Rami Zahi Khouri
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub
The first and only Palestinian hub at the intersection of arts, culture, and entrepreneurship — empowering the next generation of creative leaders.
Where Creativity Meets Enterprise
The Rami Zahi Khouri Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub (RZK) is an integral unit of Dar al-Kalima University — the first and only Palestinian university specializing in arts, design, and culture. Both the university and the Hub are committed to cultural preservation, innovation, and entrepreneurship through quality education and developing sustainable businesses.
Recognizing the power of the creative economy, the university launched the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub in 2022, further embedding entrepreneurial structured programs within its academic and community mission.
Vision
A thriving ecosystem of creative, socially responsible Palestinian youth who leverage arts, culture, and innovation to drive sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. RZK aspires to be a national leader in empowering graduates to become highly skilled, civically engaged, and globally connected agents of transformation through sustainable, arts-based enterprises.
Mission
To empower Palestinian students and graduates to realize their full potential by equipping them with entrepreneurial, creative, and practical skills through structured incubation programs, mentorship, and access to resources. RZK supports the development of sustainable, arts-based and creative enterprises by facilitating market access, seed funding, and cross-sector partnerships within the creative economy.
Building Palestine's Creative Economy
Increased number of Palestinian youth who are skilled, innovative, and employable
Growth of sustainable, creative, and arts-based enterprises led by young entrepreneurs
Enhanced access to markets, funding, and professional networks
Strengthened role of the creative economy in addressing social and economic challenges in Palestine
Three Stages to Success
A structured journey from initial inspiration to sustainable enterprise.
Pre-Idea Stage
Helping participants discover their entrepreneurial potential before they even have a concrete idea.
- Self-discovery and awareness in entrepreneurship
- Problem and idea identification
- Confidence and creative mindset
- Gain career skills
Idea Stage
Transforming a raw idea into a structured business concept with real prototypes and market knowledge.
- Create a prototype
- Structuring the idea into a business model
- Gain self-confidence
- Basic business skills: market research, pitching, pricing, marketing
Early Stage
Taking your venture to market — building visibility, generating income, and accessing opportunities.
- Market access for income generation
- Visibility and promotion: upskilling in marketing and platforming
- Connection to opportunities: capacity building, funding, prizes
Inas Deeb
Dr. Inas Salem Deeb is the Manager of the Rami Zahi Khouri Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub at Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem. With over 30 years of academic and professional experience, her work bridges social psychology, education, and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on applying critical thinking pedagogy and project-based learning in higher education.
Dr. Deeb has dedicated her career to advancing innovative teaching and learning practices that equip students and graduates with entrepreneurial mindsets and practical skills. Her work extends beyond the classroom through collaborations with university faculty to develop research-driven educational initiatives that support young Palestinians in building sustainable and successful career paths.
Her doctoral research explored ethnic racism and the societal impacts of stereotypical and discriminatory thinking, reflecting her broader commitment to social justice and inclusive education.
Dr. Deeb firmly believes that learning is not confined to the acquisition of knowledge but truly begins when knowledge is shared and applied to create meaningful impact in society and the wider world.
Hub in Motion
Dialogues on Art, Entrepreneurship & Culture
Episode 1 — "The Destruction of Cultural Centers in the Gaza War"
Episode 2 — "Arts Education: Between Apprenticeship and Academia"
Episode 3 — "The Rami Zahi Khouri Entrepreneurship Hub at Dar al-Kalima University"
Episode 4 — "Environment: Are We Teaching Our Students to Destroy the Environment?"
Episode 5 — "Not a Coincidence: Community Entrepreneurship & Women"
Our Strategic Partners
RZK actively collaborates with local, regional, and international partners whose expertise aligns with fostering creative industries, entrepreneurship education, and youth empowerment.
Build Palestine
Palestinian-founded organization established in 2016 supporting social entrepreneurs through crowdfunding platforms and fellowship programs.
Leaders International
Economic development organization empowering Palestinian freelancers with digital and business skills via GIZ-funded Digi Work.
Palestine Technopark (PTP)
Non-profit innovation hub established in 2016 at Birzeit University bridging academia and industry to build sustainable enterprises.
Higher Council for Innovation (HCIE)
Primary governmental body in Palestine supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, established in 2012 by presidential decree.
MISHKAL & Goethe Institute
Initiative strengthening the creative economy in Palestine by supporting artistic production and preserving cultural heritage.
Palestinian Cultural Fund (PCF)
Established in 2004 in partnership with the Norwegian government, funding creative projects in theater, cinema, folklore, and heritage.
FLOW Accelerator
Palestine-based nonprofit accelerator founded in 2018 supporting 280+ startups through incubation, mentorship, and market access.
Flat6Labs – NAWAH
Leading startup enabler in MENA supporting Palestinian entrepreneurs through the NAWAH acceleration program and mentorship.
INJAZ Palestine
Independent nonprofit established in 2007, affiliated with Junior Achievement Worldwide, empowering youth with entrepreneurship and work-readiness.
Ibtikar Fund
Invests in scalable Palestinian and regional tech startups serving MENA and global markets, providing investment and strategic growth support.
Turquoise Mountain Institute (TMI)
Nonprofit dedicated to supporting artisans, preserving cultural heritage, and revitalizing historic communities through sustainable initiatives.
Education for Employment (EFE)
Leading nonprofit established in 2009 equipping Palestinian youth with vocational training and employment opportunities across West Bank and Gaza.
PICTI
Palestine ICT Incubator supporting innovative tech startups through incubation, mentorship, business services, training, and funding access.
Ready to Build Your Creative Enterprise?
Join the Rami Zahi Khouri Hub and turn your ideas into sustainable impact.
Apply Now