On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli and North Lebanon (CCIAT), the Business Incubation Association in Tripoli (BIAT), and the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) signed a memorandum of understanding at the Innovation and Sports Campus (CIS) to launch the BIAT–CCIAT Innovation Award.

The agreement, signed by Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of USJ; Mr. Nasri Mouawad, Chairman and CEO of BIAT; and Mr. Toufic Dabboussi, President of CCIAT, aims to support entrepreneurship, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and promote the professional integration of students, with a particular focus on Lebanon’s North region.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. François Boëdec, SJ, Rector-Elect of USJ; Ms. Cynthia-Maria Ghobril Andréa, Director of Fondation USJ; Ms. Fadia Alam Gemayel, Director of the North Lebanon Campus; Ms. Ursula El Hage, Director of the Career and Placement Office, alongside USJ officials and representatives of the partner institutions.

This partnership is designed to support entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and build concrete bridges between academia, the economy, and the job market. It seeks to transform academic knowledge into practical solutions and projects with lasting economic and social impact.

Mr. Toufic Dabboussi described the award as “a strong example of collaboration between universities, economic institutions, and business incubators. It creates new opportunities for young innovators, enabling them to apply their knowledge and contribute to the economic development of Tripoli, North Lebanon, and the country as a whole.”

Mr. Nasri Mouawad added, “This memorandum marks the beginning of an ambitious journey beyond a single initiative, laying the foundation for innovation rooted in the synergy between scientific research and practical application.”

Finally, Prof. Daccache emphasized, “The significance of this memorandum lies in the genuine commitment it demonstrates to the North Lebanon region. Expectations are high, and this partnership represents a key step toward deepening cooperation and generating an even greater developmental impact.”

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