In a significant stride towards fostering international collaboration in education and research, the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has inaugurated its first international branch in Paris, named “UM6P France.” This momentous occasion coincides with World Education Day.
Under the leadership of Fahd Benkirane, UM6P France aims to serve as a pivotal link between Morocco and Africa, and France and Europe. According to a press release, the university envisions UM6P France as a ‘bridge’ connecting these regions and facilitating academic and entrepreneurial exchanges.
This newly established international branch will provide executive training and tailored support for researchers and innovative entrepreneurs interested in contributing to the development of the African continent. UM6P France is set to offer a range of programs aimed at young African and European professionals and executives keen on engaging with Africa.
In a groundbreaking move, UM6P France is set to launch the first Euro-African lab fo
r green tech startups, covering areas such as hydrogen, agri-tech, clean tech, and med tech (biotech).
This unique one-year program will provide startups on both continents with comprehensive support. The initiative seeks to leverage UM6P’s extensive network, comprising international experts and investors from the University, including UM6P Ventures, Bidra Ventures, Innov-X, and living labs for experimentation spread across UM6P’s Moroccan campuses.
Hicham El Habti, President of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, highlighted the significance of UM6P’s international expansion, stating, “The creation of UM6P France is a first step in a gradual international development, aiming to build bridges between Africa and the world, relying on international communities attached to Morocco.”
UM6P, inaugurated in 2017, has evolved into a leading research institution on the African continent. The university is committed to educating a new generation of talents poised to shape the future of Africa and address global chal
lenges.
With campuses in Benguerir, Rabat, and LaSyoune in Morocco, and now in Paris, UM6P emphasizes research and innovation relevant to Morocco and Africa. Key focus areas include industrialization, food security, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, health, and economic and social sciences.
Currently hosting 5,684 students from over 20 nationalities, predominantly from sub-Saharan Africa, UM6P has forged partnerships with universities across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
In France, UM6P has entered collaboration agreements with prestigious institutions such as Polytechnique Paris, École des Ponts ParisTech, Mines Paris, HEC Paris, CNRS, CNAM, Institut des Études Politiques de Paris, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, and ENS Paris-Saclay.
The opening of UM6P France marks a strategic move for Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in enhancing academic, research, and entrepreneurial ties between Morocco and France, with potential positive implications for broader Mediterranean cooperat
ion.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse