Launch of the Third Graduation Projects Marathon at Benha University - May 2026

Prof. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, announced the launch of the third graduation projects marathon for 2026 under the slogan "From Graduation Project… To Startup." This event will take place during May 2026 and aligns with the state's direction to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and the knowledge-based economy, in line with the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research 2030.
Prof. El-Gizawy indicated that the marathon aims to transform graduation projects into viable prototypes (MVPs) and startups that contribute to supporting the national economy and addressing developmental challenges, particularly in the fields of energy, water, food, and climate. He explained that the application process will begin this May for graduating students from various faculties of the university.
The strategic themes of the marathon include:
• Sustainable Energy: Focusing on renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and smart grids.
• Water and Natural Resources: Covering water resource management, smart irrigation systems, and water desalination and treatment.
• Agriculture and Food Security: Involving smart agriculture, livestock production, food industries, and food safety.
• Climate, Sustainability, and Green Economy: Addressing carbon emission reduction, circular economy, waste management, and green manufacturing.
Prof. Nasser El-Gizawy stated that the marathon will also include themes on smart technology and digital transformation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, Cybersecurity, and digital applications. Other themes include health innovation and biotechnology in medical devices, digital health, biotechnology, and animal health, as well as industry and production systems in industrial automation, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and smart supply chains. There will also be a focus on entrepreneurship and the creative economy in business models, digital transformation, community solutions, and creative industries.
Prof. Gehan Abdel-Hady, Vice President for postgraduate Studies and Research, added that the marathon targets graduating students from various faculties, enhancing integration among different disciplines and linking scientific research with community and industry needs. She noted that the university places great importance on supporting student innovation and transforming outstanding ideas into growth and investment-ready projects.
Prof. Ayman Samir, Advisor to the President for Innovation, stated that participation requirements include that the project must be an approved graduation project from the faculty, and the team should consist of 3 to 5 students under academic supervision, with a commitment to presenting a prototype (Prototype / MVP) that demonstrates the project's practical viability.
He added that evaluation criteria will include innovation and creativity, community and environmental impact, feasibility, and the quality of presentation and documentation. The total prizes amount to 240,000 Egyptian pounds, with 30,000 pounds allocated for each theme, distributed as follows: 12,000 pounds for first place, 10,000 pounds for second place, and 8,000 pounds for third place.
Link to participate in the marathon: https://marathon.bu.edu.eg/