Driven by LAU’s commitment to innovation, the Fouad Makhzoumi Innovation Center (FMIC) held its fifth installment of its flagship Spark program, dedicated to nurturing Lebanon’s startup talent through training, workshops, and networking to help participants refine ideas, scale ventures, and attract investment.

The Spark25 Startup Pitch iDay unfolded over two energetic days on July 29 and 30, 2025, at LAU’s Beirut campus, transforming the grounds into a vibrant hub of ambition and creativity as 23 startups led by LAU students, faculty, staff and alumni presented their ideas before a jury of industry experts, investors, and visionary leaders.

After an intensive evaluation filled with insight and guidance from the jury, 12 teams were considered winners of the $10,000 each to help turn their ideas into fully realized, high-impact businesses.

This year’s jury featured LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah and Vice President for Business Development and Global Affairs Elie Badr, alongside external jurors May Makhzoumi, LAU trustee and president of the Fouad Makhzoumi Foundation; Kamil Geadah, co‑chair and board member of Iteration360 and CEO of Global Technology Solutions; Nicolas Chikhani, president of the INSEAD Alumni Association; Edgard Khoury, venture capital and private equity expert; and Roy El Metni, LAU director of finance for business development and health affairs.

“Startups are meant to solve problems or create new needs—and in Lebanon, we have no shortage of both,” said Geadah. He hoped that the solutions offered by the finalists would not only benefit the private sector but might one day be embraced by the public sector. That’s how we start reshaping the DNA of our society.”

The winning projects cut across a broad spectrum of sectors, from AI-powered sustainability tools and mobility solutions to wellness platforms, educational technologies, and smart agriculture. Several teams earned praise for addressing urgent community needs, including food waste reduction, women’s safety, and mental health support.

“I’m impressed by the quality of participants,” said Mrs. Makhzoumi. “Each year, the projects become more specialized and innovative. With the training these students are receiving, they’re getting a better start—and I hope they continue to attract the right people to help their ideas thrive.”

FMIC Director Annie Seferian emphasized that with the right support, like the rigorous Spark program, talent can truly thrive. “We’re shaping Lebanon’s future leaders, problem-solvers, and builders,” she added.

For Chikhani, what stood out most was the students’ drive: “They’re really motivated to show the best they can give—both for themselves and their country.”

In agreement, El Metni emphasized that entrepreneurship demands leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability—qualities he saw reflected in the young founders, whom he described as the next generation of Lebanon’s leaders.

Looking ahead, Spark25 proved to be more than a competition, marking a milestone in building sustainable, impactful businesses ready to tackle Lebanon’s challenges, with LAU and FMIC at the heart of this effort, driving meaningful progress through community, education, and strategic support.

The winners of this year’s cohort were:

• AquaIvolt: A wastewater treatment system that doubles biogas and electricity output while cutting costs by up to 60 percent.
• Bazaarna: A 3D digital marketplace that brings artisan bazaars online through an immersive, gamified experience.
• From Leb With Love: A social enterprise providing heritage products, tours, and workshops that empower local communities.
• Furrsati: Lebanon’s secure freelancing platform featuring escrow payments and verified talent matching.
• Heya Ride: A women-focused ride-hailing service offering safe and inclusive mobility through trusted female drivers.
• Journey: Personalized gut-health supplements delivered via subscription, developed by medical professionals.
• Lebanese.AI: The region’s first homegrown AI model tailored to Middle Eastern data and needs.
• Lusion: A booking platform matching musical freelancers with venues for live and virtual events.
• Rewadani by Educare Networks: A platform connecting parents and teachers to collaboratively support student success.
• Synkro: A mechanical harvesting solution that makes pinecone collection safer, more efficient and affordable.
• The Worm Factory by SOILAR Group: An organic substrate innovation enhancing soil health and crop yields through waste conversion.
• Three Eyes Labs: Fashion that rewards wearers with royalties, perks, and a culturally rooted brand legacy.