Palestine Technopark, in collaboration with Birzeit University, has introduced the Hike-Up program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate entrepreneurship and innovation within the tourism sector of the northern West Bank. This program is a cornerstone of a broader strategy to revitalize tourism along the Palestine Heritage Trail, with a particular focus on regions such as Jenin, Nablus, Jerusalem, and Ramallah.
Hike-Up is an integral component of the "Increasing Economic Opportunities and Improving Livelihoods for Communities along the Palestinian Heritage Trail" project. Spearheaded by the Palestinian Heritage Trail Association and generously funded by the Japan Social Development Fund in partnership with the World Bank, this venture embodies a commitment to empowerment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
The primary objective of Hike-Up is to equip young individuals aged 18 to 29 with the tools and resources necessary to develop entrepreneurial ventures that cater to the needs of trail visitors while preserving and promoting Palestinian heritage and eco-tourism principles.
The primary objective of Hike-Up is to equip participants with the tools they need to succeed as entrepreneurs. Through intensive training, aspiring business owners gain a comprehensive understanding of business development, marketing, and financial management. This training goes beyond technical skills, also including essential life skills necessary for navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, the program provides crucial financial support. Each of the 20 selected ventures receives a $5,000 grant to kickstart their operations. Beyond financial backing, Hike-Up fosters a supportive ecosystem. Participants benefit from the guidance of dedicated mentors throughout the program. This mentorship program fosters individual growth and provides valuable industry insights. Finally, Hike-Up fosters a collaborative environment by connecting participants with fellow entrepreneurs. This supportive network allows participants to learn from each other and build lasting connections within the tourism industry.
To provide comprehensive information about the program and inspire potential participants, a series of informative sessions were held in Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin. These sessions offered an overview of program goals, application procedures, selection criteria, and facilitated Q&A sessions with mentors and program representatives.
Following an overwhelming response to the program, a Hike-Up Hackathon was conducted at Palestine Technopark on July 13, 2024. Eighty promising ideas were selected to compete, with mentors providing ongoing support throughout the day. The event featured presentations by industry experts on tourism trends, digital transformation, and successful innovation case studies. Participants engaged in intensive group work sessions to refine their ideas and develop compelling pitches.
Currently, the program is in the selection phase, identifying the most promising ventures for advancement to the pre-incubation and seed funding stages. The three-month pre-incubation stage focuses on capacity building, idea refinement, prototyping, and business development. Subsequently, the top 20 startups will receive advanced training, mentorship, and $5,000 in seed funding to scale their businesses over a seven-month period.
