PraxiLabs A virtual world of science
Last Updated on April 27, 2025 by Ahmed Helal
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has honored Dr. Khadija Elbedweihy, co-founder and CEO of PraxiLabs, by naming her to the prestigious Young Global Leaders (YGL) 2025 list. This recognition places her among a distinguished group of individuals who have made a remarkable impact in their respective fields, spanning business, politics, science, and technology.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. It provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress. The Forum is best known for organizing its annual meetings in Davos, which are among the most important platforms for dialogue on global economics, innovation, technology, politics, and sustainable development.
The Young Global Leaders program is one of the highest honors individuals under the age of 40 can receive. It recognizes those who have made an extraordinary positive impact in their communities or globally. With over 100 candidates from around the world, Dr. Khadija’s selection is a testament to her creative and ambitious contributions to digital education, especially through the pioneering use of virtual science simulations and online labs.
Each year, thousands of candidates from around the globe are evaluated based on strict eligibility criteria. Only the most outstanding individuals are selected, with particular attention given to ensuring a diverse and representative group.
This year’s cohort is making a mark in diverse industries and sectors, from heads of state to a grand chess master, founders of unicorn companies and an award-winning musician. Together, they represent nearly 50 countries.
It is worth mentioning that only two individuals were selected from Egypt, Dr. Khadiga and Eng. Onsi Sawiris.
In the 2025 edition of the Young Global Leaders program, alongside Dr. Khadija Elbedweihy, the list includes:
- Simon Harris – Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland and one of Europe’s most influential voices in educational reform.
- Reem Alabali-Radovan – German Minister of State for Migration and Integration, a leading figure in social justice and diversity.
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra – Prime Minister of Thailand, and a dynamic political force in shaping Asia’s future.
The YGL program has been described by Bruce Nussbaum of BusinessWeek as “the most exclusive private social network in the world” and “perhaps the most important networking organization on the planet.” The organization presents its participants as “the voice of the future and the hope of the next generation,” and the program itself is described as a community of leaders who “lead efforts to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Dr. Khadija Elbedweihy’s Journey: From Idea to Global Impact
Dr. Khadija’s journey with PraxiLabs started in 2016 with a vision to revolutionize science education. She founded a platform that provides innovative virtual laboratory experiences, allowing students to conduct complex scientific experiments without the need for physical labs. By offering science simulations online, PraxiLabs has transformed how chemistry, biology, and physics are taught, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional laboratory facilities.
PraxiLabs is not just an educational platform; it is an educational movement aimed at improving the quality of education and enhancing access to it, particularly in developing countries. Through the platform, students from various parts of the world can access high-quality educational content that was previously difficult to obtain. Additionally, PraxiLabs has successfully supported students with disabilities through its initiative “Future Scientists with Special Needs,” which empowers them to engage with virtual scientific experiments.
Notable Achievements and Global Impact
Over the past few years, Dr. Khadija and her team have proven their ability to create tangible change in the education sector. PraxiLabs has provided more than 200 scientific experiments to thousands of students worldwide, allowing them to engage with an advanced educational environment.
Furthermore, Dr. Khadija has received several prestigious awards, including:
- Cartier Women’s Initiative Award (2023): First place in the Middle East and North Africa region, recognizing her social impact in education.
- Africa’s Business Heroes Award (2021): The first Egyptian to win this global title for her role in supporting digital science education in Africa.
- UN SDGs Education Award (2021): Recognition from the United Nations for PraxiLabs’ role in enhancing the quality of education through technology.
- TiE Women MENA Award (2020): Winner of the Middle East and North Africa competition, representing the region in the global finals.
- African Entrepreneurship Award (2021): First place in the entrepreneurship competition with participation from 10 African countries.
However, the most profound and significant impact has been in empowering a new generation of students to break traditional boundaries in education by creating innovative learning methods focused on practical application and real-world knowledge.
Dr. Khadija’s Thoughts on the Recognition
Dr. Khadija expresses her immense happiness at being included in the Young Global Leaders 2025 list, emphasizing that this recognition serves as continuous motivation for her and her entire team. In her statement about the award, she highlighted that this recognition reflects her deep commitment to making our communities better, and encourages her to continue her efforts to develop education and make it more inclusive and innovative.
She added, “Being part of this list is a great honor. It’s not just about me, but about everyone who has contributed to building PraxiLabs and its success. We work together toward a shared vision to improve the educational experience for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.”
