Next Generation of Founders
Turn your project idea into a startup and pitch it at CUES 2026
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🎓 Senior/Graduation Projects • Cairo University Students • All Faculties
⏳ Application Deadline: Friday 23 Jan 2026 (11:59 PM)
About the Program
This program is designed for Cairo University students project teams who are seriously curious about building startups.
If you’ve ever asked:
Can our project idea become a startup?
Who would actually use this?
How could this work in the real market?
This bootcamp helps you answer those questions. You’ll learn how to think like startup founders, test your ideas, and build a clear pitch with the opportunity to present at CUES 2026.
No business background needed. Just the willingness to explore the startup path.
Program Roadmap
Through a short, focused journey, teams move from curiosity to clarity, learning how to shape their ideas, test their thinking, and build the confidence to present their work beyond the classroom. Step by step, participants apply what they learn in real time, transforming academic projects into startup-ready stories and preparing selected teams to take the stage and pitch live at CUES 2026.
It begins with Registration, where teams apply with their senior/graduation project, confirm their main contact person, and receive onboarding details.Â
This is followed by Bootcamp Delivery, a hands-on learning phase where teams are introduced to startup fundamentals and sector-specific guidance, while building their pitch decks in parallel from day one.Â
Teams then move to Pitch Submission, where they submit their startup pitches developed during the bootcamp to demonstrate progress, clarity, and commitment.Â
Finally, selected teams advance to Live Pitch Preparation, receiving focused coaching and rehearsal sessions to prepare for confident, live pitching on the CUES 2026 stage in front of real ecosystem stakeholders.
Who Should Apply?
This program is for Cairo University senior/graduation project teams from all faculties who are interested in exploring the startup path
You should apply if:
You are working on (or starting) a senior or a graduation project
Your team has at least 3 members
You want to explore whether your project can become a startup
You want guidance, structure, and exposure not just theory
You aree open to learning, testing and improving your project idea
Projects can be early-stage. You don’t need a final prototype.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a final startup idea to apply?
No. You do not need a final startup idea.
The program is designed to help you explore whether your senior or graduation project can become a startup, even if your idea is still early or unclear.
Are any documents required during registration?Â
No documents are required at the registration stage. Teams are only asked to provide a brief description of their project or startup concept in the application form. All learning, structuring, and pitch development will happen during the bootcamp.
Do we need to apply with a graduation project?Â
No. Applying with a graduation project is not mandatory. Teams may apply with any idea they believe has startup potential, whether it originated from a course, a graduation project, personal experience, or an independent idea.
Is this program only for business or engineering students?
No. The program is open to senior and graduation project teams from all faculties across Cairo University, welcoming participants from every academic discipline.
Do we need prior startup or business experience?
No prior experience is required.
The bootcamp is designed for first-time founders and students who are new to entrepreneurship.
When does evaluation take place?Â
There is no evaluation at the registration stage. Evaluation happens after the bootcamp, once teams have: Attended the sessions Applied what they learned Submitted a startup pitch based on the bootcamp content
This ensures that all teams are evaluated on a shared knowledge base and clear expectations.
How many members should be in a team?
Each team must have at least three (3) members, including the Main Contact Person.
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Can I apply as an individual?
No. This program is designed for team-based senior or graduation projects. Applications must be submitted by teams with a minimum of three (3) members, including the Main Contact Person. If you are currently working individually, we encourage you to form a team before applying.
What if our project is still at an early stage?
That’s completely fine.
Projects at any stage: idea, design, prototype, or early testing, all are welcome to register.
What will we submit during the program?
During the program, you may be asked to submit:
A short project concept note
A startup pitch deck, developed gradually throughout the bootcamp
How are teams selected for pitching at CUES 2026?
All teams can join the bootcamp. Progression to live pitching is based on:
Attendance and participation
Submission of required deliverables
Clarity, progress, and commitment shown during the program
Will all teams pitch at CUES?
No. Only selected teams will pitch live at CUES 2026.
However, all participating teams will benefit from the learning experience and feedback.
Who will evaluate the startup pitches?Â
Selected teams will present their ideas in front of a jury composed of industry leaders, market experts, and ecosystem professionals. The evaluation focuses on startup viability, market opportunity, and execution potential, rather than academic or theoretical assessment.
Do we need a prototype or proof of concept to pitch?Â
A prototype or proof of concept is not mandatory. Teams may present Conceptual ideas Early designs or mockups Technical approaches or simulations What matters most is clarity of the problem, solution logic, and market potential.
Will the program provide funding?
The program does not guarantee funding.
However, high-potential teams may receive guidance, exposure, or connections to potential supporters, partners, or ecosystem players.
Will this affect our project evaluation by our academic staff?
No, The program does not replace or interfere with academic evaluation. It is designed to add value to your senior or graduation project by helping you think beyond the classroom.
How much time will the program require?
The program runs over a few weeks in January.
Sessions are designed to be manageable alongside academic commitments, with most work building directly on your senior/graduation project.
Who will communicate with our team?
All communication will be sent only to the Main Contact Person listed in your application.
That person is responsible for coordinating with the rest of the team.
What happens after CUES?
Selected teams may receive guidance on next steps after the summit, such as incubation, mentorship, industry pilots, or further startup support.
How do we apply?
Simply complete the online application form before the deadline.
đź•’ Application Deadline: Friday 23 January (11:59 PM)
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