In a region where summers are growing hotter and water is becoming scarcer, one Lebanese startup is looking 4,000 years into the past to find answers, and turning them into a thriving business.  

Meet OyaWay , the first company to bring oyas, ancient clay irrigation pots, to the Lebanese and broader MENA market. The concept is elegantly simple: a porous ceramic vessel buried near a plant’s roots slowly releases water directly into the soil through osmosis, delivering exactly what the plant needs, when it needs it, with near-zero waste from evaporation or surface runoff.  

The result? Up to 70% less water used, and plants that thrive on their own, without daily attention from their owners  

70%  

water saved vs. conventional irrigation  

4,000  

years of proven irrigation history behind the oya technique  

1st  

company to market oyas in Lebanon and the region  

The Problem Worth Solving  

Watering plants and gardens sounds simple enough. But for millions of households and businesses across Lebanon and the wider MENA region, it is anything but. Between the fear of over or underwatering, the daily time commitment, and the mounting anxiety of water shortages during peak summer months, many people end up either neglecting their plants or wasting precious water in the process.  

OyaWay’s founders identified this friction and responded not by reinventing the wheel, but by reviving and updating one of humanity’s most time-tested inventions. Their clay oyas, manufactured locally, act as underground reservoirs. Buried at the root level, water slowly and consistently seep through their micropores into the surrounding soil. Plants draw moisture only when they need it, with watering taking place over 5 to 10 days on average.   

“Oyas provide both households and businesses with an easy, convenient, and hassle-free watering system that allows plants to take just the right amount of water, only when needed”.  

— Paul Samaha, Founder  

From Selection to Acceleration: OyaWay’s Journey Inside ScaleSmart  

OyaWay was selected as one of only four startups to join the third batch of ScaleSmart, Berytech’s competitive pre-investment acceleration program designed to help growth-stage companies become investment-ready.   

Since joining, OyaWay has been immersed in an intensive, structured program that spans financial modeling, marketing strategy, governance, fundraising, and product development, all tailored to the unique realities of each startup.  

December 2025
Application & Outreach  

OyaWay applied to ScaleSmart Batch 3 following Berytech’s outreach events including the Raise Smart Webinar and the Meet the Sharks event.  

January 2026  
Due Diligence & Selection  

After passing due diligence checks and ScaleSmart interviews as a Top 10 candidate, OyaWay was selected into the final cohort of four startups.  

February 2026  
Induction & Needs Assessment  

OyaWay completed its online induction with the ScaleSmart team, submitted a self-assessment, and began one-on-one needs assessment clinics with the Investment Unit.  

February – April 2026  
Workshops & Expert Clinics  

Intensive workshops in financial modeling & valuation, marketing & growth hacking, and personalized clinics in product optimization and growth strategy with external industry experts.  

May – June 2026  
Fundraising, Governance & Pitching  

Workshops and clinics in fundraising roadmap, sales strategy, governance for scaling, and now pitching, with the demo day approaching.  

What OyaWay Is Building Right Now  

Being first to market always comes with a particular challenge: you must educate your audience before you can sell to them. Very few people in Lebanon, let alone the wider MENA region, have heard of oyas, and OyaWay’s team is acutely aware of this. A significant focus of their work inside ScaleSmart is figuring out the right strategies to raise awareness and bring a genuinely unfamiliar product into the mainstream.

“What works, says Paul, founder, is word of mouth - which allowed us to secure deals with offices, restaurants, and guest houses. In the end, both businesses and households face the same watering challenges”. 

Challenges Faced, Current Focus, and ScaleSmart’s Support   

One of OyaWay’s biggest priorities upon entering ScaleSmart was gaining a thorough understanding of its finances and validating its multi-year sales projections with confidence. Today, the team is focused on raising awareness in a first-to-market category while scoping the operational needs to establish its own oya manufacturing unit. Through ScaleSmart, OyaWay is also building a solid growth strategy with concrete KPIs to measure success and strengthen its readiness for future investors.  

The Vision  

Looking ahead, OyaWay envisions sustainable growth through investor partnerships and continuous product innovation for households and businesses across the MENA region.  

On the operational side, OyaWay is also working toward establishing its own manufacturing unit, a move that would allow greater quality control, scalability, and cost efficiency as demand grows. It is an ambitious goal that the ScaleSmart program is helping them plan for methodically.  

Why This Matters Beyond the Business  

Lebanon faces one of the most acute water stress challenges in the world. As climate change intensifies summer droughts and public water infrastructure remains unreliable, solutions that drastically reduce water consumption are not just commercially interesting; they are genuinely necessary. OyaWay’s product sits at the rare intersection of ecological responsibility, cultural heritage, and practical everyday utility.  

