Connecting Universities, Students & SMEs to Drive Innovation

TechForward is an intaj-led initiative that connects universities, students, and private sector companies to turn real business challenges into innovative, technology-driven solutions. Following the successful first cohort, TechForward is launching for the 2026/27 academic year, building on the experience, partnerships, and results achieved during the first edition.

TechForward is implemented by the ICT Association of Jordan - intaj from GIZ Jordan through the I-PSD project is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply (MoITS), commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The primary beneficiaries of the I-PSD project are the key pillars of Jordan’s industrial economy: the Food, Chemical, and Engineering production sectors.

The initiative bridges the gap between academic graduation projects and real-world market needs by creating a three-way collaboration between universities, students, and companies. Through this collaboration, students gain practical experience working on real challenges, while companies gain access to fresh ideas, emerging ICT talent, and innovative digital solutions that can support their business and digital transformation.

Building on a Successful First Cohort 2025/2026

The first TechForward cohort demonstrated the value of stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector:

• 67 companies submitted 96 real-world challenges
• 17 universities participated in the program
• 35 companies were selected and matched with university teams
• 60 graduation projects were developed around real company challenges
• 201 students participated, supported by 55 university supervisors
• Projects were implemented across North, Central and South Jordan

The first cohort brought together students, academics, companies and stakeholders around a shared objective: turning university graduation projects into practical solutions for real business needs. With TechForward 2026/2027, we aim to build on this foundation, expand participation, strengthen university–industry collaboration, and create even more opportunities for students and companies across Jordan.

How TechForward Works

• Universities: Faculty members supervise ICT-related graduation projects and support students throughout the collaboration.
• Students: Final-year ICT students work in teams to develop practical, technology-driven solutions to real challenges presented by companies.
• Companies & Institutions: Companies and institutions provide real business challenges, engage with student teams, and contribute their knowledge and feedback throughout the project.

Objectives

• Strengthen collaboration between academia and the private sector
• Provide students with real-world experience
• Support digital transformation across economic sectors
• Develop practical and potentially market-ready solutions
• Connect companies with emerging ICT talent
• Encourage innovation and problem-solving among university students

Target Sectors

TechForward welcomes companies and institutions from ALL economic sectors, including but not limited to:

• ICT
• Industry & Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• Finance & Banking
• Commerce & Retail
• Education
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Energy
• Transport & Logistics
• Public Sector
• Professional & Business Services
• Others

You do not need to be an ICT company to participate.

Your challenge can be from any area of your business where technology, digitalisation or innovation could provide a solution.

Focus Areas

TechForward projects may cover a wide range of technology and digital solutions, including:

• Digital Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analytics
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Cloud Computing
• E-Commerce
• Digital Marketing
• Cybersecurity
• FinTech
• AgriTech
• TravelTech
• Software Development
• Web Portals & Mobile Applications
• Business Process Automation
• Other emerging digital technologies

What Companies Can Bring to TechForward

Companies are invited to bring real challenges, ideas or opportunities that could be explored and addressed by university ICT students. A suitable challenge could involve:

• Developing a digital solution or prototype
• Automating an existing business process
• Improving customer experience
• Developing a website, portal or mobile application
• Using AI or data analytics to improve decision-making
• Exploring IoT or other emerging technologies
• Developing new digital products or services

The objective is not simply to give students an academic assignment. It is to connect students with real business needs and give companies access to new ideas and emerging talent.

TechForward Strategic Partners

• Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship
• Ministry of Higher Education
• Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation
• Digital Skills Association
• Chambers of Industry and Commerce
• Specialized Sector Associations

Selection Criteria

• Be a Jordanian-registered company or institution
• Have a minimum of 5 current employees
• Be able to host or engage with 2–5 students throughout the project
• Nominate a company contact person or team to work with the university students
• Provide a clear business or technology challenge
• Engage with students and provide feedback during the project
• Be committed to celebrating and showcasing the outcomes of the collaboration