The Dot Celebrates Its 3rd Anniversary with a Renewed Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusivity
During the celebration of The Dot's 3rd anniversary, French Ambassador to Tunisia, Anne Guéguen, made a significant announcement: France and the European Union are ready to renew their financial support to The Dot through new cooperation projects. This news marks a strong commitment to the sustainability and perpetuity of The Dot. This support will be conditioned by the demand of Tunisian public partners, with whom a new support program will be formulated, building on the Innovi program, which is nearing its end.
Celebrating 3 Years of Innovation
The anniversary, which took place on June 28, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, ambassadors, and various actors from the Tunisian entrepreneurial ecosystem. All were present to celebrate The Dot's 3rd anniversary, an organization dedicated to supporting the passion and potential of young Tunisian innovators. The Dot transforms bold ideas into tangible realities through multidisciplinary support, including mentorship, expertise, and networking opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
Impact and Achievements of The Dot
This vibrant ecosystem has orchestrated over 1,500 events, gathering more than 40,000 passionate participants and facilitating 250 innovative collaborations. The Dot has also organized over 15 university visits and 24 international visits, highlighting its global reach. The Dot community reflects Tunisia's diversity, with 49% of women leaders and 30% of members from interior regions. The average age of this community is 30, with over 400 startups benefiting from its resources.
The Dot currently hosts 150 startups and enriches the community with over 300 sharing sessions led by 80 experts. Its network of partners includes 6 national and 18 international institutions. The Dot's efforts have been recognized with over 1,000 media appearances and over 300 podcast studio bookings. The Dot is not just a workspace, but the beating heart of a dynamic community, a platform where entrepreneurial ideas take flight.
Commitment to Inclusivity
During the event, speakers highlighted The Dot's commitment to supporting startups with their programs. Entrepreneurs benefit from a favorable workspace, a large network of experts, and all these resources for free. Badreddine Ouali, President of the Tunisia Development Foundation, explained: "The Dot was initially the meeting of two dreams: that of the Germans, who wanted to prevent the decline of technological companies, and that of the Tunisians, who wanted to boost young people, especially in disadvantaged regions."
Impact and Future Vision
The impact of The Dot cannot be measured solely in terms of the number of startups created or funds raised. For Ouali, the essential thing is elsewhere: "The most important thing is that every Tunisian with an idea tells themselves that it's possible for me. Each person must say to themselves: if I really want to create a company in my country, I don't have to go elsewhere." The regional fracture, an old problem in Tunisia, is at the heart of The Dot's concerns. "The regional fracture in our country is a long-standing problem, and we want to bridge this gap," Ouali declared.
Ouali emphasized the need to expand the project's inclusivity to reach often-neglected communities. "We don't reach enough people with reduced mobility, people with mental disabilities, or those who have had a disastrous experience in their life."
The Dot has established itself as an exemplary structure, cited as a reference in many international interviews and meetings. The French Ambassador's announcement will be a step forward in strengthening The Dot's position as a key player in Mediterranean innovation and an inspiring model beyond Tunisia's borders. The evening continued in a festive atmosphere, celebrating not only an anniversary but also a renewed commitment to the future of innovative entrepreneurship in Tunisia.