Looking Ahead 

As ScaleSmart Batch 3 heads into its final stretch, OyaWay is preparing to take their growth further with exposure, networking, and opportunities at upcoming ScaleSmart matchmaking and investment events. But their ambition stretches beyond:   

The team aspires to use ScaleSmart’s offerings to establish OyaWay as the definitive name in sustainable irrigation across MENA, continuously innovating their product for both households and businesses, and building the kind of investor-backed foundation that turns a first-mover advantage into lasting market leadership.  

“We want to leverage ScaleSmart’s mentorship, resources and network connections to set OyaWay on the path for healthy growth through strong partnerships, and to innovate our offerings for both households and businesses in the MENA region.”  

–  OyaWay Team  

Follow OyaWay’s journey on Instagram and LinkedIn, and explore their full product range at oyaway.com.  

The post Ancient Wisdom, Modern Impact: OyaWay Brings a 4,000-Year-Old Solution to the MENA’s Water Crisis  appeared first on Berytech.

Some startups scale their product; others scale their vision. Awfarli did something rarer: it scaled its purpose, evolving from a consumer app into technology that now sits inside Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade. 

When Hussein joined ScaleSmart as part of an early Berytech cohort, Awfarli was a functioning mobile app with a clear mission: help Lebanese consumers compare supermarket prices, make smarter purchasing decisions, and navigate an economic landscape where price transparency was sorely lacking. The app worked, the need was real, but a bigger question remained: what kind of company could Awfarli truly become? 

A year later, that question has a remarkable answer. Awfarli’s technology and learnings have been woven into the broader innovation work of HTech, its holding company, and the platform now powers a dashboard used by Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade, following the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding. What began as a consumer price tracker has become part of the country’s public-sector infrastructure for market transparency. 

Where It All Started 

By the time Awfarli entered ScaleSmart, it was not a prototype or an idea, it was a live product. The app and its accompanying analytics dashboard were fully operational, the market need had been validated, and the team had built genuine technology to address price opacity in Lebanon’s retail sector. 

The challenge was never about proving the problem existed, it was about direction. As Hussein explains, the team was already thinking beyond the consumer app, sensing that the real value of what they had built extended to businesses, institutions, and policymakers. ScaleSmart came at exactly the right moment to help them structure that next phase with rigor and strategic clarity. 

When they joined ScaleSmart 

• PA validated consumer app looking for its next chapter 

• Live mobile app and analytics dashboard 

• Proven need for price transparency 

• Focused on consumer downloads and user activity 

• Business model not yet fully structured 

• Potential for institutional use unexplored 

One year later 

• A data platform embedded in national infrastructure 

• Technology deployed at the Ministry of Economy 

• MoU signed through holding company HTech 

• Repositioned as a market transparency & data platform 

• Clear revenue streams, unit economics, and stakeholder value 

• Integrated into HTech’s public-sector innovation work 

The Shift That Changed Everything 

Inside ScaleSmart, the most important transformation was not operational, it was conceptual. The program pushed Hussein and his team to move past vanity metrics and think more seriously about the fundamentals: revenue streams, unit economics, long-term sustainability, and, crucially, who the real stakeholders of a price transparency platform actually are. 

The answer that emerged reshaped everything. Awfarli was not just useful to individual shoppers making decisions at the supermarket aisle. Its data, infrastructure, and analytical capabilities were potentially far more valuable to businesses benchmarking competition, and to government institutions trying to monitor, regulate, and protect consumers at scale. 

“The program pushed us to think beyond downloads and user activity, and to focus more seriously on revenue streams, unit economics, stakeholder value, and long-term sustainability.” 

Hussein, Founder, Awfarli / HTech 

This reframing, from “price comparison app” to “market transparency and data-driven platform”, opened an entirely different category of opportunity. Within a year, it led directly to the most significant milestone in the company’s history. 

From Startup to State Partnership 

The MoU with Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade is more than a commercial win. It is a validation that the problem Awfarli set out to solve, the lack of price transparency in Lebanon’s consumer market, is recognized at the highest levels of government as a structural, national challenge. What began as a tool for consumers is now helping policymakers monitor market dynamics and protect consumers at scale. 

