Innovators Empowerment and Capacities Building for Sustainable Cities

Supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 through Innovation and Sustainable Development

On Sunday, 24 November 2024, the Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC) — affiliated with the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities — successfully hosted its first Innovation Hub event titled “Innovators Empowerment and Capacities Building for Sustainable Cities.”

The event brought together leaders from government, academia, the private sector, and entrepreneurship to discuss how innovation, investment, and sustainability can accelerate the implementation of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Egypt’s Vision 2030 provides a clear roadmap for the nation’s sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
In alignment with this vision, the Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC) — under the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities — launched the Innovation Hub, a platform designed to empower innovators and entrepreneurs in fields including construction, green buildings, smart cities, renewable energy, waste management, infrastructure, and sustainable materials.

To activate this initiative, the Innovation Hub organised its first event:

Event Details

Title: Innovators Empowerment and Capacities Building for Sustainable Cities
Date: Sunday, 24 November 2024
Venue: Housing and Building National Research Center (HBRC), Dokki, Cairo
Organized by: HBRC Innovation Hub

Event Overview

The HBRC Innovation Hub was established to empower innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs in critical sectors such as construction, green buildings, smart cities, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable infrastructure.
The Innovators Empowerment Seminar marked the Hub’s first milestone in connecting creative minds with policymakers, investors, and industry experts to drive sustainable urban development in Egypt.

SME Consulting was proud to participate in this national initiative, contributing strategic insights on sustainable investment and innovation ecosystems.

Event Objectives

The seminar focused on bridging the gap between innovation and implementation within Egypt’s sustainable development ecosystem. Its objectives included:

• Highlighting the role of HBRC and industry stakeholders in empowering youth and innovators.
• Introducing the essential skills required for smart, green, and sustainable construction projects.
• Increasing awareness about new market needs and green job opportunities.
• Connecting innovators and entrepreneurs with policymakers, funders, and private-sector partners.
• Discussing opportunities for startups and investors in the field of sustainable urban development.

Key Themes and Topics

The event featured a series of engaging discussions and presentations under themes aligned with Egypt Vision 2030, including:

• • Transition to a Green and Sustainable Economy and its investment implications.

  • HBRC’s role in supporting innovators, researchers, and startups.

  • Financing mechanisms for sustainable building projects and innovations.

  • Private-sector engagement in empowering innovators and entrepreneurs.

  • Green skills and upskilling for human resources in smart city development.

  • Bridging the green skills gap within Egypt’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

Panel Discussion: “Sustainability Synergy & Investment: Pioneering Green Urban Future”

This high-profile panel will explore sustainable investment frameworks and practical strategies for fostering innovation in Egypt’s built environment.
It will feature leaders from consulting, finance, academia, and the private sector, including:

• Dr. Mohamed El-Banna – Head of Logistics & Supply Chain, SME Consulting

• Dr. Mohamed Ali – Former Dean & Founder, International Transport and Logistics Institute of Postgraduates, AASTMT

• Mrs. Doaa Essmat – Head of Non-Financial Services & Business Development, Housing and Development Bank

• Mr. Mostafa Nabil – Investment Consultant

About HBRC Innovation Hub

The HBRC Innovation Hub serves as a platform for researchers, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in sustainable construction and smart cities.
Its key activities include:

• Expo: Exhibiting innovative sustainable building products and solutions.

• Sessions & Seminars: Providing speaking opportunities for innovators and experts.

• Competition: Recognizing top green building designs based on Egypt’s Green Pyramid Rating System (GPRS).

• Publications: Producing insights and research on sustainable building innovations.

• National Initiatives: Promoting startups and SMEs in sustainable development.

Through these initiatives, the Hub links research, innovation, and market needs to strengthen Egypt’s sustainable economy and support SDG implementation.

SME Consulting’s Participation

As part of the expert panel, SME Consulting reinforced its commitment to advancing sustainable investment and innovation ecosystems.
Our contribution highlighted how strategic consulting, digital transformation, and AI integration can accelerate Egypt’s journey toward green and smart cities, and how investors can capture long-term value through impact-driven investments.

Event Highlights

• Attendance by top officials, innovators, and researchers from government and private sectors.

• Active participation of SME Consulting leadership team in policy and investment dialogue.

• Discussions on financing models and digital innovation for sustainable construction.

• Networking between startups, academics, and decision-makers.

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Learn More

For more information about HBRC Innovation Hub initiatives and future events:
Visit www.hbrc.edu.eg
or explore Egypt’s Vision 2030 Portal.