In line with its strategic commitment to fostering innovation, student entrepreneurship, and international academic cooperation, the University of Garmian has officially expressed its interest in participating in the 7th edition of the Start Cup Competition “Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean”, organized under the framework of the UNIMED SubNetwork on Employability.

The Start Cup Competition is a regional contest of entrepreneurial ideas open to university students from institutions across the Mediterranean basin. It aims to encourage student teams from both the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean to present innovative and feasible business ideas in the field of entrepreneurship. This year’s edition places special emphasis on “Entrepreneurship in Times of Change”, calling for resilient and adaptive solutions to contemporary economic, social, and environmental challenges.

The competition is a joint initiative led by UNIMED (Mediterranean Universities Union) and the Lebanese University – Coordinator of the UNIMED SubNetwork on Employability – in collaboration with the European Training Foundation (ETF) , the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie – Moyen Orient (AUF) , the Center for Careers, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Centre MINE) at the Lebanese University, and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari) .

The 7th edition will be hosted by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and will take place in Turin, Italy, on November 23–24, 2026. The two-day event combines a competitive pitch session, academic dialogue, and skills-building activities, offering participating students international exposure and hands-on entrepreneurial experience.

In response to the call for applications, the Directorate of Academic International Relations at the University of Garmian has initiated the necessary steps to confirm the university’s participation. The University of Garmian views this competition as a valuable opportunity to:

• Encourage student-led innovation and startup ideation

• Strengthen cross-Mediterranean academic and entrepreneurial networks

• Enhance the university’s international visibility and cooperation

• Provide students with real-world exposure to pitching, mentorship, and incubation environments

A team of students will be selected internally to represent the university, subject to the competition’s eligibility criteria (minimum 2 and maximum 4 students per team, with up to two members traveling to Italy if shortlisted as finalists). Both the Directorate of Academic International Relations and CDC will oversee the application process and coordinate with the Start Cup Secretariat.

Further details regarding the selection of the student team, preparation of the business plan, pitch deck, and poster, as well as participation in preparatory webinars, will be announced in the coming weeks.

The University of Garmian remains committed to empowering its students with the skills, networks, and experiences necessary to thrive in the evolving global landscape. Participation in the Start Cup Competition 2026 marks another step forward in the university’s journey toward academic excellence, innovation, and international engagement.

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