The Young Innovators Awards (YIA) aims to stimulate the environment for scientific research and development (R&D) in Egypt. Through a combination of financial awards and practicaltraining, YIA’s programs build upon the talents of young Egyptian scientists—both undergraduates and recent graduates—and help foster long-term careers in the field of scientific innovation. By supporting the development of projects from the early university-level stages, all the way to commercialization in the market, YIA enables young scientific innovators with opportunities for work in R&D in Egypt, while having an overall effect on the Egyptian economy at large.
YIA’s success stories demonstrate the program’s overall impact. A number of awardees have pursued careers in scientific innovation and helped to develop new, Egypt-owned scientific research and products. Companies in Egypt have purchased products from YIA beneficiaries, and some YIA beneficiaries have also gone on to start small businesses.