The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park (Zein AUB iPark), a multidisciplinary innovation park for the American University of Beirut (AUB), announced that three of its startup founders have landed coveted spots on Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 list. Haytham Dbouk, Yasmine Darwich, and Sara Ghanem are three trailblazing entrepreneurs redefining industries and showcasing the limitless potential of Lebanon’s bright minds.
The Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 is a prestigious recognition celebrating the region’s most dynamic young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators under 30 years old. The honorees are scouted and selected by the editors of Forbes, independent judges, celebrity judges, and industry experts. As a symbol of excellence and influence, the list opens doors to global opportunities while inspiring a new generation to dream big and drive transformation in the Middle East.
Featured in the Science and Technology Category, Haytham Dbouk is the founder and CEO of Innovating Green Technology (IGT), which specializes in green energy solutions. Over the past five years, IGT has spearheaded more than 350 projects across Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus, and Switzerland, focusing on the interconnected sectors of water, energy, and food.
“Zein AUB iPark facilitated our growth through their connections and the Cyprus Growth Program, which greatly helped in establishing IGT in the EU (European Union),” Dbouk commented.
Featured in the Social Impact Category, Yasmine Darwich is the founder and CEO of DonaLeb, a fitness and wellness platform designed to promote employee engagement through virtual fitness challenges, while also supporting charitable causes. DonaLeb was a finalist in Zein AUB iPark’s President’s Innovation Challenge in 2023 and a graduate of Zein AUB iPark’s 2023 Acceleration Program.
Also featured in the Social Impact Category, Sara Ghanem is the co-founder of Dooda Solutions, which uses advanced earthworm technology to convert organic waste into solid and liquid vermicompost. In 2023, Dooda Solutions landed the Advanced Stage Award of $30,000 in AUB’s President’s Innovation Challenge.
“Collaborating with the Zein AUB iPark team has been an incredible experience. The team’s guidance and resources have helped us refine our strategies, connect with key stakeholders, and unlock new opportunities for growth,” Ghanem commented.
The recognition of these three entrepreneurs in the Forbes Middle East’s 30 Under 30 list is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and collaboration fostered at the Zein AUB iPark. As these startups continue to break new ground and represent Lebanon on the global stage, the Zein AUB iPark remains committed to supporting visionary entrepreneurs who dare to dream big and redefine the future.
For more information about the Zein AUB Innovation Park programs: https://sites.aub.edu.lb/ipark/
About AUB
Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 750 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 8000 students. AUB currently offers more than 140 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center that includes a full-service 365-bed hospital.
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