The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is advancing its global strategy with plans to establish a new branch in the United States. Following the recent launch of its branches in Paris and Canada, UM6P will now expand to New York, solidifying its status as a rapidly growing Moroccan university with a bold international footprint.
UM6P USA, as the new branch will be known, is set to be headquartered in New York City and led by Mehdi El Khatib. Previously responsible for Public Affairs and Reputation at OCP, UM6P’s founding shareholder, El Khatib brings extensive expertise to his role as director of UM6P USA.
The New York branch will adopt a model similar to its Paris and Canadian counterparts, emphasizing strategic partnerships with American academic and research institutions. Its core mission is to foster collaborations with U.S. universities, engineering schools, and research labs. Initially, UM6P USA will focus on offering executive education and supporting researchers and entrepreneurs dedicated to driving innovation and growth in Africa.
Central to UM6P USA’s mission is the creation of cross-continental collaborations, with a focus on knowledge-sharing and technology transfer. The branch aims to generate tangible outcomes, such as commercial agreements, patents, and new startups. By building strong links between academia, industry leaders, and strategic partners, UM6P USA hopes to position itself as a bridge between the U.S. and African markets, enhancing mutual growth opportunities.
UM6P’s expansion into the U.S. follows its participation in the “Morocco Now” conference in Dallas in May 2024. The event, themed “Strengthening Value Chains with Africa: The Example of Morocco,” highlighted Morocco’s strategic role in connecting global industries with African markets. This conference acted as a catalyst for UM6P’s U.S. venture, allowing it to align its objectives with Morocco’s broader vision of African economic empowerment.
With this latest step, UM6P is reinforcing its commitment to fostering educational and economic ties on a global scale, ultimately aiming to boost Africa’s development through high-impact research and innovation. The New York branch will serve as a key driver in UM6P’s mission to shape the next generation of global innovators and leaders while creating a lasting bridge between American and African academic and business communities.
