Innovation structures
The Region of Fez-Meknes enjoys a variety of innovation structures, cross fertilization places that involve both academia and business in a collaborative approach. With a mission of encouraging the emergence of innovative projects as well as supporting them in their progression, these structures play an active role in economic development, integration and wealth generation in the region. Some of which are even pioneers in Morocco, such as the Fez Smart Factory project. Universities, first and foremost the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez (EMUF) and the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University (SMBAU), are not only training institutions but also key forces in regional innovation. Bridging the gap between the academic arena and the business world, they now host startup incubators. The Central Guarantee Fund (CGF) and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Fez-Meknes (CCIS) are also committed to the development of innovation structures that are significantly transforming the regional industrial sector and allowing it to take advantage of the current developments as real opportunities.
The Region of Fez-Meknes enjoys a variety of innovation structures :
This project is implemented as part of the “Sustainable Industrial Zones Fund (FONZID)” program of the Millennium Challenge Account-Morocco. It aims at setting up an area for the development of industrial activities with a considerable improvement in productivity by applying the concepts of Industry 4.0. Such concept is currently being introduced following a partnership between EMUF, CGEM Fez-Taza, the Regional Council of Fez-Meknes and Alten Delivery Center Morocco.
This ambitious goal will be achieved in four complementary phases aimed at setting up innovation facilities that will be dedicated to demonstrative-scale innovative processes developed by the startups. The first phase will be completed and put into operation by the end of the first quarter of 2022.
The project activities focus on Research and Development, Engineering and Technological Innovation. The project intends to support project holders and start-ups for the development of innovative and intelligent solutions for the needs of digital and energy transitions.
FEZ SMART FACTORY : 1st Industry 4.0 ecosystem in Morocco
Components of the first phase
For more information, check the website :
Agro Energy TIC Valley
For more information, check the website:
AGRITECH, TOWARDS THE GREEN REVOLUTION 2.0
Agritech is committed to the identification, structuring and development of promising sectors for the emergence of an integrated and efficient economic ecosystem. The project intends to incubate and support startups right up to their sustainability, with the objective of contributing to :
Ce pôle régional d’innovation, dont l’étude de faisabilité financée par l’Agence Française de Développement est en cours, et auquel est associée la Région et la Wilaya de Fès-Meknès, visera à contribuer à l’émergence du potentiel, insuffisamment exploité, de la région Fès-Meknès dans ses activités traditionnelles (notamment l’agroalimentaire) et le développement de relais de croissance territoriaux créateur de richesse et d’emplois, notamment par le croisement de la recherche, de l’innovation et du développement entrepreneurial dans les secteurs précités, pris individuellement ou en synergie.
L’analyse du secteur agricole de la région de Fès-Meknès fait apparaître une multitude de contraintes et qui entravent son développement et ce, malgré le fait qu’elle se positionne comme l’une des premières régions agroalimentaires du Royaume. Parmi ces freins, on note le morcellement de la propriété agricole, qui nuit à sa rentabilité et l’irrégularité de la pluviométrie ainsi que la diminution des eaux souterraines, qui se répercutent négativement sur la surface cultivée et sur la production annuelle. A cela s’ajoutent l’érosion des sols, la désertification et l’appauvrissement du terroir en minéraux, qui entraînent une diminution des terres cultivables et une détérioration des pâturages. Pour apporter des solutions à ces défis, il est aujourd’hui d’usage de se référer à une «révolution verte 2.0».
EMUF University Incubator
Objectives
The EMUF incubator is a support structure for project holders, startups creation and spinouts in innovative fields. It provides project holders with the necessary skills, infrastructure and tools, including financial ones, to properly launch their project, with support throughout the incubation, maturation and commercialization phases by calling on a network of financial and industrial experts. The objective is to gradually transform their idea or project into a balanced and sustainable startup.
Missions
- Targeting projects likely to be transformed into innovative startups based on the valorization of intellectual property and research outcomes.
- Privileged access to EMUF's research laboratories
- Customized coaching
- Training in entrepreneurship by experts
- Support for the creation of business models and business plans
- Preparation for fundraising
- Opportunity to join a community of entrepreneurs
- Privileged access to investors and industrialists.
- Possibility of financing and hosting.
For more information, check the website :
City of innovation, research and technology transfer
For more information, check the website :
Fez Technopark
This project, which will cover 7 159 m², is intended to boost the Region’s economic and social development, create a regional incubator for innovative projects and encourage the creation of start-ups. Worth MMAD 55, this project will be funded by the Regional Council up to MMAD 30, by the Council of the Municipality of Fez up to MMAD 20 and by the MITC company up to MMAD 5.
