With The Forge, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) ushers in a new era for innovation and entrepreneurship. The program promises to transform bold ideas into successful startups, relying on tailor-made support and cutting-edge resources. Supported by UM6P Ventures and the Ibn Rochd Foundation for Science and Innovation, The Forge aims to be a driver of innovation.
The Moroccan entrepreneurial ecosystem has just reached a new milestone with the launch of The Forge, a program supported by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Located at StartGate, the campus dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship of UM6P, and supported by the venture capital fund UM6P Ventures as well as the Ibn Rochd Foundation for Science and Innovation (FIRSI), this program promises to turn bold ideas into successful businesses capable of competing on the global stage. More than a simple incubator, The Forge positions itself as a factory for entrepreneurial unicorns, placing Morocco at the center of the innovation dynamic in Africa.
A structured ecosystem for entrepreneurs
Reflecting its ambition, The Forge stands out with an integrated offer, combining world-class mentoring, access to cutting-edge technological infrastructure and financing opportunities. This program is based on four key stages — ideation, incubation, acceleration and scaling — which allow founders to transform their ideas into concrete solutions, develop prototypes, raise funds and expand their impact regionally and internationally .
The objective is clear: to provide startups with the resources and environment necessary to generate lasting impact. This approach is reinforced by tailor-made support, which focuses as much on the personal and professional development of participants as on the economic viability of their projects. By integrating workshops, masterclasses and personalized advice, The Forge adapts to the unique needs of each entrepreneur, allowing them to focus exclusively on their growth.
An African vision, a global impact
Faithful to its mission to make Morocco a hub of innovation in Africa, The Forge gives particular priority to Moroccan and African talents, including the diaspora. However, the initiative is also open to founders from around the world, fostering a synergy of diverse skills and perspectives.
By bringing together researchers, professionals and students around projects, The Forge cultivates an interdisciplinary richness that fuels innovation. According to Yassine Laghzioui, Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P, the ambition is to lay the foundations of the next African unicorns. “The Forge is not just a support program. It’s a gateway that connects founders to world-class resources, while promoting their local and global impact.”
This dual perspective (local and international) reflects the program’s desire to meet the challenges of innovation on a continental scale.
A response to structural challenges
In Africa, entrepreneurs often face obstacles such as limited access to finance, mentors or infrastructure. In response, The Forge offers a holistic model that removes these barriers. Participants benefit from a monthly stipend to ensure their financial stability, unlimited access to UM6P laboratories and facilities to test and refine their ideas, as well as networking opportunities with renowned investors and experts. Tarik El Fehri, secretary general of FIRSI, underlines:
“The Forge embodies the commitment of FIRSI, as a foundation backed by UM6P, to make innovation and entrepreneurship the key to inclusive economic development.
Through this program, we create an enabling environment to transform innovative ideas into concrete successes. This contributes to an inclusive and influential African ecosystem.” Please note that applications for the first cohort of The Forge are open until February 7, 2025.
An integrated ecosystem
The UM6P development and seed management department offers comprehensive support to startups through cutting-edge infrastructure and strategic financial support. With StartGate, a 3,000 m² collaborative space dedicated to innovation and creativity, soon extended to 30,000 m², and access to UM6P’s living laboratories in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energies, chemistry and health, entrepreneurs benefit from exceptional tools.
In addition, an advanced technological infrastructure in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data science strengthens their capacity to innovate.
Financially, UM6P Ventures and the Bidra fund play a central role, with respectively $6.9 million invested in 29 startups and $28.8 million spread across eight startups and three funds, while connecting the projects to scientific resources. , specialized equipment and collaborative ecosystems to maximize their potential for success.
Sanae Raqui / ECO Inspirations
