Scientific Centers, in cooperation with An-Najah Innovation Park at An-Najah National University, have concluded a specialized training program in Community Entrepreneurship. The program spanned 210 training hours and included a selection of university students and graduates. This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ EPISODE project, implemented by the Scientific Centers in partnership with the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED), Birzeit University, BuildPalestine, and the European organization All Digital.

The training was overseen by a group of the University's faculty members who had previously participated in a Train-the-Trainer program under the same project in Turin, Italy. The training team included: Dr. Raafat Al-Jallad, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics; Dr. Firas Al-Naser, Head of the Business Administration Department; Dr. Rani Shahwan, from the Faculty of Business and Economics; Dr. Mohammed Sabah, Director of An-Najah Academy for Training; Dr. Imad Al-Natsha, from the Faculty of Engineering; Dr. Ola Anabtawi, from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Engineering; and Ms. Faten Akkawi, Technical Support Unit Coordinator. This team delivered high-quality training content that enhanced students' capabilities in the fields of innovation and community entrepreneurship.

Prof. Munqez Shtayyeh, Director of the Scientific Centers, opened the special day dedicated to showcasing the participating students' project results. He emphasized An-Najah University's commitment to supporting its students' entrepreneurial ideas, consistently encouraging the incubation of innovative initiatives, and sponsoring activities that contribute to enhancing the role of youth in community development.

The closing day featured the presentation of 14 entrepreneurial projects before a specialized judging panel that included representatives from the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, the Agricultural Relief's Business Incubator, and the Palestinian Employment Fund.

The results were as follows:

- Marwa Tawfiq secured first place for her project, "Luzina," the first Palestinian company specializing in manufacturing dairy alternatives, with a particular focus on almond milk. The company adopts a sustainable and healthy approach, aiming to offer innovative plant-based products that meet consumer needs and enhance dietary awareness, while committing to reducing environmental impact and supporting the local market.

- Huthaifa Murshid took second place for his project, "Malikati," a specialized venture in producing queen bee nuclei. This project seeks to support the Palestinian beekeeping sector by providing improved queens that meet the needs of local beekeepers.

- Dalia Sawalha earned third place for her project, "Dalia Al-Karmel," an eco-tourism educational farm that offers healthy products and combines traditional and hydroponic farming. It focuses on recycling and optimal resource utilization within an integrated environmental vision.

The first and second-place winners received funding for a visit to the University of Barcelona to present their projects and benefit from the business incubator services there. The third-place winner received incubation for her project within An-Najah Innovation Park. These awards were presented as a gift from An-Najah National University to support its students and encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Additionally, Agricultural Relief announced the allocation of three extra funding awards, while the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence declared its readiness to provide financial prizes and incubation opportunities for three other projects.

The judging panel expressed their admiration for the advanced level of the participating projects, commending the quality of the training and its role in fostering entrepreneurial thinking among students, motivating them to offer practical solutions that serve Palestinian society and support the local economy.

Professor Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Zayd, President of the University, indicated that the University places increasing strategic importance on entrepreneurship and innovation, considering them fundamental pillars in building a knowledge economy and achieving sustainable development. Through its scientific centers and An-Najah Innovation Park, the University strives to provide a supportive environment for creative students, enabling them to transform their ideas into projects with a real impact at the national level. These initiatives are part of the University's vision to build a leadership generation equipped with entrepreneurial skills, capable of facing contemporary challenges and contributing to the development of Palestinian society.