This week, SPARK was proud to sponsor Palestine’s biggest tech event, Expotech, hosted by Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies (PITA) and Palestine’s Information and Communications Technology Incubator (PICTI) – a partner of SPARK on the ‘From Innovation to Creation’ programme funded by the European Union, which aims to strengthen startup ecosystems throughout the Middle East region.

Expotech’s sessions took place in both the West Bank and Gaza, and addressed the digital transformation and the tech startup sector in Palestine. With decision makers, business-owners, economists and NGOs under one roof, the event pushed for Palestine to be at the forefront of digitalisation. 

Since 2011, SPARK and its partners have trained more than 5,000 Palestinian entrepreneurs, supported the growth of 260 SMEs and enabled the creation of over 600 new jobs in the region, grown 260 SMEs in the country. With the support of the European Union, Google.org and other donors, SPARK continues to work with esteemed local partners in Palestine, including PICTI, UCASTI, TechnoPark, FLOW, Station J, Intersect, Village Capital, Gaza Sky Geeks, Startup Without Borders and Re:coded, to support young men and women in their journey to digital jobs.

Speaking during a panel on ‘ICT Consortium Strategy and International Digital Footprints’ during Expotech, Leontine Specker, SPARK’s Regional Programme Director in the Middle East and Türkiye, said: “SPARK stands out in Palestine for its localised approach, putting local partners in the driving seat.”

“We connect business support organisations with policy makers and local entrepreneurs by serving others as a network facilitator. We bring specialised expertise on digitalisation and ICT in Palestine and connect Palestinian tech companies to international investors.” 

SPARK was delighted to receive an appreciation plaque from Palestinian Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh, and PITA Chairman, Tamer Baransi. Dina Almasaeid, SPARK’s Country Manager in Palestine, accepted the plaque for SPARK’s role in supporting the digital transformation of SMEs and startups in the country. 

Earlier this year, SPARK and the Palestinian Ministry of State for Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate exchange and knowledge sharing in the startup ecosystem. During the event, Eng. Osama Al Saadawi, Palestinan Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment emphasised the role that SPARK can play in supporting the policy making process to help Palestine become a tech startup nation.

With the ‘Tech for Inclusivity’ programme financed by Google.org and the ‘From Innovation to Creation’ programme financed by the European Union, SPARK and its partners continue to deliver digital skills training for underserved youth to access remote and digital job opportunities in the Palestinian Territories and globally. Entrepreneurs with tech startup ideas are supported through training, mentorship, coaching and competitions with access to finance built in to ensure Palestine’s tech startup ecosystem is continually supported on its growth path.