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Agri-Food Transformation Hackathon 2026

A three-day open innovation hackathon organized by Asher Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ACIE) at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, in collaboration with The Industrial Kingdom.

Prizes, recognition, and potential internship opportunities.

Apply by: Sunday, 22 February

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ABOUT ACIE

Get to know us

The Asher Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACIE) was established in 2017 at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in Lebanon. Within five years, ACIE has supported 40+ startups, delivered workshops, training sessions, and international competitions, and partnered with universities and corporations worldwide. ACIE at USEK places great emphasis on building and developing an entrepreneurial mindset, validating skills, and continuously strengthening the creative capacity of aspiring entrepreneurs. By fostering robust and innovative ideas, ACIE ensures they can be effectively transformed into sustainable and financially viable ventures, making a lasting impact on Lebanon's economy and society while empowering the country's youth to emerge as influential community leaders.

OUR SERVICES

What We Offer

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Idea Validation

Refine and validate your business ideas through specialized programs.

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Incubation Program

An intensive incubation track guiding founders from idea to MVP to first customers with hands-on coaching and expert support.

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Academic Programs

Build your entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and practice through our educational programs.

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Entrepreneurship Events

Participate in our entrepreneurship contests and workshops to boost your knowledge.

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Testing Labs

Harness the power of our labs to test and prototype your innovative ideas.

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Expert Network

Tap into our extensive network of experts and capture international markets to expand your business.

ACIE IN NUMBERS

100+

Supported
Startups

$800K+

Raised from Grants
& Competitions

50+

Active
Mentors

300+

Student
Volunteers

$5M+

Equity Investment
& Programs

32

Jobs
Created
Our Events

Activities

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25 Feb 2026

Validate Your Startup Idea | Info Session

An Online information session introducing ACIE’s Validation Sprint program and how it supports participants in validating and strengthening startup ideas.

February 25 Zoom
23 Feb 2026

Voices of Change with Zeina Daccache

A discussion on the intersection of entrepreneurship and drama therapy as tools for advancing social impact.

February 23 Building D, 4th Floor (D400)
27 Feb 2026

Agri-Food Transformation Hackathon

A 3-day open innovation hackathon where teams work on real agri-food challenges and develop practical, industry-driven solutions.

Feb 27-28 & March 1 2026 USEK
Our Portfolio

Supported Startups

Our Blogs

Latest Blogs & News

January 15, 2026
  • By Reda Helbawi
  • No Comments

Strengthening Innovation and AI: Minister of State for Technology and Ai in Lebanon

‫وقّعت وزارة الدولة لشؤون التكنولوجيا والذكاء الاصطناعي مذكرة تÙ

December 4, 2025
  • By Reda Helbawi
  • No Comments

USEK Wraps Up IdeaLab, Marking Three Years of Innovation

USEK Wraps Up IdeaLab, Marking Three Years of Innovation ‫اختتم مركز آشر للابتكار وريادة اÙ

December 13, 2024
  • By Tracey Mansell and Jana Hamzeh
  • No Comments

Navigating Mental Health Challenges as an Entrepreneur During Times of Conflict

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a dream, working tirelessly to turn your vision into reality. You begin with ex

TESTIMONIALS

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ACIE came at a time when I needed direction, and it honestly helped reignite my entrepreneurship flame. What stood out to me the most was how customized the program felt; nothing was generic. They made intentional choices to include material that many programs overlook, simply because it adds real value. The team was extremely helpful and close. Not in a formal way, but in a real, supportive way. And what I appreciate the most is that the support didn’t stop after we graduated from the programs. They still help, they still follow up, and they still open doors for us. And there were plenty of opportunities that came through ACIE; more than I expected. For me, ACIE wasn’t just a program. It was a push, a reset, and a community that actually cares. Thank you

Charbel Abi Doumit
Founder of ReeSource
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In a world where uncertainty rules and turns our aspirations into far fetched dreams, incubators pinch us back to a safe reality. A reality where we can work on our ambitions and feel secure enough to chase them. IdeaLab gave me mentors who listened, challenged my decisions, and helped me believe that my idea could stand on its own. Programs like this open a door that many young people never get the chance to walk through. They help us build confidence, clarity, and purpose. This is why they are essential and why I am grateful to be part of this journey.

Maryse Bouzeid
Founder of Simar
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Joining the ACIE & generator HealthTech Accelerator gave us insights on the investment readiness phase we are at now with the business, by trainers and mentors from the US & the region. While other programs may focus only on theoretical sessions, what was the most beautiful thing about this program is that it gave us plenty of space to chat, share, discuss, exchange ideas and stories!

Fidele Achkar
Founder & CEO of FoodSight
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I saw passion and chemistry running between those young entrepreneurs and the ACIE leadership and everyone was encouraging, pushing and celebrating small steps and major milestones for each forward move

Richard El Hachem
Digital, Platforms and Integrated MarCom Consultant.
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I joined IdeaLab at a moment when I was still shaping G Algae and trying to understand how to turn my vision into a real, scalable solution. I believed in the potential of spirulina and sustainable production, but I needed guidance to transform that belief into a strong business model. IdeaLab gave me that space. The mentors helped me clarify the problem I wanted to solve, refine the value of G Algae, and structure the project in a way that made sense for both impact and growth. What truly motivated me was the supportive community, people who listened, challenged my ideas, and pushed me to think bigger. This program didn’t only help me develop G Algae; it also helped me grow as a founder, gain confidence, and take concrete steps toward building a solution that can contribute to climate resilience and sustainable nutrition.

Jinane Tannous
Founder of G Algae
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Being involved with the ACIE during the accelerator has opened to me the doors to grow in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and earn more the overall entrepreneurial journey

Ara Abajian
Founder of AYKI (Agriculture Youth Knowledge Institute)