As Tunisia works to position itself as a competitive hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in North Africa, one initiative is equipping its brightest STEM minds with the tools to build sustainable ventures. The IEEE Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop, set for August 2025 in Gammarth, aims to turn promising ideas into market-ready solutions while aligning with global development goals.
Organised by IEEE Entrepreneurship in partnership with IEEE Region 8 and the IEEE Tunisia Section, this three-day in-person event will take place from 24 to 26 August at the Verdi Tunis Beach Resort. The program is specifically tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs with a background in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, those who are eager to create businesses that also make a measurable social impact. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), the workshop supports solutions focused on areas such as clean energy, healthcare, education and digital innovation.
Rather than simply offering lectures, the initiative takes a hands-on approach. Selected participants will begin their journey with two virtual meetups prior to the physical event. These online sessions will be used to spark idea development and help form small teams, each comprising around five members. From there, teams will be tasked with creating a ten-minute video pitch of their proposed solution to be presented before a panel of judges. A prize will be awarded to the most compelling and well-developed concept, though all participants will benefit from a robust learning experience that continues long after the workshop ends.
Once on-site in Gammarth, participants will engage in an immersive curriculum that covers the full entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to market entry. Topics will include the development of lean business models, crafting a strong value proposition, traditional and digital marketing, financial planning, intellectual property rights, contract negotiation and leadership skills. These sessions are designed to offer entrepreneurs not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical frameworks needed to take an idea from the drawing board to real-world application.
A significant feature of the workshop is the mentorship component. Participants will receive guidance from seasoned inventors and successful entrepreneurs, many of whom understand the unique opportunities and challenges within the Tunisian ecosystem. Guest speakers will also share insights on local investment opportunities and provide firsthand accounts of navigating the business landscape in Tunisia. These stories and exchanges will give attendees a richer, more grounded understanding of what it takes to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.
At the heart of this initiative is IEEE Entrepreneurship’s mission to support technology-driven innovation that serves humanity. By providing structured support to early-stage entrepreneurs and connecting them with global networks, IEEE seeks to strengthen local innovation ecosystems and promote entrepreneurship as a driver of economic development. For Tunisia, a country with a rising generation of technically skilled youth, programs like this are critical to unlocking both individual potential and national growth.
The application window for the workshop is now open, with the deadline set for 7 July 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by 14 July. The organisers are encouraging anyone based in Tunisia with a STEM background and a socially impactful idea to apply.
In an environment where resources for early-stage entrepreneurs can be scarce, the IEEE Entrepreneurship 101 Workshop offers more than just knowledge, it delivers access, mentorship and the possibility of long-term transformation. For many participants, it could mark the beginning of a startup journey that not only changes their lives but also creates real solutions for their communities.
