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Innovation, collaboration, and purpose came together in a moment of recognition for ESLSCA University, which received the Excellence Award in the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Supporters Category at the 2nd edition of the Athar Award for Best Practices in Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The award celebrates institutions that go beyond traditional roles to actively shape ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs, inspire innovation, and contribute to sustainable development. For ESLSCA University, this recognition reflects years of commitment to nurturing ideas, supporting startups, and building a culture where entrepreneurship can thrive.

The ceremony took place on March 5 at The Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo, bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society to celebrate impactful initiatives across sustainability and CSR. The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Environment, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), in strategic partnership with the National Alliance for Civil Development Work.

Representing the university, Kareem El Hennawi, Secretary General and CEO of ESLSCA University, received the award on behalf of the institution. The recognition highlights ESLSCA’s growing role in supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation through its academic programs, incubators, and collaborative initiatives that connect students, startups, and industry leaders.

The evening also featured notable national figures, including Ambassador Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat and Executive Director of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, and Hatem Metwally, Deputy Head of the Secretariat, alongside prominent leaders from across Egypt’s business and development sectors.

A distinguished international jury evaluated the awards, bringing expertise from across sustainability, finance, and social value. The jury included George Riddell, Independent Trade Policy and CBAM Consultant; Isabelle Parasram OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Social Value; Mert Dedebas, Regional Director of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management for the Middle East and North Africa; Dr. Maali Qasem Khader, CEO and Founder of Schema; and Eleni Polychroniadou, CEO and Co-founder of Sintali.

For ESLSCA University, the recognition is more than an award—it is a reflection of a broader mission. By supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging innovative thinking, the university continues to play a key role in shaping future leaders who are ready to create meaningful change in their communities and industries.

As Egypt’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, ESLSCA remains committed to empowering the next generation of innovators—ensuring that ideas can grow, impact can expand, and sustainability remains at the heart of progress.