MoU 

signed with Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade through HTech 

Live 

dashboard actively used by the Ministry for market transparency 

HTech 

holding company now integrating Awfarli into broader public-sector innovation work 

This evolution reflects a broader thesis that ScaleSmart helped crystallize: the most durable tech businesses in Lebanon are not those that chase the consumer market alone, but those that build infrastructure, data, platforms, and systems that governments, businesses, and institutions are willing to depend on. Awfarli, it turned out, had been building exactly that, without yet fully realizing it. 

Advice for the Next Founder Walking Through the Door 

When asked what he would tell a founder considering applying to ScaleSmart, Hussein did not lead with the workshops or the network: 

“Join only if you are ready to be challenged. ScaleSmart is not only useful for improving your pitch or business plan, it pushes you to question the fundamentals of your startup, your model, your growth path, and the way you communicate your value. Enter the program with an open mind, be honest about what is not working, and use the feedback to sharpen both the business and the vision.” 

For Awfarli, that process produced something concrete: a technology platform now embedded in Lebanon’s public-sector infrastructure, a holding company with institutional credibility, and a founder who understands the difference between building a product and building a platform with real, lasting impact. 

The post From App to National Infrastructure: How Awfarli Grew Beyond Its Own Vision  appeared first on Berytech.

To change this, the Cluster Connect initiative—funded by the European Union under the EuroMed Clusters Forward program and coordinated by ANIMA Investment Network—has been set in motion. Berytech, as the regional implementing partner, is enabling clusters in the MENA region to connect with their European counterparts, designing and facilitating twinning missions that open new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

These missions are more than visits. They are structured journeys: from needs assessments and virtual exchanges to immersive study trips where clusters work directly with their hosts. Each step is designed to ensure practical outcomes, long-term collaboration, and stronger cluster ecosystems back home.

Stories of Collaboration and Success

Tunisia – Cluster Huile d’Olive du Nord Ouest

Host: Italy – EuroMed Group
Focus: Gourmet olive oil production and export market entry

In the olive groves of north-western Tunisia, tradition met opportunity. Through Cluster Connect, the cluster explored Italian expertise in gourmet production, visiting olive mills and engaging with local authorities in Bari on potential trade partnerships. They returned with three collaborations in motion and a clear export strategy—bridging Tunisian production with European demand.

Palestine – Hebron Leather and Shoe Cluster (HLSC)

Host: Spain – Leather Cluster Barcelona
Focus: Sustainability and access to finance

Leatherworking is Hebron’s legacy, but the future lies in greener practices and stronger financing models. In Barcelona, the HLSC participated in workshops on sustainable production and engaged directly with Spanish peers. The mission produced a signed Memorandum of Understanding and three new international connections, formalizing a path to more sustainable and competitive leather goods.

Morocco – Cluster Electrique, Electronique, et Mecatronique du Maroc (CE3M)

Host: France – Team Henri Fabre
Focus: Industry 4.0 and digital transformation

Morocco’s CE3M cluster used its mission to dive into the future of manufacturing. From hands-on training in IoT and 3D printing to preparing a national Industry 4.0 forum, the experience gave the cluster both the tools and the confidence to lead digital transformation locally. By the end, three new services were launched, supported by eight fresh partnerships with European counterparts.

Morocco – Moroccan Denim and Fashion Cluster (MDFC)

Host: Spain – MODACC
Focus: Eco-design and circular fashion

The MDFC cluster explored Catalonia’s textile ecosystem, immersing itself in models of eco-design and sustainable innovation. These encounters sparked three new project proposals and strategies for improved governance and incubation, paving the way for Moroccan fashion to play a larger role in the global shift toward circular textiles.

Egypt – Egyptian Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC)

Host: Spain – AMEC
Focus: Governance, logistics, and innovation

EREC’s mission was about building stronger systems inside the cluster and introducing sustainable solutions for its members. Visits to DFactory, EURECAT, and Barcelona Port offered insights into green innovation and smart logistics. The mission led to the creation of three new services and the drafting of a partnership with PIMEC, strengthening Egypt’s role in sustainable industrial practices.

Morocco – Cluster Menara

Host: Netherlands – Eco System Navigators
Focus: Certification and market access

In the Netherlands, Menara learned how Dutch SMEs leverage certification and flexible models to penetrate new markets. Through strategic meetings with funders and companies, the cluster returned with three new services, five improved offerings, and ten active collaborations. The mission also helped define three strategic plans to guide its growth in agrifood and cosmetics sectors.

Tunisia – Cluster Mecatronic Tunisie (CMT)

Host: Germany – WFG Wirtschaftsförderung Raum Heilbronn GmbH
Focus: Quality management and CRM development

CMT’s mission focused on improving internal cluster processes to better serve its members. With German support, they enhanced their CRM system and engaged with leading European clusters and the University of Heilbronn. Four new connections and two collaborations emerged from this mission, along with a new strategy for performance analysis and member engagement.

