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MTL connecte is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), an African research and innovation university founded in Morocco.
This partnership aims to bring together the scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial ecosystems of Canada, Morocco, and Africa more broadly, while fostering the circulation of talent, knowledge, and innovation.
UM6P Global Hubs Canada: A Strategic Base in Montreal
In Canada, this ambition is taking shape through UM6P Global Hubs Canada, based in Montreal.
The Hub mobilizes UM6P’s scientific and technological expertise and connects it with Canadian universities, laboratories, companies, and innovation stakeholders. In doing so, it is helping to build a Canada–Africa scientific and innovation corridor through which researchers, students, technologies, startups, and opportunities can circulate.
Local Challenges, Global Solutions
Water, agriculture, energy, mining and materials, decarbonization, health, industrial transformation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence are among UM6P’s key areas of expertise.
Through its technological platforms and Living Labs in Africa, UM6P can test solutions in real-world environments, while its Canadian collaborations help mobilize complementary expertise and accelerate their development.
The goal is to co-develop solutions that can create impact in Africa, Canada, and around the world.
Connecting African Innovation to the World
The corridor operates in both directions. UM6P Canada also helps connect African innovations, technologies, entrepreneurs, and startups with Canadian and international ecosystems.
Canada provides access to strong scientific and technological networks, companies, investors, and new markets. Innovations developed to address African needs can therefore find new applications and opportunities internationally.
The Diaspora as a Driver of Knowledge and Talent Circulation
Moroccan and African diasporas in Canada play an essential role in this dynamic.
Researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, professionals, and investors form a natural bridge between the two continents. Their expertise, networks, and understanding of both environments help facilitate the circulation of skills, knowledge, and opportunities.
This approach contributes to moving from brain drain to brain circulation, making talent mobility a driver of collaboration and value creation.
From Cooperation to Concrete Projects
For UM6P and its Canadian Hub, the value of a partnership is measured by the projects it enables: joint research, student and researcher mobility, access to infrastructure and Living Labs, industrial collaborations, innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to new markets.
UM6P Canada plays an operational role in this process by identifying relevant expertise, mobilizing partners, and supporting the transition from research to innovation.
Montreal: A Meeting Point Between Canada and Africa
With its strong academic, scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial environment, as well as the diversity of its talent, Montreal is a natural anchor point for this innovation corridor.
By renewing their partnership, MTL connecte and UM6P reaffirm their shared ambition to bring the ecosystems of Canada and Africa closer together and transform their complementary strengths into concrete projects.
We look forward to continuing this collaboration and welcoming the UM6P and UM6P Global Hubs Canada ecosystem at this new edition of MTL connecte.