The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has launched an ambitious new program, “The Forge,” designed to nurture entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and help them transform these ideas into globally competitive startups. Announced on Wednesday in Casablanca, this initiative further cements UM6P’s role as a leading force for innovation in Morocco and Africa.
Hosted at the StartGate campus in Benguérir, “The Forge” is backed by UM6P Ventures and the Ibn Rochd Foundation for Science and Innovation. The program offers a structured, all-encompassing ecosystem tailored to support entrepreneurs with personalized guidance. Participants will benefit from cutting-edge technological infrastructure, high-level mentorship, and access to global networks. Its dual objectives are to foster resilient, well-rounded leaders and to develop robust, impactful businesses.
During the launch event, Yassine Laghzioui, Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing and CEO of UM6P Ventures, highlighted the program’s extensive scope. He emphasized that “The Forge” will support startup founders from the ideation phase through to international expansion. Laghzioui also underscored its broader ambition: establishing Morocco as a major innovation hub in Africa and paving the way for the emergence of Moroccan and African unicorns.
The program is set to provide entrepreneurs with all the resources necessary to create lasting impact, including access to advanced labs, strategic funding opportunities, and critical networks to accelerate their growth on the regional and global stage.
“The Forge” spans nine to twelve months and follows a structured journey to help entrepreneurs transition from concept to viable business. The program features various stages, from prototyping in UM6P’s state-of-the-art laboratories to securing strategic partnerships and financing. This immersive approach positions participants to expand both regionally and internationally, fostering a balance between local talent cultivation and the adoption of international best practices.
Strategically located at StartGate, a campus dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship, “The Forge” reflects Morocco’s growing prominence as a key player in Africa’s innovation ecosystem. By bringing together diverse, complementary talents, the program seeks to energize Moroccan and African entrepreneurship, positioning participants to tackle global economic and social challenges.
With this groundbreaking initiative, UM6P goes beyond promoting innovation; it is actively creating a sustainable and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem. “The Forge” is more than an opportunity for entrepreneurs—it’s a bold step forward in addressing Morocco’s and Africa’s economic, technological, and human challenges. This program marks a critical milestone in the pursuit of innovative, inclusive solutions for the future.
