Gaza Stars Startup Competition

Gaza Stars is the First Startup Competition in Gaza Since 2023

Organised by GlocalShift as part of the Learning to Earning programme, in strategic partnership with the Abdulaziz Al Ghurair Education Fund.

What Is Gaza Stars?

Gaza Stars is the first startup competition and entrepreneurship programme of its kind to be launched in Gaza since the escalation of conflict in October 2023. Created by GlocalShift and delivered through the Learning to Earning initiative in strategic partnership with the Abdulaziz Al Ghurair Education Fund, it is designed to do one thing: put the future of Gaza's economy back in the hands of Gaza's entrepreneurs.

The programme runs for six months and supports 300 young entrepreneurs through two structured tracks, offering intensive training, one-to-one mentorship, competitive pitch rounds and seed funding of up to $7,000 for the top finalists.

Gaza's entrepreneurial spirit was never destroyed. It was only paused. Gaza Stars exists to press play.

Why Now?

According to the World Bank, Gaza's GDP contracted by more than 80 per cent in 2024. The United Nations Development Programme estimates that approximately 70 per cent of businesses have been destroyed and 85 per cent of jobs have been lost.

And yet, according to the International Labour Organization, 70 per cent of young Gazan entrepreneurs say they are ready to restart.

Gaza Stars is the answer to that readiness.

The Two Tracks

Track A — Recovery TrackFor founders who had an active business before the conflict and want to rebuild.

Who it is for: Entrepreneurs with evidence of a pre-war business, such as registration documents, client records or a digital presence.

What you get: Support to revive your operations, re-enter the market, rebuild your customer base and access seed funding to relaunch.

Track B — Innovation TrackFor aspiring entrepreneurs with a new idea that addresses an urgent post-war need.

Who it is for: Youth, women, displaced populations and anyone with a compelling idea and the drive to build it. No formal business experience required.

What you get: Training, mentorship, pitch development support and the opportunity to compete for seed funding to launch your idea.

Both tracks are open to entrepreneurs across all sectors including technology, agriculture, water and sanitation, food production, clean energy, education, e-commerce and logistics.

The programme has set a target of at least 40 per cent female participation. Women, persons with disabilities and displaced populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Journey: Six Months to Change Everything

Month 1 — ApplyThe open call launches. Submit your application and tell us your story. This is your first act of courage.

Month 2 — TrainSelected participants join an intensive one-month bootcamp covering:Business fundamentals and financial planning. Market re-entry strategies. Prototyping and social impact design. Pitching to investors and judges. One-to-one mentorship with Palestinian trainers and diaspora mentors.

Month 3 — PitchThe top 15 startups from each track are selected through an internal pitch round. Track B participants compete through a semi-final process, with 150 applications narrowed to 60 semi-finalists and then to 15 finalists.

Month 4 — CompeteDemo Day. A live pitching event in front of investors and expert judges. The strongest ideas win seed funding and a place in Gaza's recovery story.

Month 5 and 6 — GrowWinners and finalists receive ongoing mentorship, investor introductions and legal and financial support to take their businesses further.

The Prize Pool

The top five finalists in each track receive seed funding:

First place — $7,000Second place — $5,000Third place — $3,000Fourth place — $2,000Fifth place — $1,000

Total prize pool: $36,000 across both tracks.

Beyond the funding, all finalists gain access to an ongoing network of mentors, investors and business development support that extends well beyond the competition.

Who Should Apply?

Gaza Stars is open to entrepreneurs working across all sectors. We are particularly looking for ideas and businesses in the following areas:

Technology and software. Agriculture and agritech. Water and sanitation. Food production and distribution. Clean energy and sustainability. Education technology. E-commerce and logistics.

If you have an idea that addresses a real need in Gaza, we want to hear from you.

Am I Eligible?

You are eligible for Track A if you operated a business in Gaza prior to October 2023 and can provide basic evidence of that activity.

You are eligible for Track B if you have a business idea that addresses a post-war need in Gaza. You do not need a formal business or prior experience to apply.

You are eligible for both tracks if you are based in Gaza or are a displaced Gazan entrepreneur.

Women, young people, persons with disabilities and displaced populations are especially encouraged to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a formal business to apply?For Track A, yes. You will need to show evidence of a pre-war business. For Track B, no. A compelling idea is enough.

Is the programme free?Yes. There is no cost to apply or participate.

What language is the programme delivered in?The programme is delivered in Arabic, with support available in English where needed.

Can I apply to both tracks?No. Please apply to the track that best reflects your situation.

What happens after Demo Day?All finalists receive ongoing mentorship and investor connections. Winners receive their seed funding and continued business development support through the Learning to Earning network.

Is there an age requirement?The programme is targeted at youth entrepreneurs.

What sectors are eligible?All sectors are welcome. We particularly encourage applications from technology, agriculture, water, food production, energy, education and e-commerce.

Applications are open until midnight on June 7, 2026.