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Morocco World
19-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Africa's Third Way: Innovating Between the phygital and the Digital
Rabat – In the last decade, Africa has witnessed a surge of science-based startups tackling everything from renewable energy to precision agriculture. Homegrown innovators are turning research into real-world solutions tailored to the continent's needs. But among the wave of new ventures, those working in deep tech, including companies built on breakthroughs in science and engineering, are still relatively rare. Unlike typical digital startups, deep-tech ventures require more time, more capital, and more infrastructure to bring an idea from lab to market. They deal with technologies like advanced materials, blockchain security, or robotics, which are fields with high potential but often limited investor appetite due to longer development cycles and uncertain returns. Still, interest is growing. While overall tech investment in Africa dipped in 2023, deep tech has quietly gained ground, as institutions and entrepreneurs begin to realize its potential to solve problems that digital apps alone can't. In the wake of this shift, Morocco World News spoke with Hafid Griguer, Deputy Director of the Digital Innovation Center for Excellence and co-founder of SensThings, to explore how deep-tech spin-offs are charting a new course in Africa's innovation landscape. Bridging the physical and digital SensThings began as a research project within UM6P's Digital Innovation Center for Excellence (DICE). 'SensThings was born from a clear vision: to turn issues of trust and traceability in Africa into opportunities for innovation,' explains Griguer. Drawing on a patented 'phygital' technology, one that marries physical documents with secure digital identities, the T3 platform (Trust, Track and Trace) tackles challenges like document forgery and opaque supply chains. In regions where a single power outage can cripple a fully digital system, SensThings' approach preserves the integrity of paper-based documents while embedding a tamper-proof digital layer. This blend of physical and digital avoids the common trap of forcing institutions to go entirely paperless. Instead of replacing diplomas or certificates, SensThings enhances them with a secure digital identity, making them verifiable through a simple scan. But developing a deep-tech startup in Africa means navigating both scientific complexity and local realities. Griguer explained that they faced the need to build resilient solutions that could withstand infrastructure constraints, unstable electricity, limited internet connectivity, and even cyber threats. Early on, UM6P Ventures, the university's arm for incubation and investment, provided a team of entrepreneurship experts who guided SensThings from concept to company. This holistic support included legal structuring, economic modeling, and fundraising preparation, all tailored to Africa's emerging-market context. 'The UM6P Ventures ecosystem enabled us to develop this innovative approach by providing access to research infrastructure and the necessary expertise to create solutions that are both high-tech and robust,' Griguer explained. A technology tested at scale The real value of SensThings' T3 solution has been proven in large-scale deployments. Beyond securing high-school diplomas, the system has protected over 15 million exam copies, as it ensured both anonymity and traceability throughout the assessment process. 'Each document or product is given a unique digital identity that inextricably links the physical object to its digital data,' Griguer explains. Blockchain underpins the platform's security and guarantees that any attempt to alter a record is immediately detectable. Even if the digital component goes offline, the paper document remains valid, an essential feature in regions prone to power or network outages. Thanks to UM6P Ventures, SensThings moved rapidly from laboratory prototype to commercial startup. Just months after incorporation, the company achieved a valuation exceeding $10 million, an early milestone that reflects both investor confidence and the strength of its business model. 'A dedicated team of experts guided us through all critical stages: legal structuring, economic modeling, fundraising preparation, and go-to-market strategy,' Griguer reflects. Participation in Startgate, UM6P's resident incubation program, further accelerated SensThings' development through peer learning and networking. Global recognition and local impact In 2023, SensThings' unique approach that blends physical and digital technologies earned the company a nomination for the World Summit Award, a global recognition of digital innovation that drives social change. But for the team behind SensThings, the real reward lies closer to home. Their work focuses on something often overlooked: trust in official documents. By securing academic records, SensThings helps students access new opportunities, makes it easier for graduates to prove their qualifications, and supports institutions in maintaining credibility both locally and internationally. In Morocco, the Ministry of National Education adopted the system for all baccalaureate certificates and transcripts. Students benefit from instant diploma verification, which accelerates university admissions and job applications, particularly important in regions where paperwork delays can cost real opportunities. 'Several Moroccan and international universities are adopting our solutions not only to secure their diplomas but also to strengthen their programs' international visibility and improve graduates' career prospects,' according to Griguer. While education was the starting point, the underlying technology is designed for broader application. In sectors like agriculture or manufacturing, the same system can be used to track supply chains, verify product authenticity, or even engage consumers directly. This offers an adaptable framework for building trust in complex environments. For many deep-tech ventures, the tension between commercial sustainability and social impact can be hard to navigate. SensThings' rapid growth, however, proves that these aims can reinforce one another. 