SIMAD iLab

What's doable in FIVE years for the #Somali youth? Here's the journey of @SIMADiLab for the past five years. We're thankful to every partner who has been part of this historic journey. #iLab5 #iLabImpact #iLabDiaries

This week, our Second Cohort Applications go LIVE with exciting new Professional Certification courses launching soon. Your future starts here. Stay tuned. #SIMADiLabians #iLabDiaries #iLabImpact

Thanks to funding from @EU_in_Somalia, @UNIDO via @SIMADiLab hosted the Final Sales Pitch in #Mog, where young entrepreneurs presented market-ready ideas in agribusiness, creative industries & climate solutions—highlighting the potential of thriving🇸🇴startups. #BICSomali #Cohort3

We facilitated engaging sessions at the “SAFE DIGITAL SPACES workshop, @UNDPSomalia, focusing on the critical issue of digital violence against 🇸🇴women. We explored practical safety measures and community-driven solutions to tackle online abuse head-on. #iLabImpact

🎓 Empowering the next generation of Somali innovators! #UNIDOSomalia proudly celebrates the graduation of 37 young entrepreneurs from the @BicSomali #Cohort1 Training and Mentorship Programme in Mogadishu — following 20 previous graduates with @HarHub — a remarkable milestone in their journey toward building successful and sustainable businesses. 👏 Funded by @EU_in_Somalia, organized by #UNIDOSomalia, and implemented by @iRiseHub and @SIMADiLab, the initiative equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and confidence to turn innovative ideas into thriving enterprises. 💡 This achievement marks another key step in strengthening Somalia’s private sector — fostering job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. 🇸🇴 #YouthEmpowerment #InclusiveGrowth #InnovativeEntrepreneurship #SustainableBusiness #EconomicDevelopment @UNIDO @EU_in_Somalia @UNinSomalia @UNTMIS_ @BicAfrica @EUBIC @mocisom @somaliacci @IBSBankSo

Formalizing the #BICSomali Network for Sustainable Growth! With support from @EU_in_Somalia, #UNIDOSomalia convened partners including @somaliacci, @iRiseHub & @SIMADiLab to formalize the #BICSomali Network — a national platform aligning incubator standards, enhancing coordination, and driving innovation-led growth. This initiative strengthens collaboration, fosters knowledge sharing, and creates new opportunities to empower 🇸🇴 entrepreneurs and build a resilient private sector. #PrivateSectorDevelopment #InclusiveGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Innovation @UNIDO @EU_in_Somalia @UNinSomalia @UNTMIS_ @BicAfrica @EUBIC @mocisom @BicSomali

We’re almost there 🙌 The SIMAD iLab Professional Certification Graduation Ceremony is just days away! Let’s honor our amazing graduates and their incredible journeys. #SIMADiLabianas #iLabDiaries

Building Financially Resilient & Policy-Driven Incubators in Somalia! With support from @EU_in_Somalia, #UNIDOSomalia hosted a capacity-building session for the @SIMADiLab team on financial and strategic tools needed for long-term sustainability and growth. The session fostered in-depth discussions, with participants exchanging valuable insights, experiences, and best practices. #UNIDO proudly champions inclusive support mechanisms, capacity building, and resource mobilization to help 🇸🇴 business incubators thrive and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. #BICSomali #PrivateSectorEmpowerment #EconomicGrowth #SustainableBusiness #InnovativeEntrepreneurship @UNIDO @EU_in_Somalia @UNinSomalia @UNTMIS_ @BicAfrica @EUBIC @mocisom @somaliacci @SIMADiLab

Honored that our Director, @BahjaShuriye, represented SIMAD iLab at #EACON2025, sharing insights on how academia and regional cooperation can drive capacity building and sustainable industrial growth across the East African Community. #PPP #EAC

The countdown is on! Just 1 day left until the BIC Somali Cohort 2 Grant Awards Ceremony 🎉 Honoring creativity, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Somali youth. #BICSomali #SIMADiLabians #iLabDiaries

On 22 September, we officially kicked off BIC Somali Cohort 3 Training! Thirty talented entrepreneurs have begun their journey to build, refine, and scale their businesses with the support of mentors and resources. We’re excited to see the impact they’ll create!

