Visa has named PraxiLabs, Up-Fuse and Kennah as the winners of the fourth She’s Next programme in Egypt, awarding the three women-led businesses a combined $45,000 to support their expansion.PraxiLabs secured first place and a $20,000 grant, while Up-Fuse received $15,000 after finishing second. Kennah ranked third and was awarded $10,000. The winners were selected from nine finalists drawn from more than 2,500 applications submitted by women-led businesses across Egypt.
The scale of participation highlighted the growing number of women building businesses in sectors ranging from education technology and sustainable fashion to healthcare, renewable energy, child protection, hospitality and digital skills. Applicants underwent an evaluation and development process before the finalists presented their ventures to business executives and investors.
PraxiLabs, founded by Khadija El-Bedweihy, provides three-dimensional virtual science laboratories designed to make practical education more accessible. Its simulations allow students to conduct experiments digitally, offering schools and universities an alternative where physical laboratories are unavailable, costly or limited by safety concerns.
The Cairo-based education technology company has developed virtual experiments across subjects including chemistry, physics and biology. Its model addresses a persistent problem in science education, particularly in markets where institutions face shortages of laboratory equipment, consumable materials or qualified technical staff.
PraxiLabs’ first-place award also reflects the growing commercial interest in technology that combines digital learning, immersive simulation and artificial intelligence. Education providers have increasingly adopted hybrid learning tools, while universities are seeking systems that can expand access to practical training without replacing physical laboratories entirely.
Up-Fuse, the second-place winner, is a Cairo-based social enterprise that converts discarded materials into fashion products, including bags, accessories, clothing and footwear. Founded as a university project in 2013, the company developed methods for turning plastic bags and other waste into durable materials.
The enterprise operates through a slow-fashion model that connects recycling with local production and employment. Its products are made with the involvement of collectors, craftspeople, designers and sewing workers, creating a supply chain intended to reduce waste while supporting communities that have limited access to formal employment.
Up-Fuse says an individual product can prevent between 10 and 30 plastic bags from entering landfill, depending on its design and size. The company has also expanded into corporate gifts, sustainable packaging and workshops for organisations seeking to improve environmental awareness.
Kennah, which placed third, was recognised alongside businesses offering practical responses to market and community needs. The awards were based on the strength of each business model, growth prospects, innovation and the founders’ ability to demonstrate a viable route towards expansion.
The programme was delivered with CIB Business Banking, which participated as the exclusive banking partner for the fourth consecutive year. Shark Tank Egypt joined the initiative for the first time, providing the finalists with added exposure to investors and a wider television and business audience.
The judging panel included Shark Tank Egypt investors Abdalla Salam and Ahmed Tarek, Visa country executive Malak El Baba and CIB commercial banking official Hany El-Dieb. Finalists were assessed after taking part in training and mentorship sessions intended to improve their strategies and presentation skills.
The programme focused on strengthening business models, preparing founders to pitch for investment, improving their use of digital tools and helping them plan for sustainable growth. Participants were also given access to business leaders, mentors and potential ecosystem partners.
An additional course tailored for the finalists was offered through CIB’s partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The training was designed to give participants practical management knowledge and greater confidence in making financing, expansion and operational decisions.
The nine finalists represented a broad range of ventures. PraxiLabs was joined in the education segment by Codinger Platform, which teaches coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital skills to children and teenagers, and Learning Rockets, a developer of educational applications.
Other finalists included Aziza, a menstrual health application developed in Egyptian Arabic; SAFE Egypt, which promotes education and awareness around child protection and sexual abuse prevention; and Rafeya, an ethical fashion business offering custom sizing and inclusive production.
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