Lebanon Blue Economy Ideathon

In 2024, the Hariri Foundation partnered with Berytech to organize the first youth innovation competition in the Blue Economy sector, the Lebanon Blue Economy Ideathon, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment. As part of the Innovation sector under the foundation’s Youth of the Rise of Lebanon Forum, the ideathon invites idea-stage startups, students, and young professionals to propose innovative solutions for the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. 

The free-of-charge competition aimed to engage young people from across Lebanon in developing and implementing innovative solutions for national economic and environmental development, particularly in areas such as fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, and marine conservation. 

Over two days, participants formed 20 teams and took part in training and collaborative sessions focused on idea generation, problem identification, agile business model development, evidence-based solutions, and stakeholder and client identification. With guidance from expert mentors, every team conceptualized a project idea and presented their sustainable solutions and business models to a panel of judges. Three standout teams were selected to receive financial prizes and to participate in a free-of-charge incubation program, allowing them to further refine and advance their innovative ideas.