Antonine University (UA), in collaboration with two of its alumni, Dr. Youssef Bou Issa and Dr. Jad Nassar, officially inaugurated Upscale Hub on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the University’s Hadat–Baabda Main Campus, Our Lady of the Seeds Monastery.
Born from a shared refusal to accept brain drain as Lebanon’s only path forward, Upscale Hub was created to anchor talent locally and show that innovation can thrive here. Conceived during the economic crisis by two UA alumni in collaboration with the University, Upscale Hub reflects a deeper belief: the goal is not to force people to stay, but to build an environment worth staying for. One where ideas have power, and futures are built with purpose. Operating in both Lebanon and France, Upscale Hub delivers applied services in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), serious games, and enterprise platforms. It empowers users to learn, build, and lead through technology rooted in real-world impact.
The ceremony opened with the Lebanese National Anthem, followed by introductory remarks by Master of Ceremony Ms. Jocelyn Saab, who framed the event within the University’s broader mission to empower students, foster innovation, and deepen industry collaboration. A short video presentation introduced the concept and vision behind Upscale Hub, offering a glimpse into the project’s origins and ambitions.
In his address, Dr. Youssef Bou Issa, co-founder of Upscale Hub and alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while still enrolled at the University. He noted that Upscale Hub is already actively engaged in Lebanese and international projects that allow students to participate in real-world development while being supported by a team of academic and technical experts.
The launch also held particular significance for UA’s alumni community, especially graduates of the FET. As both co-founders of Upscale Hub are themselves FET alumni, the event served as a celebration of their journey from students to partners in innovation. A dedicated video tribute honored FET alumni and their ongoing impact, and the University extended a special welcome to those in attendance. Their involvement continues to be a key part of UA’s extended academic and professional ecosystem.
In his welcome speech, Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA’s rector, reaffirmed the University’s foundational commitment to placing students at the heart of its mission. He described Upscale Hub as a space that merges creativity with technological advancement, where young minds can access the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive locally. The project, he noted, embodies the University’s efforts to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical engineering innovation.
The event then featured the first service-focused video presentation, highlighting the Hub’s capabilities in game development, IoT solutions, and digital platforms. This was followed by a panel discussion titled “Upscale the Nation: How Collaboration Between State and Industry Can Redefine Lebanon’s Future”, moderated by co-founder Dr. Jad Nassar. In his introduction, Dr. Nassar described the Hub as a live example of public–private collaboration grounded in academia, and called for coordinated efforts to retain youth talent and modernize Lebanon’s infrastructure.
The panel brought together public sector leaders including H.E. Mr. Kamal Chehade, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence; MP Elias Hankach, Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology; and H.E. Mr. Fadi Abboud, former Minister of Tourism and Industry. Mr. Chehade outlined the government’s roadmap for regulating and advancing AI development in Lebanon, stressing the importance of policy that supports startups like Upscale Hub. MP Hankach discussed the growing legislative attention on tech and innovation and affirmed the need for frameworks that create viable futures for young professionals in the country. Former Minister Abboud highlighted the need for digital transformation in industry and agriculture, pointing to initiatives like Upscale Hub as key accelerators for productivity and economic resilience.
A second video provided further insight into the Hub’s range of services, showcasing practical applications in AI, enterprise platforms, and smart industry tools.
To conclude the presentations, UA alumnus and instructor Mr. Mario Korban introduced a 3D interactive game developed at Upscale Hub. The game offered a virtual walkthrough of the Hub’s offerings — including game design, smart technology integration, and cloud-based communication — and demonstrated how these tools are already being used in both training and operational contexts. Guests were then invited to experience the Hub’s environment firsthand through a virtual reality station.
A final video introduced the Upscale Hub team, followed by the celebratory entry of the 25 team members on stage during the closing ceremony. This moment marked the official opening of the headquarters and highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the initiative. The evening concluded with a networking reception and a guided tour of the Upscale Hub offices.