Expo Live is an innovation and partnership program launched by Expo 2020 Dubai to fund, accelerate and promote creative solutions that improve lives while preserving our world. After three rounds of applications, the only two Egyptian projects winning so far are Synergos social entrepreneurs: Mohamed Hegazy and his Transport for Cairo project and Tamer Taha and Yomken.com.
Launched in 2015, Transport for Cairo connects commuters, formal and informal transport’s data on a digital platform to optimise the traffic and transport services information in Cairo, relieving it from its daily congestion.
Yomken.com is an online “crowd-solving” platform for industrial, societal and environmental challenges. The platform harnesses the power of its users to provide professional solutions for small businesses across the Arab World that are unable to access other sources of advice.
Expo Live Vice-President, Yousuf Caires, said:
“Innovation is key to unlocking a better future. What the team behind Yomken.com is doing is exciting because they are bringing new ideas on open innovation and crowd sourcing, to small businesses. This will help them to grow, to create jobs and to stimulate economic activity.
Transport for Cairo embodies Expo 2020’s theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. By working collaboratively, with other experts and with ordinary people to map Cairo’s complex transport system and to put that knowledge into the hands of those trying to get around the city, they are creating a solution that can benefit thousands by making their journeys quicker, easier and more sustainable.
These are real change-makers addressing our world’s most pressing challenges; they are visionaries who are determined to see their projects bring meaningful change to those that need it. We are fortunate to have them on our programme and look forward to walking by their side on their path to success.”
Through our Pioneers program, Synergos supports the Arab world's largest network of social entrepreneurs – these are agents of change that combine innovation and business skills to meet pressing social needs of their communities and countries. We provide leadership building, financial support, and networking opportunities to help them sustain and scale up innovations. Tamer became a Synergos Pioneer in 2013 and and Mohamed joined in 2016.