Berytech as an Enabler

Behind every mission, Berytech has played a critical role: identifying cluster needs, designing tailored action plans, matching clusters with the right hosts, and ensuring that the outcomes go beyond meetings to become lasting strategies and partnerships.

By acting as an enabler, Berytech is ensuring that clusters not only connect but also grow, innovate, and compete internationally.

Building a Shared Future

The first wave of Cluster Connect missions has demonstrated the power of twinning: practical services upgraded, new collaborations forged, and strategies reshaped for sustainability and competitiveness.

This is proof that when clusters connect, entire economies move forward. We’re not done yet. Stay tuned for what’s next, and if you’re ready to do business, we’re only an email away: jessica.hajjar@berytech.org.

The post Around the Mediterranean with Cluster Connect: Berytech Enabling Regional Collaboration appeared first on Berytech.

A: At Gharset Kheir, we are dedicated to creating food security by preserving and promoting Lebanese heirloom seeds. These native seeds are crucial for reducing costs and increasing profits for small farmers, offering a diverse array of crops with unique flavors that help differentiate them from competitors. Our journey began with a passion for Lebanon’s agricultural heritage, leading us to collaborate with local farmers to ensure the quality of our seeds. 

Our fully integrated agricultural baskets are a cornerstone of our mission, providing ready-to-plant solutions that make it easy for households to achieve self-sufficiency. Each basket is designed to be accessible and practical, fostering a green economy and promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, we offer high-quality, tested, and trusted seeds for agricultural institutions and nurseries, ensuring the reliability and success of their planting endeavors. 

Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it? 

A: One of our biggest achievements in our entrepreneurial journey was creating a team of over 250 brand ambassadors who help us encourage families to plant their own gardens. In 2022, we successfully launched more than 12,000 integrated agricultural baskets. This milestone demonstrated the market demand for our products and reinforced the importance of our mission to support sustainable agriculture. The lesson we learned from this success is the power of community engagement and the value of building strong relationships with our customers and partners. 

Q: What are the main challenges you faced throughout your journey? 

A: The main challenge is consistently trying to reduce production costs while maintaining the quality of our seeds and renewing them each year. 

Q: How did you overcome these challenges? 

A: To overcome these challenges, we have collaborated with over 48 small farmers to boost production this year. Additionally, we rented a 48,000 square meter plot to ensure seed quality. By reducing outsourcing expenses, we managed to cut costs by over 30%. We also applied to the Agrytech program to benefit from resources, mentorship, networking, and grants, which played a crucial role in lowering our production costs. 

Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program? What were you hoping to achieve through it? 

A: We applied to the Agrytech program to gain access to resources, mentorship, and a network that could help us scale our operations and refine our business model. Additionally, we sought to benefit from the grants offered by the program, which played a crucial role in reducing our production costs. 

Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup? 

A: Our long-term goals as a startup include increasing the number of rooted seeds and their varieties. We aim to be a leading provider of heirloom seeds and sustainable agricultural solutions, contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability. Moreover, we aspire to make Lebanese heirloom seeds accessible worldwide. 

Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? 

A: What I enjoy most about being an entrepreneur is the ability to create positive change and witness the tangible impact of our work on communities and the environment. It is incredibly rewarding to see our products help people grow their food and practice sustainable farming. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program? 

A: Stay focused on your mission, be open to learning from both successes and failures and leverage the network and resources provided by the program. Building strong relationships with mentors and peers can significantly enhance your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t lose sight of your dream and trust yourself. 

About Agrytech 

Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors. 

The post Gharset Kheir (Q&A): Sowing The Seeds of Sustainability  appeared first on Berytech.

A: At LOOP, we farm garden snails and extract snail slime using our patented machine, ensuring high-quality, sustainable, and natural raw material for cosmetic and pharmaceutical manufacturing. 
Our motivation stemmed from the product’s potential and the challenges associated with it, including past unfavorable reviews. Our first manual prototype took four hours to extract four liters, a highly productive effort. 
Our solution benefits: 

• End users: They receive unmatched natural remedy results. 

• Manufacturers: They gain access to a superior natural raw material. 

•  Sustainability: Aligns with SDGs: Zero Hunger, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land. 

Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it? 

 A: Our biggest achievement was the successful first extraction that validated our process. This was followed by securing a patent and attracting an angel investor. Participating in programs like the PSL program funded by USAID and the Agrytech program by Berytech also stands out. The key lesson we learned is the importance of persistence and leveraging available resources. 

