The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has unveiled “The Forge,” a new startup residency program aimed at nurturing innovative businesses with global impact. Launched under the aegis of UM6P Ventures and supported by the Ibn Rochd Foundation for Science and Innovation (FIRSI), The Forge seeks to position Morocco as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Hosted at UM6P’s StartGate campus in Benguerir, The Forge offers a structured ecosystem for founders to develop their startups. Participants will gain access to world-class mentorship, advanced technological infrastructure, and international networks. According to UM6P’s press release, the program emphasizes both the personal and professional growth of its participants, aiming to build their resilience and leadership capabilities.
The residency spans 9 to 12 months and guides entrepreneurs through four distinct phases:
- Ideation — Refining and structuring initial ideas into tangible projects.
- Incubation — Creating prototypes using UM6P’s state-of-the-art laboratories.
- Acceleration — Connecting startups with funding opportunities.
- Scaling — Supporting the expansion of startups into regional and international markets.
Yassine Laghzioui, Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P and CEO of UM6P Ventures, described The Forge as more than just a program. “It is a gateway that connects founders to world-class resources while promoting their local and global impact. Our ambition is to lay the foundations for future African unicorns,” he said.
The program is open to entrepreneurs worldwide but prioritizes Moroccan founders, including those from the diaspora, and entrepreneurs from other African nations. This inclusive approach aims to create a vibrant community of innovators tackling both local and global challenges.
Tarik El Fehri, Secretary General of FIRSI, highlighted The Forge’s role in fostering inclusive development. “We believe every entrepreneur, regardless of their constraints, deserves the opportunity to realize their potential. This program transforms ambitious ideas into tangible successes, contributing to a dynamic and influential African innovation ecosystem,” he said.
A Call for Pioneers
Applications for the inaugural cohort are open from December 18, 2024, to February 7, 2025, on the program’s official website, www.theforge.ma. Selected participants will benefit from an environment tailored to driving sustainable impact and fostering future Moroccan unicorns.
UM6P’s initiative underscores Morocco’s growing prominence as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Africa, reflecting its ambition to empower the next generation of transformative founders.