9 experienced profiles for a transparent and objective evaluation
The college of startups is created by virtue of Article N°6 of the law N°2018-20 on startups. Its composition, prerogatives and functioning are set by the decree N°2018-840.

RIM SAIED (President)
An architect by training, she has held several roles related to research valorization, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Currently CEO of El Ghazala Technopark “S2T” Smart Tunisian Technoparks, Rim operates at the heart of Tunisia’s startup ecosystem.

HASSEN ARFAOUI
Hassen is a Principal at 216 Capital Ventures, with over 8 years of experience in venture capital and private equity. He has led multiple investment funds and support programs, and now backs ambitious startups to help build the African champions of tomorrow, driven by a deep passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.

JIHENE EL OUAKDI
Jihene El Ouakdi is the Director of the Higher School of Digital Economy (ESEN) and Academic Lead at the University of Manouba’s Observatory. Holding a PhD in Finance from Laval University, she sits on several national boards. A former lecturer and active researcher, her work focuses on innovation, governance, and financial markets.

WISSEM EL MEKKI
Wissem Elmekki is Inspector General of Communications at the Ministry of Communication Technologies. A legal expert by training, he has led the Digital Economy Directorate since 2016. He played a key role in the development of the Startup Act and serves as the ministry’s focal point for the implementation of the Startup Tunisia program.

CYRINE MEHIRI BEN ACHMA
Cyrine has over 10 years of experience in entrepreneurship and more than 6 years supporting entrepreneurs and investors through her leadership of Wikistartup’s programs. She holds strong expertise in business creation and management, having led various structures and founded her own company.

ANIS SAHBANI
Anis Sahbani holds a PhD in Robotics and is a Senior Lecturer at Sorbonne University. In 2014, he founded Enova Robotics, the first company in Africa and the MENA region to design and manufacture its own robots. With over 100 scientific publications and a dozen patents, he now supports the robotic transformation of Tunisian industries across 4 continents.

HANEN KAAOUANA
A Tunisian professional specialized in taxation, finance, entrepreneurship, and startup development. She is the founder and CEO of YC Business and Financial Advising, a consulting firm based in Tunis. With 17 years of experience in corporate financial management and tax regulation, she brings dual public-private sector expertise.

GHAZI SADDEM
Ghazi Saddem is a Startup Advisor and expert in strategy, management, and digital transformation. He supports startups on key issues such as structuring, growth, market access, and fundraising. He has contributed to the design of incubation and acceleration programs internationally and acts as a bridge between local talent and global innovation dynamics.

MEHDI NAKOURI
Mehdi is an innovation expert with over 10 years of experience at the intersection of tech, entrepreneurship, and impact. With an academic background in computer science, he is the co-founder of Factory 619 and the e-health startup studio Factory 319. He designs innovation strategies and supports startups operating in complex environments as they scale.