Maysa Jalbout

A Jordanian entrepreneur bridging tech innovation with youth development in conflict-affected regions

Maysa Jalbout is a trailblazing innovator from Amman, Jordan, best known for co-founding Startup Weekend in 2007. This global movement has empowered over 1 million young entrepreneurs across 180 countries to develop tech solutions addressing local challenges. Jalbout's pioneering work in conflict zones like Syria and Palestine includes establishing Post-Conflict Innovation Labs, which helped 2,300+ displaced youth create sustainable businesses. Her 2018 initiative 'Tech for Refugees' provided coding bootcamps and seed funding to 450 Syrian entrepreneurs in Lebanon. In 2020, she launched Youth Innovation Hub offering VR-based training in cybersecurity and AI to underserved communities. Jalbout's collaborations with UNICEF and the World Bank have influenced policy frameworks for youth employment in MENA region. Her viral LinkedIn post 'Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today' has been shared 50,000+ times, positioning her as a leading voice in edutech and social impact. Forbes Middle East listed her among 'Top 50 Women Shaping Tech' in 2022 for her work in democratizing access to digital skills.