About GEN in Iraq

The History of GEN in Iraq

GEN began operating in Iraq in October 2017 with a landmark business registration project in partnership with the Government of Iraq, the U.S. Embassy, and the United Nations. This collaboration produced an online digital "single-window" system, transforming a complex process of dozens of in-person steps and fee payments into a streamlined, five-step contactless business registration and compliance portal. Developed alongside UNCTAD, the portal utilizes proven methodologies deployed in 30 other countries. The project achieved global recognition in 2022 when the Republic of Iraq won the Enterprise Registration and Regulation Award, which was presented at that year's Global Entrepreneurship Congress.

Building on this momentum, GEN launched a national Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) campaign in 2018 with local partners. The initiative reached thousands through workshops, panel discussions and pitch competitions, successfully raising the profile of entrepreneurship across the country. This success prompted GEN to transition from annual events to year-round support. 

In 2021, it launched its first Startup Huddle chapter in Baghdad in partnership with The Station Foundation, followed shortly by a second chapter in Mosul. Also that year, GEN established a local affiliate, GEN Iraq, which is led by Ava Nadir—a digital inclusion expert and former commissioner of Iraq's Communications & Media Commission (CMC). GEN Iraq is dedicated to building a self-sustaining, private-sector-led economy.

GEN's primary activities in Iraq are focused on startup support, ecosystem building, and policy advocacy. Working alongside partners including Zain Iraq and Orange Corners Erbil, GEN Iraq connects local founders with global resources and international mentors and investors. It also fosters cross border collaboration, and advocates for policies that will create an environment in which entrepreneurs thrive.

GEN Campus Erbil

In November 2025, GEN reached a new milestone when a group of local leaders spearheaded an effort to open new entrepreneurship and innovation hub: GEN Campus Erbil. Located in the city’s "Golden District," the renovated facility will feature modern co-working infrastructure, conference spaces, and a dedicated podcast studio. The campus will serve as a physical anchor for the ecosystem, housing professionals essential to Erbil's startups and the country's entrepreneurial future.

GEN Global Initiatives

Governments, corporations and education institution leaders require better data, research and analysis about which entrepreneurship program interventions and policies are proven to maximize impact. Through the Global Entrepreneurship Research Network (GERN) and GEN’s Startup Nations policymaker network, GEN helps identify and crowdsource best-in-class policies and public programs that help entrepreneurs thrive.

GEN's programs and resources help smooth the path to market for Iraqi founder teams and provide entrepreneurs at all stages with the support necessary to reach the next level through the Global Business Angels Network, Startup Huddle, GEN Starters Club, Startup Open and other programs.

To break down siloes and enhance collaboration among Iraqi entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers and startup community leaders, GEN provides virtual platforms and numerous live events, including its Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) and GEC+ series, the Startup Nations Summit, annual meetings of its global vertical communities and by co-hosting other events across the globe.

By leveraging its global verticals in policy and research, GEN helps celebrate and connect the entrepreneurs in Iraq, breaking down cultural barriers. Through GEW and its year-round programming, the network continues to expand the community of Iraqi innovators and the champions who support them.