Hasoub-MIT Sandbox Boston Accelerator Collaboration for Arab-led Startups

Recently, ten promising startups from Hasoub returned from the Hasoub-MIT Sandbox Accelerator program in Boston. The eight-week program, conducted from August 5th to September 27th, included intensive workshops, networking events, and sessions focused on refining business strategies through MIT’s renowned Customer Discovery Sessions. 

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Hasoub’s ongoing mission to elevate entrepreneurs from the Arab community and foster global connections. The ten startups that participated are: Soutinova, ShipShap, ShoppyFit, WayBee, VREE Labs, Coachwhizz, SellEnovo, Flowless, Kanz, GoMake. This collaboration provided startups with unique opportunities to immerse in the dynamic U.S. entrepreneurship ecosystem, connect with potential customers, engage with investors, and learn best practices for entering major markets. 

Programs Offered by Hasoub

Israel is widely recognized as the “Startup Nation,” yet Arab citizens of Israel remain significantly underrepresented in the high-tech sector. While 15% of tech students come from the Arab community, Arab professionals account for only 1.8% of high-tech jobs—even fewer are part of start-ups, and fewer still founders themselves Founded in 2014 by Rabea Zioud and Hasan Abo-Shally, both experienced professionals in Israel’s tech industry, Hasoub is dedicated to advancing tech and entrepreneurship within Arab society. It seeks to bridge this gap by building infrastructure and fostering tech communities within Arab cities and villages. 

Hasoub runs specialist tech events in Arabic, with a level of cultural awareness and inclusivity that makes these events accessible. They operate several initiatives on campuses and in Arab localities: 

Hasoub on Campus:

• Hasoub Campus Chapters: Volunteer-led teams manage community activities and events at various university campuses, creating a supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

• Students Career Program: This initiative partners with organizations to assist Arab students in securing employment in the tech sector, focusing on those in their second year or beyond. 

• Campus Startup Cup: A year-long competition featuring mentoring, hackathons, and pitch nights, aimed at Arab students with innovative ideas. 

Hasoub in Town:

This project focuses on building tech-innovation communities in Arab towns and villages, driving sustainable economic and social change. 

• Hasoub Garage: An innovation center and coworking space located in Wadi-Ara, transforming a century-old building into a hub for entrepreneurs.  

• Startup School: Workshops and meetups designed for young adults (18-35) interested in developing tech-oriented ideas. 

• Angel Investors Program: This initiative exposes Arab business professionals to high-tech investments, promoting engagement in the startup ecosystem.