SPARK has announced the winners of startup competition by Silphium Labs, the first business incubator in Al-Bayda, Libya. A key milestone in the Libya Startup programme, which is  funded by the European Union and co-implemented by SPARK and Super Novae to support aspiring entrepreneurs in Libya’s less accessible regions.

The competition marked the culmination of months of training, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to help startups refine their business models. Out of 803 applicants, 64 entrepreneurs were selected for the incubation programme. The most outstanding startups, evaluated by a panel of experts in coordination with the European Union, were awarded seed funding to further develop their businesses.

The selection process was conducted with meticulous oversight, ensuring that the most promising startups were chosen. Following the two-month incubation programme, participants showcased their businesses in a final pitching event before an expert panel of judges. The event was held in close coordination with the European Union, emphasizing transparency and rigorous evaluation criteria.

Meet the Winners

Aurata

Aurata is an aquaculture-based startup in Libya’s Green Mountain region, aiming to establish a local fish production system. By reducing reliance on imported fish, Aurata enhances food security and creates job opportunities. The startup was founded by marine biology students Abeer Al-Mesmari, Idris Al-Mabrouk, and Fahd Enbih. Aurata scored first place in  the competition, winning total seeding funding of €10,000.

Pure Life

Pure Life, a recycling startup based in Shahat, addresses waste accumulation by transforming landfills into sustainable resources. With an estimated 70% of local waste being recyclable, the startup offers an innovative solution to waste management challenges. Pure Life scored second place in the competition, winning total seeding funding of €8,000.

Niema

Niema is an environmental enterprise that recycles discarded bread into low-cost animal feed. Founded by economics graduates Mohammed Abdulwahid, Faris Milad, and Juma Ali, Niema reduces food waste while supporting local livestock farmers and contributing to charitable causes. Niema scored third place in the competition, winning total seeding funding of €6,000.

ReconMax

ReconMax is a fintech startup leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline financial settlement processes in Libya’s banking sector. Founder Abdulhakim Al-Kilani, a technical engineer, was inspired by leading global financial institutions to develop innovative banking solutions. ReconMax scored fourth place in the competition, winning total seeding funding of €6,000.

AgriHealth

AgriHealth specializes in hydroponic farming to produce chemical-free vegetables. Founded by students Mohamed Saad, Essa Abdelrahman, Saleh Suleiman, and Taqee Ibrahim, the startup emerged as a response to agricultural losses caused by catastrophic floods in Derna. AgriHealth scored fifth place in the competition, winning total seeding funding of €5,000.

Silphium Nursery

Silphium Nursery cultivates rare and endangered plants through sustainable agricultural techniques. Founded by agricultural experts Najib Abdulhafith, Omar Mustafa, and Mohammed Attia, the startup aims to preserve Libya’s biodiversity while creating employment opportunities. Silphium Nursery scored sixth place in the competition, winning total seeding funding of €5,000.

Classic Home

Classic Home focuses on sustainable housing by converting shipping containers into modern, affordable homes. By offering flexible, eco-friendly designs, the startup provides innovative solutions for Libya’s housing sector. Classic Home scored seventh place in the competition, winning total seeding funding of €5,000.

Empowering Libya’s Entrepreneurial Future

Silphium Labs was launched as part of the Libya Startup programme to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. By offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding, the incubator plays a pivotal role in supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly in regions that face economic challenges.

“The launch of Silphium Labs is a game-changer for Al-Bayda’s startup scene,” said Mussa Aleskandrani, Business Incubation Expert at SPARK. “This programme goes beyond business development—it fosters resilience, innovation, and economic recovery.”

With the success of its first cohort, SPARK looks forward to expanding its support for sustainable business growth, further driving Libya’s economic transformation and advancing SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.