Q: What are the main challenges you faced throughout your journey? 

A: Being an entrepreneur comes with multiple challenges, most of the challenges we had to deal with included finding the right consultants and navigating government regulations that aren’t readily accessible. 

Q: How did you overcome these challenges?  

 A: We couldn’t emphasize enough how important patience is. By persisting and having faith in our objective and its results, we became confident in our success. This made finding solutions both fun and enjoyable. 

Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program? What were you hoping to achieve through it?  

A: Initially, applying to the Agrytech program was a challenging yet rewarding journey. I met the Berytech team for the first time in 2017 in The University of Balamand, and although we faced rejections three times, these experiences helped us refine and expand our idea. Our perseverance paid off when we were accepted into Batch 6. The team members were perfectly positioned, delivering messages effectively and providing unwavering support for our advancement and the company’s growth. The expectations were high, and the outcomes exceeded them. 

Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup? 

A: Although we are aware that our snails produce a wide range of byproducts, our ultimate goal as a start-up is to become the forefront of snail farming and production in Lebanon and the MENA region. 

Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?  

A: The first thing that springs to mind is freedom—the freedom to make decisions and work at your own pace. However, that same freedom comes with a great deal of responsibility. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program? 

A: Accept the feedback, go with the flow, have fun, and make the most of the experience. Above all, be proactive and adhere to deadlines and deliverables because this will help you accelerate your startup at a faster pace. 

About Agrytech 

Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors. 

The post LOOP (Q&A): Transforming Skincare with Snail Slime  appeared first on Berytech.

A: Proshield provides solar-powered heating solutions for poultry farms, combining solar energy with conventional fuels for reliable heating regardless of weather changes. 

Driven by concerns over energy costs and environmental impact, we identified the need for sustainable alternatives in poultry farming. Inspired by a passion for sustainability, we developed our solution to address these challenges while delivering tangible benefits to poultry farm owners. 

Our innovative approach benefits farmers by offering cost savings, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, ultimately enhancing profitability and long-term viability in the industry. By harnessing solar energy, Proshield is leading the way towards a greener future for poultry farming, benefiting both farmers and the environment. 

Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it? 

A: One significant achievement to highlight during our entrepreneurial journey is successfully piloting and implementing our solar-powered heating solutions in multiple poultry farms in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. This accomplishment not only validated the effectiveness of our technology in real-world agricultural settings but also demonstrated our ability to overcome challenges and deliver tangible value to our customers. 

Q: What are the main challenges you faced throughout your journey? 

A: We faced significant difficulties in our entrepreneurial journey, caused by the instability in Lebanon. These challenges included social and financial uncertainties that caused struggles in securing enough liquidity to fund our various activities. We also faced resistance from many poultry farm owners to adopt new technologies. 

Q: How did you overcome these challenges? 

A: To overcome these unique challenges, we employed several strategies: 

• Adaptation and Resilience: We remained flexible, continuously monitored the situation, and adjusted our strategies to mitigate risks. 

• Diversification of Markets: We expanded our target markets to include more stable neighboring countries like Cyprus and Saudi Arabia, diversifying our revenue streams. 

• Impact-led Partnerships and Communication: We enhanced our efforts through partnerships, educational sessions, branding efforts, and an opening ceremony to boost communication and outreach. 

Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program? What were you hoping to achieve through it? 

A: We applied to the Agrytech program with the goal of leveraging the resources, support, and expertise offered by the accelerator to accelerate our growth, scale our business, and expand our network. 

Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup? 

A: As a startup, our long-term goals include expanding into new markets and achieving sustainable growth while continuing to innovate and deliver value to our customers. Specifically, we aim to establish a strong foothold beyond Lebanon, particularly in markets such as Saudi Arabia and Cyprus. 

Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? 

A: One of the most enjoyable aspects of being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to pursue my passion and bring my vision to life. As an entrepreneur, I have the freedom to innovate, create, and shape the direction of my venture according to my own values and aspirations. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program? 

A: Embrace the learning experience and take full advantage of the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided. Be open to learning from experienced mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. Use their insights to refine your business model and strategy, and grow rapidly. 

About Agrytech 

Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors. 

The post Proshield (Q&A): Solar-Powered Poultry Solutions  appeared first on Berytech.

A: Dr. Feed is dedicated to producing high-quality livestock feed. Our innovative approach focuses not only on superior nutrition but also on sustainable practices by incorporating food waste, including agricultural and food processing waste, as part of our feed raw materials. 

