AUC has been selected to lead the “Invest with Confidence-De-risking Tech Startups Alliance, part of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Alliance and Development initiative. Spearheaded by AUC’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business and the Center for Nanoelectronics and Devices at the School of Sciences and Engineering, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation and enhance Egypt’s competitiveness in the electronic design and manufacturing sector.

Over the past decade, Egypt’s startup ecosystem has experienced remarkable growth, fueled by national strategies like Egypt Vision 2030, a young and dynamic population, and increasing venture capital investments. Despite this progress, deep-tech startups face significant challenges, including high capital requirements, limited access to specialized equipment, and shortages of skilled talent and expert support. The DTS Alliance addresses these gaps by bringing together key stakeholders to create an integrated ecosystem, positioning Egypt as a regional leader in electronics innovation.

Yehea Ismail, director of AUC’s Center for Nanoelectronics and Devices, noted that the project does not just focus on software development but addresses Egypt’s potential in designing and manufacturing hardware technology — filling a critical need in the local technology landscape. “We have been working with regional stakeholders on this scope, and now it is time to go full scale in our beloved country Egypt and support our private sector to compete globally and attract foreign direct investment,” Ismail said.

“[This initiative] is the perfect opportunity to bring in different stakeholders from our network toward such a promising and strategic national objective."

The DTS Alliance brings together nine local partners across academia, the private sector, public entities, investors and enabling organizations. These include AUC; Zagazig University; Elaraby Group; EMASS startup; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), Flat6Labs, Den Venture Capital, Startup Factory and Meska AI. 

Hala Barakat '98, director of AUC’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, highlighted the significance of this collaborative network. “[This initiative] is the perfect opportunity to bring in different stakeholders from our network toward such a promising and strategic national objective,” she said. “We formulated internal and external partnerships to ignite innovation in Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and untap academia’s potential in research commercialization.” 

“We have been working with regional stakeholders on this scope, and now it is time to go full scale in our beloved country Egypt and support our private sector to compete globally and attract foreign direct investment."

The alliance focuses on strengthening the electronics sector by localizing design and manufacturing to promote import substitution, supporting export growth and building capacity to meet industry demands. It encourages innovation through hackathons, develops industry-aligned curricula, advances artificial intelligence applications in electronics, and facilitates intellectual property creation and protection. Additionally, it integrates startups into new markets, promotes research spinoffs and attracts foreign direct investment, driving sustainable growth and competitiveness across the industry.

Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour stated that the Alliance and Development presidential initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to innovation through collaboration between higher education and industry. He added that the initiative seeks to harness research and entrepreneurial potential to build competitive economic sectors, demonstrating the power of cross-sector partnerships in promoting sustainable development.

Coptic Lives, a Core Curriculum course, offers students a gateway into what it would be like to live in historical Coptic society. Investigating history through archeological methods, students discover key elements of Coptic society: from what they ate to what they wore to what they believed. 

Mennat-Allah El Dorry ‘05, assistant professor and chair of Coptic studies at AUC who has trained as both an Egyptologist and archeologist, works to paint a lush tapestry of Coptic lives for her students by guiding them to investigate more than just key historical moments, but also the intricacies of everyday life. 

“The course helped me reconnect with my roots in a deeply personal way and see Coptic lives as lived, enduring experiences rather than distant narratives."

“A very large part of Coptic studies is about the history of the church, persecution, Coptic art and monasticism,” said El Dorry. “But I am intrigued by the daily lives of average people away from this traditional history of Coptic Egypt. We, as Egyptians, have a rich, long history of Coptic culture that is a part of this long and continuous fabric. While politics and religion change, I am interested in looking at the lives of people like myself — and like the students as well.”

In El Dorry’s class, students experiment with the tools historically used by Copts and visit important locations, such as the Coptic Museum and Coptic churches. With a mix of lectures, research and experiential learning opportunities, students paint a full picture of Coptic life, including food, language as well as arts and crafts. The course has no prerequisites and aims to get students at the start of their academic journey excited about archeology and history through the lens of the unique Coptic culture.

 “AUC's Egyptology program features something that few other international programs have: direct access to archaeology and culture.” 

