Driving Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in North Lebanon
The University of Balamand (UOB) launched the BIAT-Balamand Innovation Center (BBIC) at its Koura Campus on October 30, 2025. Established in partnership with BIAT, the center serves as North Lebanon’s primary hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer.
BBIC is dedicated to empowering students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and local businesses to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. It offers comprehensive programs in ideation, incubation, and commercialization, providing access to funding opportunities, expert mentorship, collaborative workspaces, and advanced prototyping facilities.
The event opened with a welcome note from Dr. Youssef Bassim, followed by keynote addresses from prominent figures in Lebanon’s banking, technology, and business sectors, including Mr. Nasri Mouawad, Chairman of BIAT; Mr. Saad Azhari, Chairman of Blom Bank; Mr. Hikmat Abou Zeid, Chairman of OMT; Mrs. Linda Sultan, General Director of the Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli and North Lebanon representing Mr. Toufic Dabbousi President of CCIAT; Mr. Rony Chahoud, Country Manager – Cisco Lebanon, and concluded with an address by Dr. Elias Warrak, President of the University of Balamand.
This initiative is made possible through the invaluable partnership with BLOM Bank, OMT, AGROW, CISCO, VISA, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli and North Lebanon (CCIAT), and the René Moawad Foundation (RMF). Each partner brings distinct expertise, resources, and networks to strengthen BBIC’s mission of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in North Lebanon. This collaboration enables a dynamic ecosystem that empowers startups, promotes digital and financial inclusion, and drives sustainable economic growth across the region.
Mr. Mouawad stated: “Today we are not just opening a hub, UOB and BIAT are launching a new pathway for innovation, partnership and opportunity in North Lebanon.” He added: “Together BIAT and UOB are connecting two words that should never be apart; academia and innovation, and that’s what is strong about this partnership.”
In his talk, Mr. Azhari affirmed, “This center can transform creative thinking into smart innovation, and from there into successful business. It is timely not only because it contributes to much-needed technological and economic development, but also because it stands as a testament that this country will not give up, despite the tremendous economic and political uncertainty we are living through.”
Hikmat Abou Zeid stated: "Our collaboration with the Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT) and the University of Balamand underscores OMT's strategic commitment to advancing financial inclusion and fostering entrepreneurship across Lebanon. By combining academic excellence, business innovation, and OMT’s fintech expertise, we aim to create an enabling environment for startups and MSMEs to grow and thrive in the digital economy."
Mrs. Sultan emphasized, “Since its establishment, CCIAT has believed in a clear mission, that knowledge is the most valuable investment, and innovation is the true engine of growth. This collaboration between UOB and BIAT practically translates the vision that CCIAT has always advocated: the integration of science and the economy forms the foundation for building an advanced, productive, and prosperous society.”
In his turn, Mr. Chahoud affirmed: “We are very happy at Cisco to be the technology partner for BIAT and UOB since we share the same mission; to empower students and startups. Cisco will be very happy to partnership with BIAT, from equipping BBIC through knowledge transfer, workshops, equipment and our technology.”
In his turn, Mr. Chahoud affirmed: “At Cisco, we are very happy to be the technology partner of BIAT and UOB, as we share the same mission; empowering students and startups. Cisco looks forward to strengthening this partnership with BIAT by supporting BBIC through knowledge transfer, workshops, equipment, and our technology.
In his address, Dr. Warrak highlighted: “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of UOB, to strengthen the bridge between academia, industry and entrepreneurial ecosystem.” He also stated: “Together we can cultivate a generation of innovators and enhance the fundamentals of resilience and foundations of hope. At UOB we will always foster knowledge to become action.”
This initiative reflects UOB’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, which represents a central pillar of UOB’s mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth in Lebanon.