Dr. Feed was born after witnessing the financial and social challenges faced by Lebanese farmers from October 2022 to May 2023 during the economic crisis. Farmers were forced to reduce their livestock numbers and sometimes cease their operations, seeking other employment opportunities because they could no longer afford to feed their animals. Additionally, we saw the mishandling of biowaste, which was either landfilled or openly dumped, having a detrimental effect on the environment. Our solution primarily benefits livestock farmers, creating a positive impact on their lives and the environment. 

Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it? 

A: Our highlighted achievement would be taking the first step forward and getting started. The lesson learned is the power of initiative and embracing the unknown. This emphasizes the importance of proactive decision-making and forward momentum in entrepreneurship, as progress often begins with the first step, despite uncertainty or challenges. 

Q: What are the main challenges you faced throughout your journey? 

A: The main challenges we faced included financial difficulties, scaling up operations, and handling biowaste. 

Q: How did you overcome these challenges? 

A: To overcome financial challenges, we secured funds through the IdeaLab 2023 and the Agrytech accelerator program 2023-2024, which provided us with the necessary financial support and resources. For scaling up operations, we focused on building strategic partnerships and collaborations to share resources and reduce operational costs. This included securing a production facility equipped with advanced machinery. To handle high-moisture (wet) biowaste, we temporarily switched to low-moisture (dry) biowaste to produce safe animal feed while working on a long-term innovation for handling wet biowaste. 

Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program and what were you able to achieve through it? 

A: We applied to the Agrytech program to turn our innovative idea into a market-ready product, accelerate our business growth, join a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, and access funding and resources. 

Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup? 

A: Our long-term goals include diversifying the types of waste streams we utilize in our products, increasing the percentage of waste used in our products, expanding our production capacity to fit market demand, ongoing research and development to improve our products, and improving our sustainability practices, including contamination-free treatment of wet biowaste. We also aim to expand to new market regions, targeting different areas in Lebanon after our first target market, Nabatieh Governate. 

Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? 

A: Creating a positive impact in our community and contributing to a more sustainable future is what we enjoy most about being entrepreneurs. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program? 

A: Get ready for change—your startup will come out of the program smarter, stronger, and better prepared to take on new challenges. 

About Agrytech 

Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors. 

The post Dr. Feed (Q&A): Sustainable Impact on Livestock Feeding  appeared first on Berytech.

A: Daily Dough provides healthy, pliable gluten-free bread options that empower individuals with dietary restrictions. Our journey began by observing the struggles faced by my university students, who tirelessly searched for satisfying gluten-free bread options. Witnessing their frustrations and disappointments fueled my determination to make a difference, not only in their lives but also in the lives of countless others facing similar challenges. 

Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it? 

A: Driven also by the economic crisis, lockdown periods, and lack of many raw ingredients in the market, I embarked on a personal mission to experiment in my kitchen, explore alternative flavors, and develop gluten-free bread. A bread that not only met dietary restrictions but also delighted the senses with its taste, texture, and nutritional value. 

Among gluten-free products available in the Lebanese market, we noticed a big lack and need for gluten-free bread. Our gluten-free bread is a great solution for those seeking an alternative to wheat bread where they still enjoy the same characteristics, taste, pliability, and caloric content as our gluten-free bread. Gluten sensitivity is increasing among populations, and thereby the gluten-free market is expected to have significant growth for the upcoming ten years. 

Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program and what were you able to achieve through it? 

A: Our entrepreneurship journey started with Berytech programs and specifically with Agrytech’s acceleration and incubation phases. Due to financial support, we now have our own facility with all industrial equipment and tools to produce our gluten-free breads. 

Our team is from a scientific and business background, but we did not have any previous experience in startup business. With the Agrytech program, we were able to acquire much expertise in business development and build a successful business model. We developed our MVP product, validated our product, acquired our brand identity and packaging, tested our product shelf-life analysis, and studied market dynamics and competitors. 

Applying to the Agrytech program was the best investment we have ever made. It allowed us to access structured learning, funding, networking, resources, credibility, and community support to start our business. In fact, we achieved more than we hoped for from the program. The motivation and team encouragement helped us reach milestones that accelerated our business. 

Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup? 

A: Our long-term goals are to have a successful industrial company that develops many products (gluten-free breads, gluten-free healthy wraps, gluten-free snacks). We are also aiming to expand our market. 

Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? 

A: Switching from an academic mentality to a business mindset has been a significant and enjoyable part of our entrepreneurial experience. Bringing innovative ideas to life, turning a concept into a tangible product that can positively impact people’s lives, is both exciting and rewarding. 

