HILLS Incubation Program: Nurturing Youth-Led Innovation in Ras Ghareb
In Ras Ghareb, a coastal city on Egypt’s Red Sea, a quiet transformation is underway. Through the HILLS Incubation Program, 121 young people have embarked on a journey that equips them not just to imagine a better future, but to build it—one sustainable business at a time.
Spearheaded by the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business and funded by United Energy Egypt, the HILLS program is a structured, multi-phase initiative designed to empower youth in underserved areas to create impactful and feasible business ventures.
From Selection to Ideation
The journey began with the selection of 121 youth from Ras Ghareb, chosen for their enthusiasm, ideas and potential to drive local change. Of those selected, 37 participants moved forward to the Ideation Camp, where they received 12 hours of foundational training.
In this early phase, participants began to explore pressing needs in their communities and articulate creative responses to them. The program encouraged critical thinking, empathy and innovation—pushing the youth to reimagine what entrepreneurship could look like in their own backyard.
Developing Ideas into Ventures
Following the ideation phase, 34 participants advanced to the innovation camp. Over 11 structured sessions and 24 hours of intensive training, these young innovators worked to refine their ideas, validate their assumptions and develop viable business models.
The range of proposed ventures reflected the diverse needs and ambitions of Ras Ghareb’s youth, spanning agriculture, early childhood education, youth training courses, digital programming services, handicrafts combined with schooling, waste management solutions, health-focused dietary food and community workshop spaces.
This stage was more than a learning experience; it was a test of resilience, collaboration and creativity. Each team moved from concept to structured proposal, preparing to pitch their ideas before a panel of experts.
Showcasing Impact at Demo Day
The program culminated in a demo day, where 19 business ideas were pitched by the young entrepreneurs. Each presentation was assessed based on its unique value proposition, business model, feasibility, risk management and potential for social impact.
Six outstanding projects were selected for monetary awards. The top prize, 170,000 EGP, was shared equally between two teams whose proposals stood out for their clarity, innovation and potential to deliver real impact in their community.
Sparking Early Curiosity through Kidpreneur Camp
While older youth advanced through the program’s incubation phases, HILLS also extended its reach to younger minds through its first Kidpreneur Camp. Designed for children aged 6 to 12, the camp introduced the basics of entrepreneurship in a fun, interactive environment.
With activities focused on creativity, problem-solving and teamwork, the camp offered a playful yet purposeful entry point into the world of business. It planted early seeds of confidence and curiosity, reinforcing the idea that entrepreneurial thinking can begin at any age.
A Model for Sustainable Local Development
The HILLS Incubation Program has done more than support a cohort of young entrepreneurs—it has laid the foundation for a more resilient, opportunity-driven Ras Ghareb. By guiding youth through a complete entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to execution, it offers a blueprint for how local innovation, when nurtured with the right tools and partners, can drive inclusive and lasting development.
The program successfully graduated its first cohort in April 2025, marking a powerful milestone in the journey of Ras Ghareb’s future changemakers.