We are thrilled to have hosted the Full-Stack IoT Solutions Info Session on September 6, 2025! Around 60 students, selected from more than 100 applicants, joined us to explore cutting-edge IoT solutions. #IoTInnovation #TechEducation #EmpoweringStudents

Celebrating pioneers of change! Fablab Mogadishu is proud to graduate Somalia’s first-ever 3D Manufacturing cohort, setting the stage for a future driven by innovation. Explore the full story bit.ly/46Otidy

Celebrating a New Chapter for Somali Entrepreneurship! I was honored to officiate the disbursement of a $300,000 zero-rate fund to 25 innovative startups from the first cohort of our SIMAD iLab LEAP Microfinance Program. A big thank you to DirectAid for the funding and Premier Bank for managing the finances. We are empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs. #LEAPMicrofinance #SIMADUniversity #Entrepreneurship #Somalia

Congratulations to @BahjaShuriye & @SIMADiLab on launching LEAP Microfinance. As part of a larger $3 million Qard Hassan program provided by @directaidorg through @premierbankSO & implemented by @SIMADUniversity , $300,000 in startup capital has been awarded to small businesses.

SIMAD iLab with UNIDO and IBS Bank, has handed over equipment grants to the first batch of the BIC Somali cohort 1. Nine out of the 15 awarded incubates have already received their equipment, with the remaining to be delivered soon by IBS Bank. #iLabImpact

The wait is over. The final list of BIC Somali Cohort 3 is out. Check your inbox for details and next steps. Congratulations to all the winners 🎉 Welcome to the BIC Somali Network. #SIMADiLabians #iLabImpact #iLabDiaries

SIMAD iLab’s SIYB Training helps aspiring & existing entrepreneurs gain skills to start & grow their business. Apply by Sept 13! GYB/SYB Track Sept 21–25, IYB Track Sept 28–Oct 2. Certificate & mentoring included. #Entrepreneurship #SIMADiLab #SIYB

The @BicSomali #Cohort3 Bootcamp is officially underway in #Mogadishu and #Hargeisa, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills, mentorship, and tools to refine their ideas into viable businesses. Supported by @EU_in_Somalia, #UNIDOSomalia via @HarHub & @SIMADiLab, has convened 130 new candidates—following 60 previous participants with @iRiseHub—to receive training and deliver their business pitches for a chance to join the third cohort. This initiative empowers youth and promotes inclusive growth and private sector development. #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableEntrepreneurship #PrivateSectorEmpowerment #YouthInnovation @UNIDO @EU_in_Somalia @UNinSomalia @UNTMIS_ @BicAfrica @EUBIC @mocisom @somaliacci @SIMADiLab @iRiseHub @HarHub

Many Somali youth and female entrepreneurs require business skills to unlock their potential. With support from @EU_in_Somalia, #UNIDOSomalia, via @GollisUni & @SIMADiLab, is empowering @BicSomali Cohort 2 with intensive tech skills training in Financial Planning, Budgeting, Cost Optimization, Pricing, and Customer Care strategies. This helps startups thrive by boosting productivity, efficiency, and job creation. From Mogadishu to Hargeisa, we’re building resilient, locally driven businesses for sustainable growth and inclusive long-term impact. #Entrepreneurship #EconomicGrowth #YouthInnovation @UNIDO @EU_in_Somalia @UNinSomalia @UNTMIS_ @BicAfrica @EUBIC @mocisom @somaliacci @SIMADiLab @iRiseHub @HarHub

We kicked off the Bootcamp, bringing together entrepreneurs , industry leaders and experts for a 4-day journey of innovation and growth. Our incubatees are diving into business model canvas, financial planning, and pitch delivery with guidance from our mentors. #BIC #Innovation