“Coptic Lives didn’t feel like studying history; it felt like being invited into a story of resilience, faith and unwavering resolve,” said student Islam Nadim. “The course helped me reconnect with my roots in a deeply personal way and see Coptic lives as lived, enduring experiences rather than distant narratives. Dr. El Dorry’s passion and personal connection to the subject made that experience truly impactful.”

For El Dorry, the hands-on nature of the class is what makes it so special — the ability to bring Coptic culture to life. “AUC's Egyptology program features something that few other international programs have: direct access to archaeology and culture,” she affirmed. “I want us to focus more on these strengths and for AUC to become an important hub of Coptic archaeology — somewhere students and researchers who want to work specifically on Coptic archaeology can come to as their first choice.”

The Coptic studies program at AUC works to blend the fields of Egyptology, art history, science and religion through the lens of Coptic history. El Dorry herself first became interested in Coptic studies during her time at AUC. “When I was an Egyptology undergrad, a Coptic art class was being offered,” she explained. “The professor who taught it, Gawdat Gabra, was the first chair of Coptic studies at AUC, and he opened my eyes to such a fascinating world. It is an incredible honor to come full circle and now hold the position that first inspired me and to follow in the footsteps of such a scholar.”

When creating his AUC senior film thesis, Mark Ayman ’25 was concerned with one thing: telling a good story. He spent two years developing Cone, a short film that features a small argument between a garage worker and a professor that keeps getting bigger and bigger until the professor eventually spirals into madness. Little did Ayman know, his student film project would be one of 20 selected out of 2,500 submissions to premiere at the Cairo International Film Festival and one of only four Egyptian films selected. 

“The AUC film program helped me gain the conceptual skills I needed."

“The AUC film program helped me gain the conceptual skills I needed,” Ayman said. “Through open student workflow and critique sessions, I learned how to rework and rewrite my project, which is clear in the final product. Many young filmmakers just want to skip to the thrilling part and start shooting, but AUC taught me now to be grounded in development to make a stronger film.”

Cone was developed across three different classes in AUC’s film program, where Ayman studied. “A lot of classes have shaped this film. The script itself was written in a screenwriting class with Professor of Practice Tamer El Said, who supervised the project,” Ayman explained. “I continued developing the film and working on it after the class. Then I brought it into the film production course, where I met Zeina and Karma, and we continued working on it as part of the Senior Film Project class.”

Karma Abu Aly, ‘25 and current AUC senior Zeina Ramy served as the producers for the film throughout its development and filming. Ramy and Ayman met at the AUC Film Association. Ramy noticed Ayman would consistently take pictures of garages, prompting his friend to wonder just exactly what he was plotting. “He explained the idea of the film, and I really liked it. Then we had so much fun in the production course. Afterward, we just continued working on the film,” Ramy described.

“Working with the AUC film program had lots of privileges,” Ayman stated. “They provide equipment and shooting permits. We filmed part of the movie on campus, and they were super accommodating. I also was supported by my adviser throughout the entire project.” The shooting took three days, both at AUC and in Garden City. The crew consisted of 25 people, a mix of AUC students and professionals.

After filming wrapped, Ayman submitted it to the Cairo International Film Festival. “When I learned we were accepted, I was overwhelmed with happiness. The only thought that I had in mind was what I would say to the crew,” he explained. 

Ramy laughed, sharing how Ayman lied to the crew and told them they weren’t selected, just to quickly yell out “just kidding.” Ayman continued, “A lot of people have put so much effort and time into helping me. It’s incredible to have people who trust you with their time, expertise and effort, and then having it pay off.” 

Cone premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival on November 16, 2025. The cast and crew got to walk the red carpet, watch their film in the Cairo Opera’s Grand Hall and participate in a Q & A session. “Sharing my work with people who are interested in cinema and film is always great, especially the audience of the Cairo International Film Festival,” Ayman shared. “The screening of the film was very exciting, as I would hear the audience reacting to the different parts of the film either with shock, laughter or whispering words of excitement. To have your film seen among a hall of people is definitely a rich experience.”

“It’s so incredible to have the film featured in one of the oldest festivals in the region and the world, with something that started as simple as a student film,” he added. 

“It’s so incredible to have the film featured in one of the oldest festivals in the region and the world, with something that started as simple as a student film."

