The Asher Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACIE) at USEK is an incubator, established in 2017 located at USEK, that empowers youth and Lebanese individuals, by providing expertise and knowledge to stimulate new ventures in Lebanon all while connecting them with like-minded people.

Berytech has partnered up with the ACIE to bring to life phase I of the ACT Smart Innovation Hub in the North Mount Lebanese region. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

IdeaLab is a validation program supporting 10 early-stage ideas in testing and refining their business ideas. The program provides workshops, one-on-one clinics, and hands-on support to help startups validate assumptions, understand their market, and develop a viable business model. Participants receive a $1,500 prototyping grant to build and test their solutions, along with access to a network of experts, mentors, and industry stakeholders to accelerate their growth.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

In the initial phase of the program, we will support ten innovative startups with a $1,500 grant dedicated to prototyping their ideas. These startups will also benefit from an intensive two-month validation program and personalized one-on-one clinics designed to enhance their business acumen and skills in critical areas, including:

• Concept Initiation
• Market Validation
• Business Model Canvas
• Prototype Development
• Pitching

SERVICE PROVIDER RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE OF WORK

The Prototype Development Workshop will equip startups with the knowledge and skills to transform ideas into functional prototypes, refine them based on feedback, and align them with market needs. The workshop will focus on Agrifoodtech and Cleantech sectors, guiding startups through:

4 hours Prototype Development Workshop

1. Prototype Design and Development Fundamentals

• Understanding design principles, material selection, and technical feasibility.
• How to define and document prototype specifications to align with market demands and customer needs.
• Ensuring sustainability and industry standards compliance in prototype development.

2. Hands-On Prototype Creation

• How to create a first prototype using everyday items and inexpensive materials.
• Identifying critical product features, functionality, and benefits in the prototype phase.
• Troubleshooting technical challenges and optimizing designs based on testing and feedback.

3. Iterative Prototyping & Testing

• Applying the Build-Measure-Learn methodology to continuously refine prototypes.
• Conducting structured testing cycles, collecting feedback, and iterating based on results.
• Aligning prototypes with market expectations to achieve a strong problem-solution fit.

4. Engaging Users in the Design Cycle

• How to effectively involve users in prototype testing to gather meaningful insights.
• Identifying key performance metrics to measure prototype success.
• Data-driven decision-making for technical feasibility and market impact assessment.

5. Prototype Budgeting & Roadmap Development

• Planning a prototype budget to optimize resources without compromising quality.
• Developing a structured prototype roadmap with clear milestones and success criteria.
• Integrating Lean and Agile principles for ongoing refinement and scaling.

10 Post-Workshop Clinics

The Prototyping Clinics will provide hands-on guidance, helping startups move from initial concept to a viable, testable prototype. The clinics will focus on:

1. Prototype Development & Functional Review

• Assisting startups in the development and refinement of their prototypes.
• Reviewing Functional Requirement Documents (FRDs) and providing general technical support.

2. Prototype Roadmap (Key Deliverable)

• Creating an actionable roadmap outlining critical steps, milestones, and timelines.
• Ensuring structured iteration based on feedback, testing, and market validation.

Timeline & Application Deadline

• Workshop Date: 10 May 2025
• Completion of Services: 25 May 2025
• Application Deadline for ToR: 16 March 2025

More information about the program and the eligibility criteria of the applicants is available on our website.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applications to this proposal can be from independent trainers/consultants or a legal entity, from Lebanon.
• The applicant should have at least 3 years of previous experience working with startups, ideally in the agritech and cleantech sectors, to provide insight into the unique issues that these companies may encounter.

• The applicant should have significant knowledge and expertise in market validation, particularly in the agritech and cleantech industries.
• The applicant should have hands-on expertise in the agritech and cleantech sectors, as well as an understanding of trends, regulations, and obstacles. This will enable them to provide startups with pertinent and up-to-date information.
• The applicant should have prior experience conducting seminars and clinics, as well as the ability to convey complicated ideas clearly and concisely. They must be able to modify their instructional approach to meet the requirements of the startup participants.
• The applicant should have an entrepreneurial mentality and be familiar with the obstacles and possibilities that come with starting a business.
• The applicant must be a strong speaker. They should be able to provide constructive and supportive comments, as well as successfully lead group talks.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The service provider will be selected based on:

• The proposal suggested and fit for the program’s objective.
• Their bio, proven track records, and experience in the field required.
• Financial Proposal: The financial proposal should include the following information:

• • Quotation number (ex: Quotation #34)
  • Date

• • From: Your First & Last Name
  • Your email
  • Your Phone Number
  • Your Address 

• • To: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik
  • Address: PO Box 446 Jounieh, Mount Lebanon 
  • Tel: (+961) 9 600 000
  • USEK’s MOF: 188165
  • Your MoF (If Applicable) 
  • The proposal should also include a lump sum fee for the workshop and an hourly fee for the one-on-one sessions.

Signed Agreement: All proposals must be signed to indicate acceptance of the terms outlined in this document.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your proposals & resume here. 

Should you have any questions, kindly email us on [email protected] with the subject “CALL FOR TRAINERS INQUIRY – IdeaLab” 

Good luck!