As Lebanon hosted its first-ever national entrepreneurship and innovation summit, the Power X Summit 2025, QOOT Cluster, an initiative by Berytech, proudly stood out as a successful example of the power of collective innovation.
Held from May 13 to 15 at Beirut Hall, Horsh Tabet, the Power X Summit gathered pioneers, institutions, and businesses from across Lebanon’s innovation ecosystem. Under the theme of “Powering Potential,” each day of the summit spotlighted a core element: Innovation and Research, Business Linkages, and Entrepreneurship, values that align deeply with QOOT Cluster’s mission, and demonstrates what a high-impact, sector-focused cluster can achieve when collaboration meets vision.
QOOT Cluster: A living testimonial of cluster success in Lebanon
Founded by Berytech and supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, QOOT Cluster is Lebanon’s first agri-food innovation cluster, established to bring together Lebanon’s most innovative agri-food SMEs, startups, and stakeholders. Today, QOOT Cluster stands as a testimony to the transformative power of clusters, enabling its members to expand their reach, increase competitiveness, and innovate collaboratively.
At Power X Summit 2025, QOOT was more than a participant, it was a testimony to the summit’s mission in action. With dynamic interventions, a vibrant exhibition, and strategic discussions, QOOT Cluster demonstrated the real-world impact of cluster-based development in Lebanon.
Engagements at Power X Summit
QOOT Cluster launched its participation by sharing its innovation challenges with solution providers in a bold “reverse pitching session” organized by Lebanon Innovate. Representing the agri-food sector’s dynamic innovation needs, QOOT Cluster presented its cluster challenges and smart solutions from the innovation community, reversing the traditional startup pitch dynamic.
QOOT Cluster continued to amplify its role on the second day, themed Collaboration and Clustering (May 14), where it took center stage at the Exhibition Stage with a live announcement, unveiling a set of upcoming initiatives and industry activities, spotlighting new opportunities and collaborations that are driving innovation and resilience in Lebanon’s agri-food landscape.
In addition, QOOT joined ACT Smart and ECF in a panel discussion on “Green Economy Clusters in the MENA Region: Unlocking Opportunities & Overcoming Challenges,” where it contributed to a critical dialogue on how clusters can drive the green economy through innovation, collaboration, and policy support. The panel brought forward practical case studies, including QOOT Cluster’s own role in supporting eco-conscious agri-food practices, with Mr. Ralph Sbeih, Chief Strategy Officer at Plastc Lab, as moderator; and panelists Mrs. Nadine El Khoury, President of QOOT Cluster; Mr. Karl Gedda, Director at Smart ESA; and Mr. Antoine Skayem, CEO at FREE Energy.
”Clustering requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. For it to truly succeed, members must understand its value and actively collaborate. Building strong local connections is the essential first step, only then can we unlock the full potential of innovation and growth through collective strength. QOOT Cluster stands today as a real testimonial of this journey, proving that when a community comes together with a shared vision, transformation is possible.” – said Nadine El Khoury.
As part of QOOT Cluster’s broader engagement, Mrs. Nadine El Khoury also moderated the panel “Gender-Inclusive Business Models: Insights and Applications Across Sectors,” where panelists highlights best practices, success stories, and actionable strategies across industries, demonstrating how inclusive policies benefit both organizations and society. The panel featured Mrs. Lama Zeinoun Tabet, Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable Economic Development and Gender Focal Person at GIZ Lebanon; Dr. Ahmed Rady, Founder and CEO at EGYMAG Biotechnology; and Mrs. Michele Chammas Garzouzi, Chief Innovation Officer at Medco sal.
This strong presence across multiple sessions was further reinforced by QOOT Cluster’s vibrant exhibition space, which drew the attention of visitors including VIPs, government officials, international donors, and private sector leaders. They expressed admiration for QOOT’s presence and the quality of its member enterprises. Visitors were invited to connect directly with these innovators at the QOOT Cluster Booth, which featured a diverse of exhibitors across the three days of the summit. These included: Soler’s, Cherry Good-Karaz Hammana, Agreen Organics, Corado, Sheghel Emme, Kamakian, Mezz Mix, Orchards of Leila, Natura Spoon, and Eshmoon.
Powering the Future Together
QOOT Cluster’s participation in Power X Summit 2025 reinforced its position as Lebanon’s premier agri-food innovation cluster. The summit offered a valuable space to connect with partners, industry leaders, amplify members visibility, and affirm that even amid crises, collaboration can yield opportunity.
As Lebanon charts a future of inclusive, green, and knowledge-based growth, QOOT Cluster continues to pave the way, powering innovation, together.
