Rising from the rubble: A Gaza tech incubator defies Israel’s war
The devastating fallout of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip has extended far beyond the destruction of homes and basic services. More than two and a half years of violence have obliterated Gaza’s economy – including the technology and entrepreneurship sector, a vital life
The devastating fallout of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip has extended far beyond the destruction of homes and basic services. More than two and a half years of violence have obliterated Gaza’s economy – including the technology and entrepreneurship sector, a vital lifeline that once provided thousands of graduates with a window of hope amid mass unemployment and Israel’s years-long blockade.
Among the hardest-hit institutions is the UCAS Technology Incubator, affiliated with the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood of southwestern Gaza City. Once a vibrant hub for innovation and startups, its headquarters and facilities were reduced to rubble in August 2024 after Israeli attacks targeted the college.
Abdallah al-Tahrawi, director of the UCAS Technology Incubator, told Al Jazeera that the centre was established 13 years ago to invest in Palestinian youth and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to support economic development.
The incubator – the name given to organisations that foster tech startups and entrepreneurs – has supported more than 500 young tech professionals and hosted dozens of projects focused on information technology, food manufacturing, commerce, and creative industries.
Prior to the war, the incubator boasted 13 specialised facilities, including training halls, media production studios, and co-working spaces, funded by grants, including from the European Union, Qatar, and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.
UCAS then provided grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to help young people establish or develop startups, and hosted unique initiatives like “Insaf”, an incubator aimed at developing the professional capabilities of lawyers.
Today, that ecosystem has been entirely upended. The headquarters and more than 20 specialised laboratories were completely destroyed, while several staff and participants were killed or imprisoned by Israel, according to UCAS.
In addition, a field assessment of 100 startups in Gaza conducted by the incubator revealed staggering losses:
