On July 10, the LAU Fouad Makhzoumi Innovation Center held a pitch simulation for the fifth cohort of the LAU Innovate Spark Program. This year, out of about 100 applicant startups, 36 were handpicked for a five-month incubation program, guided by the center’s leadership and industry professionals. On July 29 and 30, the 32 semi-finalists who had pitched their ideas for feedback will present their finished concepts to an investment committee, with each of the winning teams receiving $10,000 to develop their innovative ideas into viable businesses.