On 6 May 2025, fourteen young innovators participating in the YEPISODE programme—part of the Erasmus+ EPISODE Capacity Building project—presented their ventures at a dynamic pitch event at the Continuing Education Center of Birzeit University in Palestine. The event marked the culmination of a comprehensive 210-hour training journey in digital and social entrepreneurship
The judging panel, comprising experts and entrepreneurs, commended the diversity and societal relevance of the projects. The event attracted a distinguished audience from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including supporting institutions, accelerators, and private sector partners, who offered mentorship, resources, and potential investment opportunities.
Dr. Osama Al-Mimi, Director of the Continuing Education Center, addressed the graduates, emphasising the importance of such programmes in fostering community entrepreneurship and innovation in Palestine.
Five standout projects were recognised:
- “Seen”: A youth network developing educational tools through a learning-through-play methodology, tailored to the Palestinian and Arab context.
- “Be’ee”: A water station providing free drinking water in public spaces, aiming to reduce single-use plastic bottles and promote environmental awareness.
- “Industry Space”: A platform connecting manufacturing experts to drive sustainable and smart industrial solutions.
- “Tayf”: An initiative empowering individuals with autism through interactive technology-based skill development.
- “Faseeh”: A smart educational app teaching performance arts and poetry to the visually impaired using voice assistance.
The YEPISODE programme exemplifies how structured capacity-building initiatives can empower youth to transform societal challenges into innovative solutions, fostering resilience and sustainable development in Palestine.
On May 18 a similar event will take place at the Continuing Education Unit of An-Najah National University, the other Palestinian university partner involved in the EPISODE project, led by UNIMED.
The EPISODE project placed within the UNIMED’s broader commitment to enhancing youth employability and supporting entrepreneurship across the Mediterranean region. By equipping young people with practical skills, digital tools, and mentorship opportunities, UNIMED reinforces its priority to foster inclusive economic growth and sustainable development through higher education and innovation.
About the EPISODE project
The project “Enhancing Palestinian Social and Digital Entrepreneurship (EPISODE)” aims to empower continuing vocational education and training providers to enhance the resilience, digital readiness, and growth of social entrepreneurship, micro-businesses, MSMEs, and early-stage start-ups in Palestine, with a focus on producing public prosperity. EPISODE is implemented by UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, Birzeit University, An-Najah National University, BuildPalestine, ALL DIGITAL.
