Sesame Innovation Lab brings together several applied research and innovation activities in the fields of digital technologies and services. It is an integrated platform made available to students, teachers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to carry out collaborative pilot projects in Research and Innovation on high-impact themes with strong technological value. These projects address issues such as smart cities, e-agriculture, e-health, the Internet of Things, and more—aligned with international trends and the country’s needs.

Sesame Innovation Lab is, in other words, SESAME’s response to the Big Shift and the technological trends shaping today’s world (Internet, Cloud—PaaS, IaaS, SaaS—Internet of Things, AI & Big Data, Analytics, digital economy, etc.). Keeping pace with these transformations is essential for any higher education institution in ICT and Management that aims to be forward-thinking.

Among the flagship initiatives of the Lab is the incubation of immersive projects (during coursework and after graduation) and the support for startup creation, fostering the exploration of new markets, job creation, and value generation. Several services are offered: technical and entrepreneurial coaching and expertise, operational logistics (Lab/Partners), equipment and facilities, as well as guidance and support for business planning and company creation.

Numerous scientific, technological, and communication activities are organized regularly to encourage scientific engagement and interaction among stakeholders, including bi-monthly “Trends” seminars, workshops and conferences, a major annual international event, scientific publications and patents, community networking, and activity on social media platforms.

A friendly, organized, and fully equipped space is dedicated to the Lab: advanced network and system infrastructure—including a Data Center and Cloud Computing services, a FabLab offering digital design and manufacturing facilities, and a structure that fosters innovation and the sharing of knowledge and experience.

Sesame Innovation Lab is indeed the essential hub bringing together research and innovation contributors around high-value-added, technically advanced, and industry-oriented projects. It provides a fertile environment where students can develop their sense of innovation and entrepreneurship, helping them transform ideas into concrete projects that generate value, employment, and economic growth.

This project is part of the activities of SESAME’s Applied Research and Digital Innovation Laboratory, a platform bringing together research and innovation stakeholders around innovative projects with strong technical and business relevance.

The incubator aims to promote entrepreneurship and the creation of startups (innovative young companies in ICT), thereby contributing to job creation and economic development. Business creation may stem from innovative project ideas proposed by applicants or from spin-offs of pilot or applied research projects carried out within the Lab or in collaboration with partner companies or research institutions.

What sets the Incubator apart is its full immersion in an integrated, first-class environment combining science, technology, and business. It offers an inspiring and stimulating space and multidimensional support in infrastructure, logistics, coaching, digital expertise, business plan development, and business development during the startup phase.

Sesame Digital Incubator supports entrepreneurs throughout project maturation, prototype or proof-of-concept development, product or service development, and the creation and launch stages of their startup. Candidates may be hosted in the incubator for up to one year.

Because expert guidance is essential throughout the incubation process, Sesame Digital Incubator provides project leaders with access to senior experts with extensive experience in applied research, ICT, business planning, entrepreneurship, company creation, management, and business development. These services are offered as targeted coaching, enabling the refinement and validation of both technical and entrepreneurial activities.

Applications to join Sesame Digital Incubator are open to graduates of Tunisian or foreign universities as well as individual innovators from companies or research laboratories. A selection process is organized twice a year. Each application is evaluated based on an application form and an oral presentation before a selection committee.