The SANAD ElevateHer MENA cohort brings together a strong group of women-led startups working on some of the region’s most pressing economic and social challenges. Backed by SANAD and delivered by Seedstars, the initiative focuses on helping founders improve their investment readiness while expanding their impact across the Middle East and North Africa.
This cohort is not about ideas on paper. It is about businesses already building real solutions in sustainability, agriculture, mobility, water, health, waste management, legal technology and the creative economy. By supporting these founders at a critical stage of growth, SANAD ElevateHer is strengthening the pipeline of women-led companies that can scale responsibly, create jobs and contribute to long-term regional development.
The program also creates space for connection. On February 4th, the founders will be introduced to the wider ecosystem at the Seedstars Villa Cairo, an intimate gathering held during RiseUp Summit week. The event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and ecosystem builders in a setting designed for honest conversation and meaningful partnerships.
Building Impact Where It Matters Most
What makes this cohort stand out is the range and depth of the solutions. Each startup addresses a clear problem with a practical approach, rooted in local realities but designed for regional relevance.
Eco-Dahab, which began in the coastal town of Dahab in South Sinai, works with businesses that want to become more sustainable but lack clear guidance. By simplifying sustainability through practical assessments based on ESG metrics, Eco-Dahab helps small businesses take realistic steps that fit where they are today. Its long-term vision is to build a regenerative business ecosystem where communities and natural environments grow together.
Farinas Marketing Services focuses on helping SMEs grow in competitive markets, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. The company combines marketing research, digital marketing and media and PR to support B2B businesses across sectors such as IT, fintech, cybersecurity and manufacturing. Its work is grounded in integrity, innovation and long-term client growth rather than short-term trends.
In agriculture, PolliBotics is transforming pollination in vertical farming. By using robotics, artificial intelligence and sensors, the startup offers precise and automated pollination in environments where natural pollinators are absent. This improves crop yields, reduces labor dependency and supports year-round food production in urban settings.
Pixii Motors is tackling urban mobility with its smart electric scooter, the Shadow. Built with deep tech at its core, the scooter integrates embedded systems, real-time data processing and AI-driven features such as predictive maintenance and battery optimization. The goal is safer, more efficient and more intelligent mobility for growing cities.
Several startups in the cohort focus on water and environmental resilience. MIRRIAH provides affordable solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers, reducing reliance on expensive fuel and improving water efficiency. SmartWTI develops AI and IoT systems that detect water leaks and optimize usage in real time, helping reduce losses and costs. TSNGF offers low-cost nano bio-filtration technology that turns wastewater into reusable water, especially useful in decentralized and underserved areas.
Waste and circular economy solutions are also well represented. Smart Collecte uses AI-powered waste sorting combined with reward systems to encourage recycling and responsible waste management. GARBALISER turns biomass into high-value agricultural inputs through a patented bioconversion system, creating value from waste while supporting sustainable farming.
Supporting Inclusion, Digital Access and the Future Economy
Beyond infrastructure and climate solutions, the cohort also addresses inclusion, skills and access to opportunity. Mknooon Ltd is building an AI-powered ecosystem that helps artisan entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, turn crafts into viable businesses. With thousands of artisans trained across dozens of countries and hundreds of startups launched, Mknooon combines specialized training platforms with a full business incubator to support sustainable livelihoods.
E-Tafakna is simplifying access to legal services across the MENA region. Its digital platform allows users to create, manage and sign contracts, access legal consultations and navigate legal processes without complexity. By removing barriers to legal access, E-Tafakna supports startups, SMEs, freelancers and individuals as they formalize and protect their work.
GoToGreen works with manufacturers and businesses that need to comply with new sustainability regulations such as Digital Product Passports. Through automation, AI and advisory services, the company helps organizations meet global standards efficiently while advancing digital transformation.
In the food system, Jafife focuses on reducing food loss by transforming surplus agricultural produce into traceable, high-value ingredients. Using solar energy and digital tools, the platform improves energy efficiency while creating new value chains for farmers and food producers.
Together, these 13 startups reflect the strength and diversity of women-led innovation across the MENA region. Through SANAD ElevateHer and Seedstars, they gain not only technical support but also visibility, networks and access to capital. As they prepare to scale, this cohort stands as a clear signal that inclusive entrepreneurship is not a side story. It is central to the region’s economic future.
