The “Lab Innova for Tunisia 2021” initiative launches actions to develop innovative collaborative projects between Italy and Tunisia in order to build a common startup ecosystem. Funded by the Made in Italy Extraordinary Plan, the project is managed by ICE — the Agency for the Promotion Abroad and Internationalization of Italian Companies — in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Tunis and in partnership with the local counterparts Smart Tunisia, Smart Capital, Smart Tunisian Technoparks, Sousse Competitiveness Pole and Sidi Thabet Pole.
Here Is What You Need To Know
- The project is part of an integrated development path for 20 Tunisian startups operating in technological innovation of products and services that can lead to partnerships in areas of common interest such as robotics, agritech & smart agriculture, MedTech and ICT (Blockchain, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence).
- In Africa, the Lab Innova format has already been implemented in Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique and Uganda, generally for small and medium enterprises and with a focus on Agritech.
- For the first time, given the unique situation of Tunisia, a country with a better structured production scenario, the project will focus more on startups and more strategic sectors.
- Tunisia recently approved measures to encourage startups to generate innovation and launch new talent. These measures led to the Startup Act 2018, which developed the legal framework for Tunisian startups, and subsequently for financial tools to help startups through different phases of development, such as the Fund of Funds program. Although the Tunisian startup ecosystem is still in its infancy, several examples of excellence make Tunisia one of the most innovative countries in Africa.
- A total of 20 startups among those selected and certified will have access to specialized training.
- “The spirit of the project”— declared Donatella Iaricci, director of the ICE — Agency in Tunis — will be to create the conditions for development according to uniform models to consolidate commercial and industrial collaboration relations between Italy and Tunisia, “especially in highly technological sectors ”.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer
Italy Tunisia startup ecosystem