The Innov'i – EU4Innovation project was a major support program for the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Tunisia. Funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, it aimed to contribute to the country's sustainable and inclusive economic development by strengthening, structuring, and ensuring the long-term viability of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
As part of the development plan adopted by the Tunisian authorities for the 2016-2020 period, institutional and economic reforms were implemented to promote the digital economy and diversify the economic fabric. The growth of innovative entrepreneurship was identified as a key lever for reducing youth graduate unemployment and revitalizing the Tunisian economy.
The Innov’i project is based on 3 main components that aimed to:
• Improve the range of services for start-ups and entrepreneurs, by assisting support structures in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation;
• Assist with the implementation of a regulatory and financing framework conducive to innovative entrepreneurship and start-ups;
• Promote the ecosystem nationally and internationally.
The Innov'i project supported the development and growth of selected organizations and initiatives by strengthening the effectiveness and quality of existing support mechanisms for the incubation, acceleration, and assistance of innovative startups. This support was realized through:
• The granting of funds via calls for projects and a grant program totaling €8.2M.
Innov’i is supporting the development and growth of the selected organisations and initiatives. It is improving the effectiveness and quality of existing support mechanisms for incubation, acceleration and assistance for innovative start-ups through:
• Financing allocated via calls for projects and a grant programme amounting to EUR 8m
• The implementation of technical assistance activities tailored to the needs of the ecosystem
• Support for the operational implementation of the Startup Act, the establishment of the StartupTunisia programme and the development of a regulatory and financing framework conducive to innovative entrepreneurship and start-ups
• Support for the active development of the public-private dialogue on issues related to entrepreneurship and innovation
• Support for the development of the entrepreneurial culture and visibility of the success stories of Tunisian start-ups
• Increase the attractiveness of Tunisian start-ups
• Support for improving the connection between the Tunisian, European and international ecosystems.
During its implementation, Innov'i – EU4Innovation achieved :
Development of 25 projects carried out by 23 selected support structures through four calls for projects.
Creation of The Dot, the first digital innovation hub in Tunisia, in partnership with the Ministry of Technologies and Communications, the Tunisia Development Foundation, and GIZ. This hub became a key space for fostering collaboration and innovation among entrepreneurs.
Support for the SAVE initiative, led by the CDC and Smart Capital, which established a financial support mechanism for start-ups during the COVID-19 crisis.
Funding for the ELIFE centers, created by the Tunisia Development Foundation, which facilitated the establishment of regional entrepreneurial support organizations.
Support for the Tunisian Start-ups association, through the funding of advocacy papers aimed at structuring and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tunisia.
These initiatives helped support over 1,100 project leaders, including nearly 800 innovative SMEs and 400 entrepreneurs in the start-up phase. The project also financed 322 project holders for a total amount of more than 6 million dinars.
In parallel, over 2,000 young people aged 8 to 20 were introduced to entrepreneurship.
Innov'i – EU4Innovation also contributed to the evolution of the regulatory and financial framework in Tunisia. The project supported :
Start-up access to public markets.
Development and operationalization of the crowdfunding law.
Structuring and implementation of public-private partnerships in the Cap Bon region to support start-ups.
Support for Smart Capital in defining and structuring the ANAVA fund of funds and the Innovatech fund.
To enhance the visibility of Tunisian start-ups internationally, the project enabled :
Organization and support for more than 60 promotional events.
Development of three educational tools for future entrepreneurs.
Participation of nearly 230 Tunisian start-ups in 21 international fairs, thus promoting their expansion in Europe and Africa.
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Find out more: https://innovi.tn/
