Tunisian startup Bionic Soul is preparing to take its innovation to the global stage after being selected among the top five finalists worldwide in the World Bank Group pitch competition. The company will pitch its work during the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit in Washington DC on June 11 and 12, placing Tunisia’s growing health technology sector in front of international investors, policymakers and development leaders.
The recognition marks an important moment not only for Bionic Soul but also for the wider African innovation ecosystem. The startup is focused on developing affordable and personalized bionic prostheses for amputees, using artificial intelligence and advanced engineering to reduce costs while improving mobility and quality of life.
Oumeyma Jouini, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Bionic Soul, shared her excitement about the achievement, saying: “I’ve been selected as a Top 5 finalist worldwide in the The World Bank Group pitch competition, to pitch Bionic Soul at World Bank Group Youth Summit.”
Founded by Nada Ghammem and Oumeyma Jouini, Bionic Soul was created with a clear mission to make advanced prosthetic technology accessible to more people, especially in low-resource settings where traditional prostheses are often too expensive. The startup develops customized bionic prostheses tailored to the needs of each patient while also providing personalized support and monitoring throughout the process.
The company’s growing visibility at an international platform like the World Bank Group Youth Summit could help open new partnerships with hospitals, clinics, investors and healthcare organizations looking for scalable and affordable health technology solutions. It also highlights how African startups are increasingly building solutions that address real social and economic challenges through innovation.
Using AI and Local Engineering to Lower Costs
One of Bionic Soul’s biggest strengths is its focus on affordability without sacrificing quality. The company says its products are offered at competitive prices to ensure accessibility for more amputees.
Its prosthetic systems combine artificial intelligence with technologies such as EMG and EEG sensors, allowing users to control movement more naturally and intuitively. The startup also uses lightweight carbon fiber materials designed for durability and comfort while integrating energy-efficient systems with long-lasting batteries and quick recharge capabilities.
According to the company, its engineering model is specifically designed to overcome manufacturing challenges in low-resource environments. By combining advanced technology with local sourcing strategies, Bionic Soul has managed to significantly reduce costs and improve repair times.
Bionic Soul reports that 75% of its sourcing is local, repairs can be completed 10 times faster and overall costs can be reduced by up to 90% compared to traditional systems.
The startup’s bionic leg is designed to adapt to different types of movement including walking, running, standing, kneeling and climbing stairs. The goal is not only to restore movement but also to help users regain confidence and independence in daily life.
Global Stage for Youth Innovation
The World Bank Group Youth Summit has become one of the largest global platforms focused on youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Established in 2013, the annual event brings together young leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 to discuss major global challenges and solutions.
This year’s summit will be held under the theme “#FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age” and will focus on education and skills, entrepreneurship and agriculture. Thousands of participants from around the world are expected to attend both physically in Washington DC and virtually across different regions.
For Bionic Soul, participating as a top five finalist offers more than international exposure. It creates an opportunity to demonstrate how African startups can use technology to solve healthcare accessibility problems while building sustainable businesses with global potential.