From here, Ayman, Ramy and AbuAly are hoping to find a place for Cone’s international premiere. Through meeting other directors and producers at the festival, they’ve been able to expand their network and learn about new possibilities. “Meeting people after the screening to hear their impressions and experiences watching the film is something I cherish,” Ayman said. “I was overwhelmed with words of love and encouragement from a diverse audience. Whenever I think I used to be one of the audience members of this festival, sitting on the chairs and watching, I feel very grateful.”

Alternative Policy Solutions (APS) sits under the high ceilings of an unassuming office in the historic palace on AUC’s Tahrir Square campus. The think tank is home to policy researchers looking to influence the world of development through in-depth research, consultations and evidence-based policy solutions to some of the most difficult challenges facing Egypt. Rabab El Mahdi ’96, founding director of APS and associate professor of political science, heads the team of researchers and employs some unlikely policy practitioners: undergraduate students in her Introduction to Development class.

“We’re challenging students in ways they haven’t experienced before,” El Mahdi stated, “There are so many benefits to having students at work at APS. They learn from the team, but also bring  fresh insights.” 

Class Structure

The Introduction to Development course is broken up into three parts: an introduction to development theory, a five-week practicum at AUC Tahrir Square and a final project to reflect on the experience. The students spend their Tuesdays in APS’s office, discussing policy with research professionals and learning firsthand the pace of working in a real policy office. They aid in the office’s operations, provide preliminary research for policy analysts and do background research for APS’s publications. 

Sitting in the APS office on the third floor of the palace, the student researchers brought a palpable energy to the airy office space. They were busy researching the development impacts of the Grand Egyptian Museum opening, Egypt’s involvement in debt swaps and possible programs to use for the APS podcast initiative. The hands-on experience of working on policy solutions in real time is unique to the program and a process that turns policy students into policy practitioners.

“The excitement of being in an actual workplace gives them a different drive during their time in the office” said El Mahdi. Students around her buzzed, hard at work. “Hands-on learning has so many benefits in terms of furthering their theoretical understanding of the subject-matter, they apply concepts they learned to current developmental challenges. Plus, there's a different energy at the office than in a classroom.”

Sitting in a cubicle in the corner of the office, junior Laila Mamdouh vigorously typed away at her assignment. “It’s making me learn so much so quickly, without it being stressful or overwhelming,” said Mamdouh. “It's not just a typical format where you go to class, take notes and then have an exam. We actually get to apply what we learn, which gives me so much more incentive.”

The excitement for their work was notable across students. “We were surprised to see just how big of a project this is,” stated junior political science major Omar Fahim. His chair faced the window that revealed the vibrant gardens of the Tahrir Square campus. “APS talks directly to ministers and the government, so it makes me think that our work could be presented to officials. It motivates me to put my all into it.”

More than just encouraging students to critically think about development concepts, the program offers real support to the small but mighty APS office. Mohamed Badereldin, a junior policy researcher at APS, complimented the students helping him on his policy papers. “It’s incredibly useful to have them here in the office,” he said. “Instead of going back and forth on email, I can tell them what I need instantly, and we can have a real conversation about the project. I also think it’s helpful for them to learn how to apply the theories they’ve been taught to real-world situations, which is exactly what we do every day at APS.”

Development concepts might seem abstract in the classroom setting, but these students are learning firsthand how to extract their real-world applications. More than just learning the impact of their field, students felt the responsibility to use their education to help policy practitioners and rise to meet that challenge. 

Having the APS in-office experience was critical for students to understand what being a professional in an office environment is like. For many students, this was their first time personally experiencing office dynamics and expectations. “Dr. El Mahdi’s our professor, but she’s also our boss,” stated student Ginevra Hanna. “She’s treating us just like she treats her employees. It makes me feel grown up, like I can actually do the work.”

Learning how to work in an office is just as important as learning to apply policy concepts to real-world scenarios. As an experience, it is something students will take into all future jobs, even if they end up working in different fields. “They get daily feedback from me and my colleagues, which helps them develop their research in real time. I’ve seen them grow tremendously,” added El Mahdi. “It’s important to encourage strong work ethic in AUC students. By putting them in this environment, we’re testing their limits and showing them what they’re capable of.”

Tahrir as a Classroom 

The opportunity to work in Tahrir was a draw in itself for students, bringing them into the busy hustle of the city. “Tahrir is 45 minutes away from my house, so I don’t get to come out here very often,” Mamdouh stated. “It’s really nice to have something to bring me to this campus. The aesthetic of the office is just incredible with Tahrir Square as a phenomenal view; it really pushes me in the mindset of doing quality work. And since it’s part of class, it’s a win-win.”