Another aspect we appreciate is autonomy, freedom, and control over our work. As entrepreneurs, we can set our own goals, make strategic decisions, and steer the business in a direction that aligns with our vision and values. This level of ownership and responsibility is empowering and motivating. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program? 

A: Our advice for the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program is to be well-disciplined, consistent, listen carefully to expert feedback, follow all expert workshops and clinics, and discuss all your concerns and challenges with the team. They will support you and cover all aspects needed to start a successful business. 

About Agrytech 

Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors. 

The post Daily Dough (Q&A): A Gluten-Free Recipe for Success appeared first on Berytech.

A: AgriWorm Solutions specializes in sustainable agriculture through vertical mealworm farming, producing premium-grade protein flour and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. We harness the natural capabilities of mealworms to create high-value products that address global protein shortages and soil health concerns. Our journey began with a shared passion for sustainable practices and a desire to innovate in the agricultural sector. Through extensive research and development, we refined our farming techniques and established Agriworm Solutions. Our solution benefits poultry, livestock, and aqua fish producers by providing them with a reliable source of protein and organic fertilizer, ultimately improving animal health and crop productivity. 

Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it? 

A: Our biggest achievement has been scaling up our operations and moving to a larger facility for farming. This expansion signifies our growth and progress in the industry. The lesson we learned from this achievement is the importance of taking steady steps and exercising patience. Building a successful startup requires resilience and persistence, and staying focused on our goals has been crucial to overcoming obstacles and achieving milestones. 

Q: What are the main challenges you faced throughout your journey? 

A: The main challenges we faced in our entrepreneurial journey include overcoming skepticism and resistance to our innovative ideas, as well as navigating the complexities of establishing and operating a mealworm farm.  

Q: How did you overcome these challenges? 

A: To overcome these challenges, we adopted a trial-and-error approach, constantly learning from our experiences and refining our methods. Participating in the Agrytech accelerator program provided us with invaluable support, access to experts, and guidance to address our challenges effectively. 

Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program? What were you hoping to achieve through it? 

A: We applied to the Agrytech program seeking information, assistance, and support to accelerate our startup’s growth. Our goal was to gain insights from industry experts, access resources to refine our business model and establish valuable connections within the agricultural ecosystem. 

Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup? 

A: Our long-term goals as a startup include pioneering mealworm farming in the region, establishing a well-established farm, and raising awareness of the importance of mealworms as a sustainable protein source and their frass as a soil enhancer. We aim to become a leading player in the agricultural industry, contributing positively to food security and environmental sustainability. 

Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? 

A: One of the most enjoyable aspects of being an entrepreneur is the journey itself — a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. Celebrating successes, big or small, with our team brings immense joy and fulfillment, motivating us to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program? 

A: To someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program, I would advise embracing the journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. Recognize that the entrepreneurial path is not linear, and setbacks are inevitable. Stay resilient, stay focused on your goals, and leverage the resources and support available through the program to overcome challenges and achieve success. 

About Agrytech 

Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors. 

The post Agriworm Solutions (Q&A): Turning Bugs into Breakthroughs  appeared first on Berytech.

In the face of numerous challenges and crises that Lebanon has endured over the past five years, one undeniable fact remains: environmental sustainability has not been pushed aside. 

As more and more initiatives are coming into existence, innovative ideas that deal with the reduction and recycling of waste are evolving. This is the case with Sustain Ability, a Lebanese startup that is one of the three winners that are currently under incubation phase 2 of the DAWERR Innovation Challenge 2023, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Berytech.  

In an interview with the founders of Sustain Ability, Raja Abi Saab and Andre Mahfouz, we delve into the different channels through which they are recycling. 

Q: How did you come up with the idea for Sustain Ability? 

A:  Coming off recurrent waste crises, we started in 2021 as a small pilot project with a minivan to see if there was any interest in recycling, especially in the rural areas of Mount Lebanon. After being pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback we received, we recognized the potential of expanding the project into a full-fledged solution. 

We wanted a recycling system that reaches everyone and is equally effective with the different customer sensitivities because it’s imperative to include everyone in recycling. 

Q: Can you tell us more about Sustain Ability? 

A: Sustain Ability is mostly known for its active recycling arm, Green Mount Recycling (GMR). We provide a holistic waste management solution. Through our public-private partnership, we engage municipalities looking to divert valuable recyclables from bins and landfills, businesses looking to valorize their waste, and residents looking to contribute to clean and green neighborhoods. 

