‘Orange Corners’ programme launched at PSUT

AMMAN — Under the patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya, chairperson of the board of trustees of Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT), the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship at PSUT has organised a ceremony to officially launch the “Orange Corners” programme in Jordan. 

The “Orange Corners” programme is supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in collaboration with iPARK and through a strategic partnership with Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC).

The event witnessed the participation of Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan Harry Verweij and PSUT President Wejdan Abu Elhaija, among other officials, according to a statement from PSUT on Tuesday.

The objective of the Orange Corners incubation programme is to provide support to 40 young Jordanian entrepreneurs who have progressed beyond the idea stage, developed a minimum viable product and have been operating for at least one year. 

Additionally, the incubation programme emphasises skill enhancement, business development support, networking opportunity, masterclasses, coaching and mentor sessions. 

Elhaija said: “We’re embarking on a new phase that encourages young entrepreneurs to drive innovation, reshape Jordan’s future and create sustainable job opportunities.” 

Princess Sumaya provides robust support for this vision. It aims to merge innovation and entrepreneurship with education, nurturing a generation that bolsters the economy and propels innovation across various sectors, ultimately fostering societal and national progress. 

The programme also aims to inspire creativity and give young people the power to shape their own futures. 

Hanandeh said: “In alignment with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision, the Ministry of Digital Economy is actively supporting startups and small to medium enterprises. This includes funding and investing in these ventures to underscore Jordan’s entrepreneurial significance and nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem and entrepreneurs.”

Verweij said: “Boosting the private sector’s success is a key aim of the Netherlands-Jordan Business Support Programme. This initiative offers young Jordanian entrepreneurs a supportive platform and role models, along with access to funding and global connections. We’re excited to witness entrepreneurs expanding their startups with the support of the Orange Corners initiative.” 

Serene Duwayri, the Incubation director, remarked: “We’re thrilled about this partnership. Orange Corners Jordan is conducting various programme activities that assist entrepreneurs in nurturing their companies and ideas, fostering innovation through inclusive services like capacity building and specialised support in logistics, legalities, accounting and marketing. These services empower them to thrive and expand.” 

Tareq Albitar, director of Corporate Communications, Sustainability and Innovation at Zain Jordan, shared Zain’s happiness about the expanded strategic partnership joining the Zain Innovation Platform (ZINC) with the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship. 

This partnership is part of ZINC’s commitment to creating partnerships that benefit the entrepreneurial landscape in Jordan, offering support for empowering young Jordanians and startups.