Reimagining digital identity through AI, enabling continuous kidney health monitoring through a non-invasive skin patch, empowering children to learn by building with safe and eco-friendly tools, and simplifying how brands plan out-of-home advertising, these are just some of the innovations recognized at the 2025 President’s Innovation Challenge.
In its 2025 edition, the President’s Innovation Challenge, organized by the Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park, returned to Beirut Digital District (BDD) for a full-day Demo Day and Final Ceremony.
A Shared Commitment to Lebanon’s Future
This year’s edition highlighted the strength and diversity of Lebanon’s innovation landscape, bringing together key players from across the startup, academic, and investment communities. Following the formation of a new government and the return of cautious optimism, we at BDD always remain committed to supporting those who believe in Lebanon’s future.
“This represents the best of Lebanon. Under one roof, there is so much talent, universities, entrepreneurs, and investors, all coming together to shape the future of the country.”
— H.E. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Mouhamad Rabah, CEO of BDD and General Manager of ZEAL Communities, shared:
“Events like the President’s Innovation Challenge are essential not only for showcasing innovation, but also for reinforcing confidence in Lebanon’s ability to create, solve problems, and move forward despite ongoing challenges.”
A Full Day of Innovation and Exchange
The Demo Day kicked off with opening sessions, speed-dating networking, and fireside discussions, followed by keynote and panel conversations exploring the future of innovation and how technology, purpose, and adaptability continue to shape what comes next.
Final Ceremony: Ideas on Stage
The Final Ceremony brought together leadership from academia, government, and the private sector.
The jury included:
- President Fadlo R. Khuri, American University of Beirut
- Minister Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Tech and AI
- Mouhamad Rabah, CEO of BDD
- John Chi, Founder & CEO of Synova Life Sciences
- Elissar Farah Antonios, Founder & CEO of Soul Ventures
Each startup presented a 3-minute pitch, followed by Q&A and jury scoring, keeping the focus on clarity, impact, and execution.
PIC 2025 Startup Portfolio
This year’s cohort reflected the maturity and breadth of Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem, spanning AI, education, health, sustainability, and infrastructure.
Participating startups included:
- Beaver Edu – Educational tools designed to support hands-on, experiential learning
- ModularCx – Modular customer experience solutions for scalable growth
- Impersonas – AI-driven identity and persona intelligence
- Bilo – AI-powered out-of-home advertising planning and execution
- IGT Optima – Intelligent optimization solutions for operations
- Floating Hydrogen Ports – Clean energy infrastructure innovation
- Axi-Kit – Smart hardware solutions for rapid product development
- ChromaTwin – Digital twin technology for data-driven decision-making
- Dermatine – Non-invasive health monitoring technology
- Oramala – Human-centered solutions designed for scalable impact
Each team presented solutions grounded in real-world needs, paired with strong execution and long-term vision.
PIC 2025 Winners
This year’s winners represent different dimensions of innovation and impact:
- Advanced Stage Winner: Impersonas
- Early Stage Winner: Dermatine
- Social Innovation Award: Beaver Edu
- People’s Choice Award: nuwatt.co, a digital platform focused on renewable energy and sustainability solutions
Beyond the awards, PIC 2025 reinforced a broader message: every participating startup is a winner, for reaching this stage, for building through uncertainty, and for contributing to Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
PIC 2025 concluded with networking and startup exhibitions, leaving founders, partners, and supporters aligned around a shared belief: progress is built through consistency, collaboration, and trust in local talent.
By continuing to invest in education, startups, and technology-driven industries, Lebanon has the opportunity to position itself as a competitive player in the regional and global innovation economy.
And it is only by daring, by believing, building, risking, and collaborating, that we can shape a future of innovation, resilience, and hope for Lebanon.