To date, we have partnered with 16 municipalities in Mount Lebanon. Our operations include residential and commercial recyclable waste collection, the operation of Yalla Return stores where we provide cash for trash or donation stores through our partnership with Nadeera Technologies, and street sweeping. All our operations are enabled through comprehensive awareness campaigns and technology. 

Q: What differentiates you from the other recycling startups in Lebanon? 

A: At Sustain Ability, we are deploying our waste management toolkit within our area of operation, and this type of solution is great a step forward towards achieving the goal of decentralizing waste management and making it as sustainable as possible on all fronts. The model can be replicated in other underserved areas of Lebanon, focusing on rural and semi-rural areas of Mount Lebanon. 

Q: What types of services do you offer? 

A: Our value chain includes awareness, collection, secondary sorting at our facility in Ras el Matn, and recycling of some materials. We have a waste-management toolkit that entails multiple collection streams depending on customer sensitivity: 

• For households that want convenience, we offer a door-to-door collection. 
• For people who need incentives, we offer monetization of recyclables through the Yalla Return Stores that we operate. 
• For businesses, we offer bulk deals to valorize their recyclables. 
• For the recyclables that fall through the cracks, we do street sweeping and cleanups to collect them. 

Q: What are some of the challenges that you have faced so far and how did you overcome them? 

A: Lebanon is a difficult environment for social enterprises, especially during the timeframe when we started. The cost-of-living crisis meant that some business expenses made no sense and were disproportionately high. That’s why we are currently bootstrapping, optimizing, tackling growth head-on, and partnering our way out of that rut. 

We also encountered a very common entrepreneurship pitfall, which is that we fell in love with our first business model. When we first started, we started with only one means of collection: door-to-door pickups. While energy and labor costs were low, this proved profitable for some months. However, as the financial crisis became ever more eminent, and costs overwhelmingly grew, we had to be agile and seek out another solution. This was a very challenging time, it felt like it could be the end of a very promising venture, but we found out that it was only an opportunity to understand the market better and redefine our approach. 

Q: What are some of your startup’s key achievements?

A: We learned along the way that the key to success in a volatile business environment like Lebanon is to adapt swiftly and abandon approaches that don’t work. We also attribute our success to engaging and partnering with as many stakeholders as possible to cover as much ground as possible. Yalla Return is a result of our partnership with Nadeera Technologies, door-to-door is grounded in the MoUs we have with municipalities and awareness is ever-reliant on the support of the third sector, including environmental NGOs and recycling champions in the areas we serve. This grassroots approach aligns our efforts towards a common goal and is a force multiplier in and of itself. 

One significant metric we take pride in is diverting the equivalent of 63,000 cubic meters of recyclables (1,200 Tons) away from landfills. When you look at such a substantial figure, it puts in perspective the volume of space our waste occupies and how important it is to stop relying on landfilling for waste disposal, especially in a country as small as Lebanon. 

Q: What’s next for Sustain Ability? 

A: We aim to develop our solution to become replicable. We firmly believe that a holistic, decentralized waste management approach that focuses on sorting from the source is the future for Lebanon and we’re excited to be contributing to that future. 

Q: What was your experience with the USAID DAWERR Innovation Challenge and what type of an impact did it have on your startup? 

A: We entered the program with ambitions ideas, seeking a clear direction and actionable plan to start making some meaningful changes and implementing new projects. 

We benefitted greatly from the coaching and workshops and were able to validate some ideas and turn them into action plans. We were also able, through the USAID in-kind grant, to design and deploy our phase 1 product, a cardboard cage to boost our B2B logistics infrastructure. Through the program and Berytech team, we were able to progress from idea to MVP swiftly and start testing our solution on the ground. 

The support we garnered through the DAWERR Innovation Challenge in the last 3 months has translated into the growth of our door-to-door service into 3 new municipalities, pipelining the deployment of 4 new Yalla Return stores in 4 different municipalities, and the deploying of the 4 cardboard cages as an MVP. 

Q: What do you think is the importance of these types of programs for Lebanese startups? 

A: Programs like the DAWERR Innovation Challenge are a great place to focus energy on actionable steps. They’re an excellent place to build the capacities of entrepreneurs and help them turn their ideas into reality. They’re especially beneficial for green entrepreneurs who want to balance impact and growth. 

Q: What advice would you give the social enterprises in Lebanon? 

A: Lebanon’s many problems are also opportunities for entrepreneurs. The waste management sector still needs a lot of work and there’s a lot of potential for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions. If you encounter a program like the DAWERR Innovation Challenge, that aligns with the impact you are looking to achieve, don’t hesitate to apply. 

The post Sustain Ability: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Waste Management  appeared first on Berytech.