In a country known more for its political turmoil than its startups, Libya’s youth are finding new ways to build their futures — one innovative business at a time. At the heart of this transformation lies Libya StartUp!, an EU-funded initiative implemented by Spark and Super Novae.  The project empowers a new generation of entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to bring their visions to life. Eslam Mohammed Shakreen, 24, uses AI to detect oil leaks from space while Rawan Abu Aeshah, also 24, revives old car engines into eco-friendly vehicles. Thanks to the support of Libya StartUp!, their bold ideas have become reality, proving that Libya’s greatest resource might just be its people.

AI from the Sky

Eslam Mohammed Shakreen doesn’t just see data — he sees solutions. At 24 years-old, this recent IT graduate is the CEO of HyperVizion, a tech startup that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery to detect oil leaks across Libya’s vast petroleum infrastructure. His idea took shape during a coding competition but truly ignited during a tech summit he attended in Tunisia with his future partners. “We learned that, in 2022 alone, Libya lost around 3 billion dollars due to oil leaks!” Eslam remembers. Motivated by other entrepreneurs using cutting-edge technologies to protect the environment and reduce losses, he thought: “why not do the same, and use AI to fix our problem?”

HyperVizion is an AI-driven solution that analyses high-resolution satellite images to detect oil leaks or other types of petroleum-based spills in the oil and gas industry. It then provides companies with real-time dashboards to act quickly and minimise both financial and environmental losses. “It’s fast, accurate, and scalable,” Eslam explains. “And it offers much more precise detection than traditional methods!”

But, like for any startup in Libya, challenges were plenty. Eslam and his team needed credibility, visibility, and guidance to make their idea come to life. “That’s what Super Novae gave us: they offered intensive advice and follow-up from market experts,” Eslam explains. His team received specialised training sessions that helped address real-world problems. 

“From helping us to refine our business plan, to improving our ability to negotiate with potential clients and partners, we really gained the skills we needed to enter the market as a competitive business,” Eslam explains.

From Vision to Venture

Far from being theoretical, the support provided by Libya StartUp! is tailored to each entrepreneur’s journey. No two stories —or businesses— are the same, and this is where the programme’s strength lies. “Each entrepreneur we support has a vision,” says Winsa Elhaderi, Access to Finance Manager at Super Novae. “They span completely different fields and our job is to help them refine that vision and provide the practical tools to make it real.”

Launching a business in Libya takes more than vision though; it also takes a lot of resilience. Entrepreneurs often face red tape, social pressure, and limited access to capital. Super Novae provides them with intensive group workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and real-world diagnostic assessments to counter these challenges. The result is a support system that is as comprehensive as it is personal.

“Even after they graduate, they remain part of our community,” Winsa notes. “We invite them to networking events, panels, and international conferences. The ecosystem doesn’t end—it expands.” With EU support, the programme has already reached hundreds of young entrepreneurs across Tripoli and Garian. Rawan Abu Aeshah, for instance, recently launched her own car recycling business at only 24 years old.

Recycling Cars, Redefining Gender Roles

Amidst the scent of oil and machinery,  Rawan also shares high praises for the programme, which helped her establish the Permanent Innovation for Manufacturing Advanced and Innovative Engines Company, a green-tech startup that upcycles old car engines and spare parts.

“I grew up surrounded by cars as my father worked in the industry. So I quickly knew I wanted to work in this field too,” the young woman recalls. Her objective was to achieve her dream while creating something that helps her country, people and the environment.  “The concept is simple: we take old engines and parts, repair them, and reuse them in new vehicles. It’s recycling, but for cars,” she says. 

But Rawan also wanted these eco-friendly vehicles to spark greater environmental awareness among the local population. By reducing industrial waste, generating local jobs, and increasing access to sustainable transport -especially in underserved areas-, she wanted to prove that supporting local companies can be a huge bonus for Libya.

“Not only does Permanent Innovation Company have the potential to boost local job creation, it could also help reduce dependence on imports by supporting local manufacturing,” Rawan explains with enthusiasm. The young entrepreneur’s path wasn’t without hurdles though, as she faced many negative reactions to her project. “I was told that this is ‘man’s work’ and I couldn’t do it. But I kept going. Also because, in addition to my father, who is my first supporter, I also had Super Novae who believed in me.”

Through the Libya StartUp! programme and the Super Novae incubator, Rawan accessed targeted mentoring and specialised courses at the Innovation Park, where she developed a strong network of partners and peers. “They gave me opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs and industry leaders. This level of support really made me feel surrounded by a genuine team who cared about my success and helped me in achieving my goals,” she remembers fondly.

Tomorrow, Built Today

For Rawan, success is all about breaking stereotypes. “If a young girl wants to launch her own business, even in something ‘unusual’,I tell her ‘go for it!’.” 

“My advice is: ‘Find your passion. Learn nonstop. Build your support network. Connect with other entrepreneurs. But, mostly, be patient and believe in yourself,” she asserts.

Eslam, for his part, strongly believes in the need to tackle real-life problems with concrete solutions. “Just look around: Libya needs modern technology solutions. And we can be the ones to deliver them.” He says the market is wide open for creative young entrepreneurs, who just need to get out there and seek the support available. “Competitions and specialised programmes like Libya StartUp! are essential because they give you practical experience, networking and tangible skills like financial planning,” he notes, stressing that “entrepreneurship isn’t just about tech innovation; it requires a lot more, like negotiation skills or marketing.”

“And, in order to stand up to the ‘big fish’ in the industry, you need to be equipped!,” Eslam concludes.

Libya Start-up! is part of the EU-Libya cooperation framework aimed at fostering private sector development, promoting economic diversification, and creating job opportunities for Libyan youth. Implemented by SPARK Libya and Super Novae, the project supports young entrepreneurs through comprehensive mentoring, incubation services, training workshops, and networking events. The programme also provides access to funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and investments, contributing to a more inclusive economy and sustainable growth across Libya.