Palestinian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Catalyst (PIEC) scale up
This intervention strengthens the Palestinian startup ecosystem by transforming fragmented support initiatives into a fully integrated venture-building pipeline that guides startups and entrepreneurs from idea stage to investment readiness and regional expansion. Switzerland will partner with existing local ecosystem actors and utilise proven support models, while addressing critical gaps in coordination and access to finance.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Occupied Palestinian Territory |
Inclusive economic Development Other
Employment creation
Sector not specified SME development Business support & economic inclusion |
01.09.2026
- 31.12.2029 |
CHF 3’180’100
|
- Research Organisation of South East
- Flow Accelerator
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
Unallocated / Unspecified
INDUSTRY
BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Employment policy and administrative management
Sectors not specified
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
Business support services and institutions
Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F13200
| Background | The economic situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) remains extremely difficult due to ongoing political instability, movement restrictions, and declining private sector activity severely constraining economic opportunities. In this context, entrepreneurship remains an important avenue for innovation, job creation, and private sector recovery. While the startup ecosystem has shown progress through stronger founders and expanding earlystage support, it continues to face major structural challenges. Fragmented support services, limited access to growth capital, and weak investment readiness prevent many startups from progressing into scalable, fundable ventures. In addition, the limited domestic market makes regional expansion essential. Yet many startups lack the networks, partnerships, and investor connections needed to access regional markets and secure follow-on investment. |
| Objectives | Enhance the contribution of Palestinian startups to the overall economic growth of the oPt. |
| Target groups | 350 male and female Palestinian entrepreneurs from across the West Bank at all stages of venture development, from idea-stage founders to growthstage startups preparing for regional expansion. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: Early-stage startups validate commercially viable products and develop operational readiness for market entry. Outcome 2: Growth-stage startups increase customer traction, revenues, and organisational capacity to scale sustainably. Outcome 3: High-potential startups secure investment and expand into regional markets through strengthened investor engagement and ecosystem linkages. Outcome 4: Flow Ventures is institutionalized as a sustainable investment support vehicle, providing structured financing and post-investment support to high-potential startups |
| Results |
Expected results: 1.1 Market-relevant opportunity concepts are developed and assessed based on real problemsolution alignment and ecosystem needs (Stage 1 – Ideation) 1.2 Startups achieve validated problem-solution fit through structured customer validation and evidencebased testing (Stage 2 – Pre-Incubation) 1.3 Functional Minimum Viable Product are developed and validated for market testing, with startups demonstrating operational and commercial readiness to enter the market (Stage 3 – Incubation) 2.1 Startups achieve validated market traction through structured market testing and customer engagement (Stage 4 – Pre-Acceleration) 2.2 Startups develop structured growth systems and scalable commercial strategies (Stage 5 – Acceleration) 3.1 Startups are aligned with appropriate capital pathways and integrated into external investmentreadiness ecosystems (Stage 6 – Investment Readiness & Capital Engagement) 3.2 Startups supported through structured investment processes and deal execution (Stage 7 – Investment Mobilization) 3.3 Startups achieve structured regional expansion and market integration (Stage 8 – Growth & Regional Expansion) 4.1 Flow Ventures' institutional systems are established and operational 4.2 Independent validation of Flow Ventures completed, confirming the operational readiness of governance, compliance, investment, and financial management systems Results from previous phases: - Strong participation and venture creation: 350+ participants engaged, 314 pre-incubated, and 37 Minimal Viable Products developed - High-quality outputs: 80 business models created, 146+ mentoring sessions delivered, and startups progressed across high-growth sectors (AI, SaaS, HealthTech, etc.) - Investment traction achieved: 110+ qualified leads generated, with startups securing investor interest and entering active funding discussions - Inclusive engagement: female participation consistently above 40% (≈50% in ideation) - Ecosystem strengthening 200+ mentors mobilised, and strong partnerships established locally and regionally |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner Foreign academic and research organisation International or foreign NGO |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | Employment for all project, Enabel SAWA II project, FAO MAPII |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 3’180’100 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 332’223 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 3’180’100 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.09.2026 - 31.12.2029 (Current phase) |