Other students echoed how much they enjoyed coming to the Tahrir Square campus and how a new environment encouraged them to give the class their focus and attention. “You know that if you’re coming all the way out here, you have to actually work hard,” shared Hanna. “If you don’t, then it feels like a waste.”

The Introduction to Development’s practicum is part of AUC’s Tuesdays at Tahrir initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between the two University campuses. By providing transportation from New Cairo to Tahrir and vice versa, and encouraging students and faculty to use the Tahrir Square campus as a fixture of their academics, the University is displaying the unity of One University, Two Campuses. It’s also an opportunity to allow students to take advantage of the historic Tahrir Square campus, a landmark and cultural oasis in the heart of Cairo.

“I love the Tahrir Square campus, but unfortunately, I don't come here enough. Sitting here doing work makes me feel like it’s my campus, my second home,” Mamdouh continued. “I’m thankful that AUC provides transportation because it motivates me not only to come to campus, but also to explore the Tahrir area, which is so interesting and historic.” 

The Tahrir Square campus, which has been AUC’s home since its establishment in 1919, hosts a number of AUC programs along with conferences, festivals and symposiums. Its grounds cover a decadent city block that sits parallel to Egypt’s central Tahrir Square. Inside the grounds is a lush lawn, the shade of many palm trees and the historic palace that hosts classrooms, theaters, a cafeteria and, of course, APS. The history of the building is evident in everything from the intricate wood-working detail to neo-Mamluk architecture and designs over the arched windows. The Tahrir Square campus wears its historical and political significance on its sleeve, something felt strongly by the class of politics students. 

“Bringing students downtown is not just a learning experience; it’s a life experience,” El Mahdi confirmed. “It has to do with working on their essential skills, how to navigate the space and deal with colleagues. Coming to Tahrir gets students familiar with the campus, which is important considering all the cultural events that are organized here. Having a course where the Tahrir Square campus is integral is an incredible opportunity because so many things, like consulting sessions with stakeholders, can only happen in Tahrir. This is the center of the city, and it’s a privilege to show that to students.”

To honor the International Day of People with Disabilities, the Psychology of Inclusion and Exclusion in Egypt undergraduate class set up an accessibility simulation, bringing together students and faculty from across the AUC community to gain a new perspective on what life is like with a disability — stepping into the shoes of others. 

The event, hosted by the Center for Student Wellbeing and Student Accessibility Services, started with each attendee being assigned a disability. Some were assigned visual impairments and given eye masks. Some participants were designated audio impairments and wore noise cancelling headphones. Others were given various mobility restrictions, such as being paralyzed from the waist down or having limited mobility in their hands. Together, the participants had to work together to make a salad, a task that might seem simple but had many added challenges. Participants worked together to navigate cutting vegetables, reaching across a wide table and communicating through the challenges that come with audio and visual impairments.

The simulation showed participants the ways people with disabilities have to go about their daily lives as well as how they can support each other. Participants had to rethink their typical teamwork processes to play to their strengths and accommodate gaps. Those with mobility impairments could help coordinate visually with those with audio impairments and auditorily to those with visual impairments. The experience showed how important accommodation, support, grace and understanding are to people with disabilities.

“The event was a focused, high-impact simulation designed to foster empathy and build awareness among participants regarding the challenges faced by individuals living with various disabilities,” explained Alexandra Gazis, associate director of Student Accessibility Services at AUC and course instructor. “The primary goal is to provide attendees who do not have a disability with a short, experiential understanding of how simple, everyday tasks can become exclusionary, especially when various barriers are present.”

The purpose of this simulation was to help raise awareness of the ways that disabilities impact daily life and the ways that the AUC community can think through necessary accommodations by being conscious of what it's like to live with disabilities.

“The simulation was a great way to raise awareness of the realities of living day to day as a student with a disability,” shared Grainne Condron, one of the students in the class. “I see this collaboration between staff and students as making strides toward real change.”

Additionally, AUC will be lighting the plaza and Bassily Auditorium in purple on December 3 to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities. AUC will be the first institution to light its buildings purple for this occasion in Egypt, marking once again its commitment to accessibility and visibility.