GIST Community | GIST Network

Innovators

By combining its online platform with on-the-ground partners, GIST creates education and training opportunities for young innovators in more than 130 countries around the world by providing access to U.S. experts and through in-country entrepreneurship networks and support systems.

Ecosystem Builders

Ecosystem Builders aim to bolster networking and entrepreneurial skills to build durable, long-term, supportive networks. The ultimate goal is to stimulate local entrepreneurial activity and ensure participants can grow their skills and scale their businesses together – both in their home country and through the GIST Network’s global connections.

Investors

GIST partners with in-country stakeholders in entrepreneurial ecosystems to bolster local financial support for startups. GIST is able to bring American investment experts to different regions around the world and provides an opportunity for in-country investors to learn how to create and sustain investor networks for entrepreneurs.

Partners

Since 2011, GIST has partnered with the private sector to reach over 27 million innovation community members globally and has provided training for over 15,000 startups who have gone on to generate over $250 million in revenue. This is done through competitions, startup trainings, and interactive online programs, implemented by AAAS and VentureWell. If you would like to explore partnership opportunities please contact Hillary LeBail.

General Pitch Competition

GIST runs a variety of Pitch Competitions that do not fall into the same category as Tech-I or Catalyst. These are usually associated with specific conferences or themes.

Business Incubation

The U.S. Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science and Technology, or GIST, Initiative launched this new program in the fall of 2019 for entrepreneurs in emerging economies.

The GIST Network is a public-private partnership created by the U.S. Department of State to give science and technology entrepreneurs access to needed resources and advice.

In order to create sustainable investment networks, the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative has created the Investor Mobilization Training program (GIST Investors).

GIST Startup Trainings

GIST Startup Trainings empower young science and technology innovators and entrepreneurs through on-the-ground training and mentoring delivered by top U.S. mentors and in-country partners.

GIST Tech-I Pitch Competition

The GIST Tech-I Competition is an annual competition for science and technology entrepreneurs from emerging economies worldwide.

GIST Catalyst Pitch Competition

Applications open 2 August for the 2021 GIST Virtual Pitch Competition!

The GIST Innovates program is a multi-component training program to provide innovators with the training, mentoring, and resources they need to bring their ideas out of the university lab and into the market.

Resources

GIST TechConnect

GIST TechConnects provides entrepreneurs around the world with direct access to leading U.S. experts from business and academia, but without the travel and other related costs.

GIST Innovation Hubs

Innovation Hubs, or IHubs, are designed to build strong and vibrant networks of young science and technology entrepreneurs around the world.

GIST Masterclass Series

Through partnerships with U.S. Embassies and in-country startup incubators, the GIST Masterclass Series brings U.S. experts in entrepreneurship to a specific country for face-to-face interactions with stakeholders.

News

1 Million Cups Expanding Worldwide

GIST, working with Global Entrepreneurship Week, is expanding Kauffman Lab’s exciting 1 Million Cups (1MC) educational program globally. 1MC is a simple way to engage entrepreneurs in communities all around the world.

10 Leadership Tips for Fresh-Faced Entrepreneurs

In a market flush with startups, it’s tough to stand out. As a CEO, you likely work tirelessly for that "takeoff" moment by dreaming up viral marketing campaigns or pitching to key investors.

10 Networking Tips for Entrepreneurs in Between Jobs

Question: I am an entrepreneur in between companies. How can I succinctly explain this in networking situations?

Explain a Positive Past, Optimistic Future

10 Steps to Finding the Right Co-Founder

A common challenge faced by every entrepreneur is that they don’t have the bandwidth, interest or skills to do everything that is required to build their startup.

12 Lessons Learned in Helping your Talent Thrive

Looking back at 2014, it was quite a fruitful year in terms of funds announced and investment deals closed. But one of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs in the region and the world still face is managing teams and retaining talent.

2015 Hult Prize at University of Tunis

The University of Tunis is taking applications for teams to compete in the Hult Prize Regional Finals, which take place on March 13, 2015 in Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, and Shanghai, starting at 2 pm local time.

2015 Tech-I Finalists Announced

Following a record number of votes, applications, and expert reviews, the U.S. Department of State, GIST initiative, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) are proud to announce the 2015 GIST Tech-I finalists.

2016 GIST Tech-I Deadline Extended to January 29!

After receiving a sudden uptick of questions about the application and requests for extra time, the Tech-I Team has decided to extend the deadline by one week.

30 Startups Compete in Maroc Startup Cup to Win Most Promising Startup of Morocco

After the success of the launch edition last year, Maroc Startup Cup is becoming the most important business model competition for startups across Morocco. In 2014, Maroc Startup Cup received the brilliant support of the OCP Entrepreneurship Network as the official partner of the competition.

4 Big MENA VC Funds Announced in 2014

2014 was a very good year when it came to new funds entering the tech scene in the Arab region. Rather than just seed and early stage, we saw more funds target growth stage startups.

4 Reasons Foreign Investors Should Consider Morocco

Morocco has been attracting increased foreign investment recently, thanks to its reassuring macroeconomic status and an economy that is doing well (its GDP grew by 4.6% in 2013). In 2012, the Kingdom was first in terms of foreign investment flows to North Africa.

4 Tips for Budget-Conscious Startups

The successful management of a budget can give a startup a big push forward and help it achieve unexpected results, however, finance and funds are one of the biggest challenges facing startups - they can make or break a project.