About Us
The Accelerator department is one of the Scientific Center for Manufacturing and Production departments. Its main job is to support innovative ideas by launching The Startup Weekend Support (SWS).
The SWS program has one goal: TURN IDEAS INTO REALITY!
The program was initially launched in 2022 in Mount Lebanon at the Lebanese University - Hadat Campus. In 2023 the accelerator department launched three SWSs: the first one took place in Beirut at the Unesco Palace, the second one in North Lebanon at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Tripoli and North Lebanon, and the third one in Bekaa at Baalbeck Manucipalicities Union.
Now, the first Startup Weekend Support of this year will take place in Beirut at the Union of Arab Chambers.
SWS PROCESS
Online Registration
When the registration for the program is open, it is announced on SCMP’s website and social media accounts, then the participants can fill out the online application before the deadline.
Pre-Selection
Applications go through an initial evaluation done by SCMP’s team. Later, the accepted participants are contacted.
“How to pitch” Workshops
Training sessions and workshops are organized by the accelerator department to prepare the accepted teams to present their ideas in front of the public and the jury.
Event Day
SCMP organizes a launching event where some of the people attending are economic and social actors, investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs. The event consists mainly of two parts: the first one where an official ceremony takes place, followed by a tour over the outstanding posters where the participants will be in direct contact with potential investors. The second one is where participants move into closed rooms and pitch their ideas in front of a specialized jury that evaluates the ideas according to specific criteria.
"Business Plan" Workshops
Moving forward with the selection process, a second selection takes place according to the jury’s evaluations. The shortlisted groups undergo another type of workshops led by professionals where they learn how to work on their business plan covering the following topics:
- Mission, vision, value, core objective, target market, competitive edges, the SWOT, PESTEL, and AIDA Analysis of the potential projects.
- Market share, sustainability of the idea, and many more…
- Financial feasibility study.
The Prototype Phase
The shortlisted projects are then re-shortlisted. All the remaining teams will receive the funding needed to create the prototypes representing their product/service under the supervision of experts.
Winner selection
SCMP is willing to choose one or more projects to turn into a Startup. The winning team(s) will benefit from SCMP’s entire resources: funding, network, and mentors. The winning team will be supported through the entire process, from the registration and legal paperwork to the production phase.
