transform ideas into impactful solutions and projects.
The sixth edition of Waha Connect comes as part of Silicon Waha’s vision to transform technology parks into integrated platforms for innovation and growth. Beyond providing advanced digital infrastructure, the company seeks to build a collaborative ecosystem that connects government entities, the private sector, academic institutions, young talents, entrepreneurs, and innovators to accelerate Egypt’s digital transformation and strengthen its knowledge-based economy.
Through this edition, Waha Connect reaffirms that innovation does not emerge in isolation. Rather, it flourishes when technology intersects with industry, creativity, education, and entrepreneurship, creating an environment where ideas, talent, and opportunities can converge and generate tangible economic and social value.
Dr. Adel Danesh, Chairman of Silicon Waha, stated that Waha Connect embodies the company’s vision of building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that extends beyond developing technology park infrastructure to creating an environment that connects all stakeholders within the digital economy.
He said: “At Silicon Waha, we believe that building a competitive digital economy depends not only on technology, but also on our ability to bring together minds, talent, expertise, and opportunities within one integrated ecosystem. Waha Connect serves as a platform that enables government, the private sector, universities, entrepreneurs, and young people to exchange ideas, collaborate, and build partnerships capable of creating real impact.”
He added: “This year, we designed the event to reflect the broader concept of innovation by bringing together technology, industry, creativity, women’s empowerment, and youth talent development. We firmly believe that sustainable development depends on integrating these elements to build a more competitive and resilient economy.”
For his part, Mr. Hashem Mansi, Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Waha, said: “Waha Connect is a practical platform that connects ideas with opportunities by bringing together decision-makers, industry leaders, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators under one roof to unlock new pathways for collaboration and growth.”
He added: “The sixth edition reflects this vision by addressing issues that are directly shaping the future of technology and the economy, most notably the role of women in driving technological transformation, the future of industry in the era of artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, as well as empowering young talent through the Tech for Impact Hackathon and student and creative exhibitions. These initiatives reaffirm that true investment begins with people, and that innovation thrives when technology meets creativity and opportunities are made available to promising talent.”
The sixth edition of Waha Connect featured two panel discussions addressing key topics related to the future of technology and the economy.
The first session, titled “When Factories Think,” explored the future of smart manufacturing and digital transformation. The discussion highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in reshaping industrial operations, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making, paving the way for a new era of data-driven, innovation-led manufacturing.
The second session, titled “She Means Technology,” was organized in collaboration with the National Council for Women and focused on the role of women in leading technological transformation and entrepreneurship, while emphasizing the importance of expanding women’s participation in the ICT sector to fully leverage female talent in building the digital economy.
As part of its commitment to supporting and empowering young talent to develop technology-driven solutions with tangible impact, the event hosted the closing ceremony of the Tech for Impact Hackathon, organized by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) to enable young innovators to develop creative solutions that address societal challenges.
Rubex International sponsored the competition’s financial awards, underscoring the importance of partnerships between the private sector and organizations that support innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful opportunities for young innovators to transform their ideas into practical solutions.
The event also showcased a wide range of student projects and creative works, highlighting the importance of investing in young talent and providing opportunities for them to express their ideas while connecting them with innovation and entrepreneurship pathways.
As part of Waha Connect, the event hosted an exhibition featuring projects by students from Borg El Arab Technological University, alongside an exhibition of artworks by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Alexandria University, as well as a handicrafts and creative products exhibition, all aimed at highlighting young talent while supporting creative industries and locally made products.
El Shorouk Bookstores also participated with a dedicated pavilion offering visitors a wide selection of books at discounted prices, promoting knowledge, reading, and lifelong learning as fundamental pillars for building an innovation-driven society.
Silicon Waha affirmed that hosting the sixth edition of Waha Connect at Borg El Arab New City Technology Park reflects the growing role of technology parks in supporting regional development beyond major capitals by creating integrated ecosystems that combine technology, education, scientific research, industry, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
Through Waha Connect, Silicon Waha continues to build a platform that brings together all stakeholders within Egypt’s innovation ecosystem, facilitating the transition from dialogue to collaboration and from ideas to opportunities. In doing so, the company helps strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for technology and innovation while supporting the development of a more competitive, knowledge- and talent-driven digital economy capable of transforming innovation into real value.