Amman: Over 450 startups are playing a key role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in Jordan, according to Ziad Al-Masri, Chief Programs Officer at the Information and Communications Technology Association (Int@j).

According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Masri explained that, based on data from the association's platform (http://startupsjo.com), 60% of these companies are officially registered, while the remaining 40% are still in the early stages of development, which do not yet require formal registration.

He also noted that 80% of these startups are concentrated in Amman, with 15% in the northern governorates and 5% in the southern regions. These companies operate across 23 different sectors, with the most prominent being EdTech, e-commerce, FinTech, health tech, content and media, artificial intelligence, information technology, agri-tech, blockchain, cybersecurity, IoT, tourism and travel, energy, as well as arts, media, and design.

Al-Masri also highlighted the significant support provided by 17 key organizations, including Jordan's top incubators and accelerators, as well as 44 service providers offering essential services such as legal, accounting, software development, consulting, and mentoring.

He further shared that in 2024, 540 startups across the Middle East secured investment, with 4% of that investment directed toward Jordanian companies. As a result, Jordan ranked fifth in the region, following the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Palestine.

Al-Masri emphasized that through ongoing efforts by Int@j, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Jordanian Innovation Fund, Jordan is being positioned as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiatives aim to equip startups with the tools and networks necessary to succeed and expand in both local and international markets.