Touchdown in Silicon Valley!

“Participating in the Hero Program has been an extraordinary journey of growth and transformation.”

Youssef Hage

Founder, Wrenev

The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park sponsored three promising startups to participate in Draper University’s 2023 Hero Program, which is an intensive and immersive five-week accelerator program in Silicon Valley.

  • The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park sponsored three promising startups to participate in Draper University’s 2023 Hero Program, which is an intensive and immersive five-week accelerator program in Silicon Valley.

 

  • The Hero Program at Draper University is a comprehensive program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking an immersive venture-building experience. This transformative program encompasses a dynamic curriculum featuring hands-on workshops, mentorship from industry titans, and the unique opportunity to pitch one’s startup to seasoned venture capitalists.

“From engaging discussions with seasoned entrepreneurs, experts and amazing people (Tim Draper, Gina Kloes, Will Edwards, Tom Plümmer, Adrien Lopez Lanusse, Roc Ryder, Maya Sol, and many others), the chance to pitch my own ideas and the vision of uPaint in front of outstanding and influential experts and investors, visits to leading tech companies, a one of a kind survival week in North California, to skydiving, every day brought a new challenge and an opportunity to grow.”

Mohammad Abbass

Founder, uPaint

  • Zein AUB iPark’s sponsorship has been instrumental in fostering the substantial growth of the three startups, which have gained valuable insights and honed their strategies. Zein AUB iPark, on a mission to empower the Lebanese entrepreneurship ecosystem, continues to catalyze their success by providing access to transformative programs like the Hero Program.

“The extensive network formed during the program is strategically positioning Fixalign for global growth, with concrete examples such as:

  • Ongoing efforts in headhunting for a CTO with AI and ML expertise,
  • Potential collaborations in KSA with a fellow dentist entrepreneur from the cohort,
  • An Expression of Interest from stakeholders in Kazakhstan, and
  • An investment raised from DUV—one of the most renowned VCs in Silicon Valley.

In conclusion, the holistic approach of the Hero Program, seamlessly weaving together a robust curriculum, tangible achievements, and a global network, undeniably shaped my entrepreneurial journey and propelled Fixalign’s growth in ways that far surpassed my initial expectations.”

Jamal Fayoumi

Founder, Fixalign

The three entrepreneurs and founders of the aforementioned startups—Jamal Fayoumi, Mohammad Abbas, and Youssef Hage—are part of iPark’s 2023 Acceleration Cohort. The AUB Innovation Park continues to position itself as the Silicon Valley blueprint in Lebanon and the MENA region, offering real tangible opportunities for startups to grow and scale in foreign markets.