The Startup World Cup Tunisia Regional Finale 2026, held on 23 April in collaboration with Tunisia Digital Summit, delivered more than a competition outcome. It provided a snapshot of where Tunisia’s innovation economy is heading. At the center of that shift is Pwn & Patch, whose win reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity as businesses across sectors face increasing digital risk.
Pwn & Patch will now represent Tunisia at the global grand finale in San Francisco, where it will compete for a $1 million investment prize. Beyond the competition, the win places the company in a strong position to attract international attention, partnerships and potential funding.
Founded in 2021 by Oussama Lessis and based in Tunis, Pwn & Patch focuses on offensive cybersecurity. The company provides services such as red team operations, infrastructure and application penetration testing, social engineering simulation, vulnerability assessment and threat intelligence. These services help organizations identify and fix weaknesses before they can be exploited.
At the center of its offering is Oktoboot, a threat intelligence platform that monitors the dark and deep web for data breaches and exposed sensitive information. The platform alerts businesses when risks such as leaked passwords, documents or system vulnerabilities are detected. With the use of AI, Oktoboot strengthens early detection and allows companies to respond faster to threats.
Strengthening Digital Security for Businesses
The rise of Pwn & Patch reflects a wider shift as more companies move their operations online. This shift increases exposure to cyber threats, making cybersecurity a priority rather than an option.
Pwn & Patch is also developing offensive security tools that can be used by penetration testing consultants and security analysts. This expands its reach beyond direct clients and supports the wider cybersecurity ecosystem. Its services also cover cloud security, governance and risk management, offering businesses a more complete approach to protecting their systems.
Winning the regional competition brings global visibility. It creates opportunities for expansion into new markets and strengthens Tunisia’s position as a growing hub for technology-driven solutions.
Other Startups Driving Innovation
While Pwn & Patch took first place, other startups also showed strong potential. Pixii Motors secured second place with its electric mobility ecosystem designed for urban transport and last-mile delivery. Founded by Anis Fekih and Wafa Dhifi, the company developed a smart electric scooter known as Shadow. The solution uses real-time data and AI features such as predictive maintenance, battery optimization and safety systems to improve performance and efficiency in urban environments.
WaterSec by Istidema.com placed third, focusing on water management. The solution uses IoT and AI to monitor water consumption in real time, helping users reduce waste and improve efficiency. Developed by a team of five engineers, the platform responds to the growing challenge of water scarcity in Tunisia and across the MENA region. By focusing on monitoring, the team aims to influence behavior and encourage more responsible resource use.
Together, these startups show the diversity of innovation emerging from Tunisia. From cybersecurity to clean mobility and water management, they reflect a shift towards solutions that address real economic and environmental challenges. The Startup World Cup platform continues to connect these startups to global opportunities, supporting long-term growth and development within the ecosystem.
