IIEF Slemani

When we launched @IIEFslemani, we pledged to transform Slemani into an innovation hub, unlocking opportunities for young people. Today, I visited #TheHub as it enters its final stages. This initiative will foster an environment where talented individuals can thrive and gain access to opportunities that nurture their creativity.

IIEF 2024 was an astounding success. We'll return, stronger and bigger. #IIEF #Slemani24

Connections were formed, ideas exchanged, decisions made, all for the purpose of realizing the vision of a brighter, more progressed Kurdistan. IIEF 2024 concluded successfully. We will not stop here. IIEF continues. #IIEF #Slemani24

At IIEF 2024, Qubad Talabani, the KRG's Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of creating a thriving ecosystem that attracts investors and innovative youth, which demonstrates a strategic approach to unlocking Kurdistan's full potential. #IIEF #Slemani24

من زۆر خۆشحاڵ بووم کە خاوەنکار و داهێنەرەکانمان لە یەک هۆڵدا لەگەڵ بەرپرسانی حکومی، وەبەرهێنەران، ئەکادیمیستەکان و ڕێکخراوە ناحکومییەکان لە یەکەمین کۆڕبەندی نێودەوڵەتی داهێنان و کارسازی لە سلێمانی کۆکردەوە. تەنها باسمان لەو بەربەستانە نەکرد کە ڕێگری لە ژینگەی کارسازی دەکەن، بەڵکو فەرمانمانیشمان دەرکرد کە دامەزراندن و کارکردنی کۆمپانیا دەستپێشخەرەکان ئاسانتر دەکات و دەستیان بە وەبەرهێنان بگات. پێکەوە دەتوانین بیرۆکەکان بەگەربخەین، هانی داههێنانی زیاتر بدەین و داهاتوویەکی لەبارتر بەدیبهنین بۆ داهێنەر و کارسازەکانمان.

I was thrilled to gather our entrepreneurs and innovators in one hall with government officials, investors, academia and NGO’s at the First International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum in Slemani. Not only did we discuss the obstacles that inhibit the entrepreneurial ecosystem, but we issued decrees that make it easier for start up’s to operate and get access to investment. Together we can ignite ideas, foster collaboration, and shape a future of innovation together. #iief24 #iiefslemani

A special thank you to members of the diplomatic community from Baghdad and Erbil who travelled to Slemani to attend the #IIEF . Their support to the startups and innovation ecosystem is essential.

Networking at the booth area among government officials, startups, and investors is happening now. #IIEF #Slemani24

Closing remarks are now is being delivered by Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of KRG. #IIEF #Slemani24

Potan, a software development company, moderates: "Smartsuli Solutions Hackathon". #IIEF #Slemani24

“When it comes to pitching, keep it simple. Pitch it like your mom would understand it.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“The American Federal Government put billions of dollars into businesses. This is the main reason silicon Valley is what it is today.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“Find big problems to solve. Be innovative and disruptive. Support incubators, accelerators, entrepreneurship, and courses in schools. Become an angel investor. Believe in the big thinkers in the country.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

Qubad Talabani credits the resilience of the youth for overcoming this stage. #IIEF #Slemani24

“No one will invest in your startup unless you have an exit strategy. So you have to know what your exit strategy is and how long it takes.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“As a founder, you have to get comfortable with pitching your idea time and time again, until you find the right investor, because investors choose your business among hundreds of businesses.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“The reason startups fail is mostly due to a failure to conduct a market research and ask the costumers what they want.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“You need to embrace imperfection. The product does not to come out perfect right away.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“You need to be in an incubator so that you can increase business acumen, increase your network, and build fast.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24

“As an angel investor you have to get comfortable with writing checks and not getting much in return. There will be a %70 failure rate.” Eileen Brewer #IIEF #Slemani24