LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Ideasgym, a multifaceted business dedicated to fostering innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Egypt
Marwa Soudi is the co-founder of IdeasGym, leading initiatives to enhance STEM education across Egypt. She is a dedicated researcher and social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the EdTech industry. Currently a doctoral student at Tallinn University, she specializes in Digital Transformation and Responsible AI, focusing on creating tools to help SMEs comply with international AI standards. Marwa is passionate about empowering women in technology and has received numerous awards for her contributions, including the InspiringFifty Africa, IEEE Entrepreneurship Impact Award, Women in Business Innovation Award, "ICT for Women" award and the Tony Elumelu grant for entrepreneurship in Africa. She actively engages in various professional organizations, promoting ethical AI practices and fostering innovation in education. Her business was launched in 2011.
Lioness Weekender spoke to Marwa Soudi about her journey as a social entrepreneur and her ambitions to expand her business impact in the EdTech sector by developing innovative solutions that enhance learning experiences for diverse audiences.
What does your company do?
Ideasgym offers unique solutions through its innovative media productions that make STEM education engaging and accessible. By creating high-quality educational videos, interactive learning modules, and captivating multimedia content, Ideasgym transforms complex scientific concepts into relatable and understandable material for diverse audiences. These productions not only enhance scientific literacy but also inspire curiosity and interest in STEM fields. Furthermore, by collaborating with educators and industry experts, Ideasgym ensures that its content is relevant and impactful, effectively bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday life. This approach positions Ideasgym as a leader in STEM media, fostering a more informed and engaged public.
What inspired you to start your company?
I started Ideasgym to address the pressing need for innovation and STEM education in the MENA region. I recognized the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs and students, which motivated me to create an inclusive platform that empowers individuals to develop their ideas and skills. Through Ideasgym, my goal is to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration by providing essential resources, mentorship, and engaging educational content. I believe in cultivating a thriving ecosystem of STEM-driven startups and inspiring the next generation of innovators, ultimately contributing to economic growth and social development in our region. There are personal reasons also that motivated me to start my company, prior to starting my business I realised that I am more into starting my own business than being a regular employee, specially with the lack of innovative jobs that I could put all my passion in after my graduation in 2006. I love to do multiple things and this variety makes my happy. In other words my superpower and passion is in my ability to reach my limits and in my diversity. So I worked as a part time research engineer, part time translator in Entrepreneur MENA magazine and as a freelancer developing curriculum. This period before starting my own business has paved the way to start my business. Before starting the business I started to get big projects as a freelancer and I was pregnant, so I found the moment mature to start my own business and be beside my daughter at the same time. The idea of my business has been thriving within me for a longtime for many reasons, you can say once the moment came, I jumped in the business sea.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Ideasgym is a multifaceted organization dedicated to fostering innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. It operates in three key areas: STEM capacity building, STEM media productions, and the development of AI-powered tutoring systems.
In STEM capacity building, Ideasgym establishes innovation labs that provide resources, mentorship, and collaborative spaces for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. These labs enable individuals and teams to transform their ideas into viable business ventures, cultivating a robust ecosystem of STEM-driven startups.
Ideasgym also produces engaging STEM-focused media content, from educational videos to interactive learning modules. This content makes STEM topics more accessible and captivating for a wide audience, serving as a valuable resource for students, educators, and lifelong learners.
Furthermore, Ideasgym is at the forefront of developing AI-powered tutoring systems. By harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence, the organization creates personalized, adaptive learning experiences that cater to the unique needs and learning styles of students, with the potential to revolutionize STEM education.
Tell us a little about your team
At Ideasgym, our team is the heart of our organization, and we pride ourselves on being a close-knit family business. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances our mission of promoting innovation and STEM education. Our diverse backgrounds and shared passion for empowering others drive us to create impactful solutions together.
As a family, we support one another not only professionally but also personally, creating a nurturing atmosphere where creativity thrives. This strong bond allows us to tackle challenges with resilience and dedication, ensuring that Ideasgym remains a leading force in shaping the future of STEM in the MENA region.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Our journey started first by IdeasGym as an innovation science center with unique features in Alexandria. Students used to play sports while studying science or technology and from there the name IdeasGym came from. Then we started in 2016 to have innovation labs inside universities and technology parks. In 2018 we figured out the some students escape from school to attend our courses so we decided by 2018 to start our online platform, we wanted to give the students the same experience they get when they meet us in our hubs. At that time I started my EdTech MA degree in Tartu. I started the MA with many questions, as I realised that I need to acquire new knowledge to be able to develop EdTech solutions further. We also joined the UNTIL in Finland in the same year and Xedu accelerator. When COVID came we were a head of our times with our online platform, but after a while we decided that our solution will lose its power due to the market boom in the online education services. So we took hard decisions to limit our online platform to B2B and to change the whole direction of our company to B2B. At the same time we started to focus on B2B services that serves the disadvantaged groups, R&D that helps communities in need and in our STEM media productions.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans and aspirations for my company revolve around expanding our impact in the EdTech sector by developing innovative solutions that enhance learning experiences for diverse audiences. I aim to broaden our reach, making our programs accessible to underrepresented communities and ensuring that quality education is available to all. Additionally, I aspire to integrate emerging technologies, such as AI and data analytics, to personalize learning and improve outcomes for students. Building strategic partnerships with educational institutions and organizations will also be a key focus, enabling us to collaborate on initiatives that drive meaningful change. Ultimately, I envision my company as a leader in redefining education through creativity, inclusivity, and technology, empowering the next generation of learners and innovators.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most satisfying aspect of being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others' lives. Whether it's empowering students through innovative educational programs or mentoring women in technology, knowing that my work contributes to positive change is incredibly rewarding. I find great joy in seeing ideas transform into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. Additionally, the freedom to pursue my passions, drive my vision, and continuously learn and grow fuels my motivation. The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but the ability to learn how to have hope and faith to create, innovate, and inspire others makes every effort worthwhile.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to other women looking to start a startup is to believe in yourself and your vision. Embrace your unique perspective and experiences, as they can be powerful assets in the entrepreneurial landscape. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advocates who can offer guidance and encouragement. Don't be afraid to take risks and learn from failures; they are often the stepping stones to success. Finally, stay persistent and adaptable, as the journey of entrepreneurship is filled with challenges and opportunities. Trust you destiny and in your abilities, and remember that your contributions are valuable and needed in the business world.
To find out more about Marwa Soudi’s work at IdeasGym, contact her by email: marwa@ideasgym.com or visit the company’s website and on social media.
Website: http://www.ideasgym.com
