The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and STATION F, the world’s largest startup campus located in Paris, have sealed a strategic partnership to foster innovation and strengthen economic ties between Europe and Africa. The initiative, called NextAfrica, aims to accelerate the growth of international startups interested in tapping into Africa’s dynamic markets, particularly in key sectors such as GreenTech, AgriTech, and HealthTech. To support these efforts, UM6P will establish a dedicated space at STATION F with over 40 workstations.
Through this partnership, startups will gain access to an unparalleled blend of resources: mentorship programs, funding opportunities, technical guidance, and direct market access in Africa. One of the program’s standout features is its integration of UM6P’s scientific expertise. Startups will benefit from the university’s cutting-edge research facilities and the opportunity to collaborate with African scientists and business experts, helping them navigate the nuances of local markets.
Beyond operational support, participating startups will be connected to strategic stakeholders in Morocco and across Africa, unlocking opportunities for technological and business partnerships. Meanwhile, STATION F’s vibrant startup ecosystem will offer these companies a critical springboard for expansion in both Europe and Africa.
The NextAfrica program plans to support around 20 startups annually, with a primary focus on GreenTech and HealthTech. These companies will undergo a unique acceleration experience, involving immersion at STATION F in Paris and direct access to UM6P’s state-of-the-art campus in Morocco. This dual-network structure will provide startups with critical infrastructure and industry connections to scale their operations on two continents simultaneously.
Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, emphasized the broader ambitions behind the partnership: “This alliance with STATION F reflects our desire to connect African and European talents within an innovative entrepreneurial environment. By joining forces, we’re equipping startups with the tools they need to tackle Africa’s technological, economic, and environmental challenges, while strengthening this bridge between the two continents. Through this initiative, UM6P aims to deepen its role in fostering a world-class innovation ecosystem.”
Roxanne Varza, Director of STATION F, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are thrilled to welcome UM6P to STATION F. This partnership will bolster key strategic sectors for us, including GreenTech and HealthTech, while further enhancing our ties with Morocco – the third most represented country at STATION F today.”
With this initiative, UM6P and STATION F are laying the groundwork for a new era of collaboration between African and European entrepreneurs. By breaking down geographical and economic barriers, they are empowering startups to become major players in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
