The first edition of “Lab Innova for Morocco,” a training project held from July 1st to 4th at Technopark Casablanca, is providing invaluable support to 24 Moroccan startups. These startups operate in diverse sectors such as Energy, GreenTech, AgriTech, MedTech, ICT, Big Data, FinTech, IoT, AI, and Mobility.
The event was inaugurated with the presence of Ghita Mezzour, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Armando Barucco, the Italian Ambassador to Morocco. Technopark announced that the Lab Innova course will also take place in Italy at the end of October 2024.
Technopark, along with StartGate UM6P (Mohammed VI Polytechnic University) Ben Guerir and the MCISE (Moroccan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship), played a significant role in supporting, promoting the call for applications, and selecting participants for “Lab Innova for Morocco.” This initiative is organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE/Ita) – Trade Promotion Section of the Italian Embassy in Morocco.
“This event marks a significant step forward in the commercial partnership between Italy and Morocco. The program aims to enhance the capabilities of the selected Moroccan startups and facilitate their integration into the global market,” said Ms. Mezzour, as stated in the press release.
She further emphasized, “The internationalization of startups is crucial for their access to global markets, enabling them to cross national borders and seize opportunities. By exploring these markets, they can diversify their revenue streams and establish themselves as key players on the global stage. This global outreach is a vital step that could propel them to unicorn status.”
Ambassador Barucco highlighted that the project aligns with the highly positive dynamic of Italy-Morocco bilateral relations across all sectors. “Through this project, Italy will directly support the development of innovation and the international competitiveness of Moroccan startups, fostering equal partnerships in innovation, technological research, and industry,” he remarked.
Lamiae Benmakhlouf, Director of Technopark, noted that the program offers an invaluable opportunity for innovative Moroccan startups, equipping them with the necessary tools and expertise to explore new international markets, particularly the Italian market. “Through our collaboration with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Agency, we are paving the way for the internationalization of Moroccan startups, creating new growth and success opportunities on a global scale,” she affirmed.
“Lab Innova for Morocco” kicks off this year with a three-phase format. The first phase involves in-person technical and managerial training conducted by experts from the ICE/ITA Faculty from July 1st to 4th, 2024. This phase will cover several modules, including “International Scale-up,” “Innovation and Intellectual Property Protection,” “Customs Procedures,” “Assistance for Setting Up ‘Project Work’ Abroad,” and “Image, Professional Communication, and Digital Marketing for Business Meetings.”
The second phase, “Company Check-up,” includes personalized tutoring sessions led by ICE/ITA experts. The third phase, a “Study Tour” in Italy in October, will span five days and feature visits to companies in relevant industry sectors, meetings with various players in the Italian innovation ecosystem, and attendance at the International Information and Communications Technology Fair (SMAU) on October 29th and 30th, 2024. SMAU brings together companies from the entire innovation ecosystem, including startups, incubators, accelerators, technology partners, and public administrations, following the dynamic of innovation.
