From Baghdad to Silicon Valley: Zain Iraq Selects Two Innovators to Advance in Zain Great Idea

Baghdad, Iraq | December 2025:  Zain Iraq hosted a high-level panel session as part of its flagship entrepreneurship program, Zain Great Idea (ZGI), bringing together the company’s executives, led by CEO Mr. Emre Gurkan, to engage directly with the program’s entrepreneurs. The session served as a platform for participants to present their pitches, constructive feedback, and gain insights from some of the country’s most experienced business leaders.

The panel was marked by dynamic discussions, ambitious perspectives, and fresh ideas that reflected the innovation and ambition of Iraq’s rising entrepreneurial talent. Zain Iraq’s leadership emphasized the importance of such exchanges, connecting local startups with global opportunities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to nurturing a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

At the conclusion of the session, two outstanding innovators were nominated to advance to the next stage of ZGI, where they will benefit from dedicated mentorship, international exposure, and advanced training in Silicon Valley, the global hub of entrepreneurship and technology. This milestone represents a major step forward in equipping Iraqi founders with the skills and networks they need to scale their ventures.

Building on this achievement, Zain Iraq proudly announced the names of the two winning startups that will represent Iraq on this global stage. The first is Khaled Alsaady, founder of Jaamila, a digital commerce platform that connects buyers and sellers, empowering trade through seamless inventory management and efficient supply chain integration. Joining him is Taha Ayad, founder of Saleem, a health-tech venture offering innovative digital healthcare solutions, from telemedicine and homecare applications to medical devices, all designed to improve patient access and service delivery across Iraq.

Together, these two innovators embody the spirit of Zain Great Idea, transforming local challenges into global opportunities, and showcasing the creativity, resilience, and ambition of Iraq’s new generation of entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the occasion, the CEO of Zain Iraq, Mr. Emre Gurkan, said:

“This session was more than just an evaluation; it was a dialogue about the future of Iraq’s ecosystem. The creativity and determination we witnessed today are proof that Iraq’s next generation of entrepreneurs is ready to compete on a global stage. We are proud to nominate two exceptional innovators who will represent the country in Silicon Valley and inspire many others to follow.”

This latest milestone further strengthens Zain Iraq’s role as a key driver for entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and digital transformation, positioning Iraq as an emerging hub for innovation in the region.