Mohammed VI Polytechnique University in Paris : when Africa and Europe innovate together
Franco-Moroccan relations on the up
Historically, Morocco and France have maintained deep, strategic relations, rooted in cultural, economic and political ties forged over decades.
Indeed, France, Morocco's second-largest trading partner (18.6% of exports), leading foreign investor, and the country of origin of remittances from the Moroccan diaspora and tourism revenues, is a major strategic ally of the Kingdom.
This bilateral relationship between Morocco and France is also reflected in the presence of French companies in Morocco, particularly in the automotive, aerospace and renewable energies sectors. Groups such as Renault, Peugeot and EDF play a key role in the kingdom's industrial development, while Morocco offers France a privileged gateway to the African market.
However, these relations have sometimes been challenged by geopolitical tensions, particularly over the question of Western Sahara.
This territory, claimed by Morocco, has been at the heart of diplomatic tensions for several decades. In October 2024, an important turning point was marked when France reaffirmed its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. France's announcement comes at a time of strategic rapprochement, when the two nations are seeking to strengthen their partnerships in education and innovation, two closely related fields. The launch pad couldn't be better for the creation of the deeptech program at Mohammed VI Polytechnique University in Paris, a concrete example of the dynamic between two countries combining their strengths to meet the challenges of our time.
UM6P's deeptech program: A vision, actions
Mohammed VI Polytechnique University, a leader in African innovation, has reached a new milestone with the launch of its deeptech program in Paris. Located in the former headquarters of OCP, this strategic antenna aims to build bridges between Europe and Africa, in order to address the climatic, economic and social challenges that particularly affect the continent.
According to Max Lesaffre, head of UM6P France's entrepreneurship and venturing deeptech cluster, the aim of this antenna is clear: “To connect our ecosystem to others, at international level, to accelerate partnerships” and meet the challenges of transition on the African continent. With two campuses in Morocco accommodating over 7,000 students, state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructures such as experimental farms, UM6P offers a unique setting where innovation and research are geared towards concrete solutions.
Water as a strategic priority
This first program launched by UM6P in France targets innovative watertech startups. This choice is not insignificant: water management is one of the most critical challenges facing Africa, a continent where the scarcity of water resources threatens food security and economic development. "We are currently focusing on watertech startups, as this is one of the most important and urgent issues to address on the African continent, as water resources are becoming increasingly scarce. says Lesaffre. These innovations could have a major impact on millions of lives by helping to meet today's water challenges. The program plans to select between 5 and 10 startups, who will benefit from personalized support over a five-month period. Unlike other incubators, this support does not include any fees or equity stakes in the companies supported.
Expansion perspectives
Beyond water, UM6P plans to diversify its themes and the number of startups it supports over the coming years. By 2025, other cohorts of startups will be focusing on subjects such as renewable energies, digital health and artificial intelligence applied to agriculture. Despite this, the established model, based on a unique philosophy, will remain the same: support a limited number of startups to maximize impact. Indeed, the idea is to offer them the resources they need to transform innovative projects into concrete solutions that meet real-life needs, which requires high-quality support. In return, the startups benefit from UM6P's infrastructure and its international network of partners.
Beyond these elements, the partnership between Morocco and France, symbolized, among others, by UM6P's deeptech program, embodies a promise: that of making the Mediterranean a bridge rather than a border.
Together, Europe and Africa can not only meet the existential challenges of our time, but also build the foundations for a more prosperous future.
Sources :
https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/MA/profil-du-commerce-exterieur-du-maroc
https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/MA/relations-economiques-bilaterales
Source photo : https://www.lopinion.ma/Rabat-UM6P-Une-reflexion-cosmopolite-pour-valoriser-l-education-dans-les-politiques-publiques_a42036.html
https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1619802/economie-entreprises/au-maroc-lum6p-se-voit-deja-en-mit/
https://fr.le360.ma/economie/maroc-france-comment-lum6p-entend-jouer-les-premiers-et-nouveaux-roles_QTHU2JC3RNH7POSDXSJ6ZN7ML4/
https://www.studyrama.com/formations/filieres/universite/l-universite-mohammed-vi-polytechnique-ouvre-sa-premiere-antenne-internationale-um6p-france
https://u-paris.fr/upcite-et-lum6p-lancent-un-premier-appel-a-projets-conjoints/
