Celebrating the people, organizations, and ideas shaping the future of Syria's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Nominations close on Nov 27th
The Startup Syria Awards honor the founders, innovators, and community builders who are creating meaningful impact across Syria and the region. Nominate a leader, a project, or an organization that deserves to be recognized.
The Startup Syria Awards spotlight the most inspiring achievements in our entrepreneurial community. From breakout startups to lifelong changemakers, these awards are designed to celebrate resilience, creativity, and impact.
Each nomination is reviewed by an independent jury made up of respected experts, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
The winners will be announced during the Startup Syria Annual Gathering 2025.
Open to Syrian founders, Syrian-led startups, or organizations working with or for Syrian communities globally.
Recognizing a startup that demonstrated remarkable growth, innovation, and measurable impact. This award focuses on early to mid-stage companies that turned challenges into momentum and set new benchmarks for excellence.
Honoring a founder who showed exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication. This person embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship resilient, resourceful, and relentlessly committed to building something meaningful.
Celebrating an organization nonprofit, incubator, accelerator, social enterprise, or company that played a significant role in supporting Syrian startups or contributing to economic and social development.
The Startup Syria Awards aren't just trophies on a shelf. They're a spotlight, a platform, and a recognition of the people shaping the future of our ecosystem.
Applying puts your story in front of regional experts, investors, and partners who are deeply connected to entrepreneurship across the Middle East. It's a chance to showcase your progress, celebrate your resilience, and gain credibility that strengthens your brand and opens new doors.
For startups, this can mean new partnerships, more visibility, and stronger trust with customers and investors.
For entrepreneurs, it's a way to highlight leadership, inspire others, and build recognition within a growing global community.
For organizations, it signals commitment, impact, and a tangible contribution to empowering Syrian founders.
A selection of respected leaders from the Syrian and global entrepreneurship community.
Fadi Bishara
Startup Syria Chairman
Startup Syria Chairman
Founder and CEO of Blackbox.Chairman at Startup Syria Entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder with over 20 years of experience in Silicon Valley.Fadi has worked with hundreds of founders and startup organizations worldwide, helping them scale, build global networks, and access international markets.
Muhammad Kaswani
Managing Director at Mortage Finder
Managing Director at Mortage Finder
Managing Director, Mortrage Finder at Property Finder. 15+ years of experience in real estate and tech innovation.Led the launch and growth of ventures across the MEA region, including Urban and CAFU.
Dania Ismaiel
Board Member at Jusoor
Board Member at Jusoor
Director of Strategy and Business Development at Telfaz11, and Co-founder & Board Member at Jusoor. A strategic leader with deep experience in media, creative industries, and nonprofit development.
Sinan Hatahet
Co-Founder at Workiom
Co-Founder at Workiom
Co-Founder at Workiom, entrepreneur, and firm believer in the potential of the MENA region.Leading Workiom, a cloud platform for building custom- designed business applications for SMEs, he has achieved significant success in the health tourism, real estate marketing, and education sectors.
Celine Kasem
Human Rights Activist
Human Rights Activist
Media Executive and Human Rights Activist, specializes in raising awareness about crimes against humanity, political injustices, and global issues.With extensive experience in media and communications, Celine is a leading figure in advocacy and social change.
Bassel Dayyani
Digital Strategy and AI at Ovivo
Digital Strategy and AI at Ovivo
Head of Digital Innovation and Senior Advisor, Digital Strategy and AI at Ovivo. Scientist and entrepreneur with 30 + years of experience in Silicon Valley and at NASA.Worked with IBM, Microsoft, and Unisys.
Nibal Idilbi
Senior Policy Expert in ICT
Senior Policy Expert in ICT
Chief of Innovation at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia(UN- ESCWA). Senior policy expert in ICT, knowledge economy, and Science, Technology & Innovation(STI) for sustainable development.
Caroline Ayoub
Entrepreneur, Co-founder & COO of Khibraty
Entrepreneur, Co-founder & COO of Khibraty
Specialist in the future of work, talent solutions, and on-demand expertise across the MENA region.
Anwar Al-Mujrkesh
Inventor and Entrepreneur.
Inventor and Entrepreneur.
Founder & CEO of Innovation Factory (since 2015) and Braci Ltd (since 2012). Anwar is known for developing award-winning assistive and safety technologies.
Adnan Trabishi
CEO of Y2Ad and Co-founder of Second Step.
CEO of Y2Ad and Co-founder of Second Step.
Adnan Tarabishy is a distinguished business leader and master networker with a proven record of building strategic partnerships across the Middle East and North Africa.
Bassel Ojjeh
Co-founder and CEO of LigaData.
Co-founder and CEO of LigaData.
Bassel Ojjeh is a technology leader and entrepreneur whose career has been dedicated to building advanced data technologies and products that enhance business performance and drive revenue growth.
Yazan Alkhatib
Credit Manager at Near East Foundation
Credit Manager at Near East Foundation
Finance professional with significant experience in Fixed Income, Credit, and Risk Management, Corporate Sales, Trading
Anyone can submit a nomination. You may nominate yourself or put forward someone you believe deserves recognition. We encourage community members, colleagues, mentors, and organizations to participate.