He develops AI-powered solutions that transform the African protein industry. 

Egyptian pharmacist and entrepreneur Omar Zaghloul (photo), co-founder and CEO of AIProtein, is spearheading the production of vegan and eco-friendly protein powders through an artificial intelligence (AI) - powered process.

AIProtein, a biotech startup established in 2023, is at the forefront of producing eco-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free protein powders. The company leverages a hybrid AI/Internet of Things (IoT) production platform, using local organic nutrients for sustainable aquaculture and scalable protein purification technology.

The startup aims to tackle the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with traditional protein production, while also striving to meet the nutritional needs of the world’s expanding population.

Zaghloul earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences from the German University of Cairo in 2017. He furthered his education at Zewail City of Science and Technology, graduating in 2021 with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, Drug Design, and Development.

His professional journey began in 2017 as a marketing manager at Pharco Pharmaceuticals, where he also served as a quality assurance trainee and an R&D stability trainee. In 2019, he took on the role of community partner at workspace provider Regus.

Simultaneously, Zaghloul became the head of intellectual property and technology transfer at Zewail City of Science and Technology. In 2020, he coordinated the innovation and entrepreneurship programs at the innovation center.

After serving as a program development manager and management consultant at CEO ENTREPRENEUR for a year and a half, Zaghloul returned to Zewail City of Science and Technology in 2022 as an innovation management consultant.

In recognition of his commitment and excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation, Zaghloul was named Middle East CEO of the Year in 2023.

Melchior Koba