'Our rapid valuation of over $10 million demonstrates that social impact solutions can generate significant economic value when well structured,' he said. For SensThings, resilient technology is a commercial advantage in emerging markets. By ensuring uninterrupted functionality, even under adverse conditions, their solutions meet practical needs while generating long-term revenue. Profits are reinvested into R&D to enable continuous innovation and keep prices accessible for public institutions. Griguer reiterated UM6P Ventures' support to build a 'strong business model that attracts investors while serving the public good,' adding that its approach 'proves it's possible to reconcile entrepreneurial excellence with a social mission.' Lessons for the African deep-tech ecosystem SensThings' journey offers several key lessons for scientific entrepreneurship across Africa. First, local constraints should be viewed not as obstacles but as design drivers. Solutions tailored to these realities can outperform generic, off-the-shelf technologies. In addition, university ecosystems like UM6P Ventures play an important role by bridging the gap between research and market. Holistic support that combines lab access, mentorship, and capital has proven effective in accelerating the path from idea to impact. The success of SensThings also challenges a common myth in tech development: that innovation means abandoning the old entirely. By working with existing behaviors and infrastructure rather than against them, deep-tech ventures can accelerate adoption and ensure their solutions are truly sustainable. Looking ahead, Griguer envisions an Africa that not only adopts technologies from abroad but leads global innovation in areas where resilience and adaptability are paramount. 'Africa is at a historic crossroads where science and entrepreneurship are converging to create authentically African solutions to the continent's challenges,' he says. SensThings, with the support of UM6P Ventures, 'proves that it's possible to develop cutting-edge technology from Africa, for Africa, and for the world,' Griguer argues. By demonstrating that deep-tech startups can thrive on the continent, SensThings hopes to inspire future entrepreneurs to turn their research into ventures that deliver real-world benefits. Tags: AfricaentrepreneurshipStartups
Ya Biladi
26-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco joins Africa's top 10 startup ecosystems
Morocco has entered the top 10 African startup ecosystems, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, an annual report by StartupBlink that ranks over 1,000 cities and 100 countries worldwide based on the strength and vibrancy of their startup landscapes. The country is now ranked 88th globally, climbing four spots from last year's 92nd position, with a score of 0.687. Morocco has recorded the highest growth rate (over 23%) among North African countries. Regionally, it ranks 3rd in North Africa, behind Egypt (65th globally) and Tunisia (82nd). In Africa overall, Morocco ranks 9th, ahead of Senegal but behind South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Namibia. Globally, the top five positions are held by the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, and Canada. Casablanca, Morocco's startup hub Morocco has three cities in the global top 1,000, with Casablanca and Rabat showing strong momentum. Casablanca climbed an impressive 42 spots to rank 317th globally, with a growth rate of over 40%, the highest among Morocco's startup hubs and in North Africa. Rabat also advanced, rising seven places to 811th, with a growth rate exceeding 20%. In contrast, Agadir risks dropping out of the global top 1,000 due to a negative growth trend (968th). The report attributes Morocco's performance to its affordable and stable base for entrepreneurs seeking to access the North African market. It also highlights the impact of public and private initiatives, such as MoroccoTech, the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, and events like GITEX Africa, which help position the country as a regional tech hub. Key capital funds such as UM6P Ventures, Maroc Numeric Fund, and the Innov Invest Fund play a crucial role in supporting early-stage startups, while organizations like StartUp Maroc and innovation hubs like Impact Lab contribute to building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, writes the authors of the report.
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
AI and Africa's Big Leap: Deep Tech Summit Kicks Off in Morocco
The Deep Tech Summit kicked off today at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, with a bold ambition: to show how artificial intelligence is shaping deep tech, and why Africa shouldn't just follow the trend, but lead it. Over two days, the summit hopes to bring together founders, investors, academics and policymakers from over 50 countries. With over a thousand startups in attendance, this year's second edition focuses on how AI is accelerating breakthroughs in everything from ailment diagnosis, drug discovery, and green energy. 'This summit was never meant to be just another conference,' said Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P. 'It's a statement – a call to push boundaries, rethink progress, and include everyone in that journey.' Hicham El Habti calls to push boundaries, rethink progress, and include everyone in that journey. El Habti pointed during his opening speech to Africa's young minds, noting that over half of the continent's population is under 24. 'That's our greatest asset,' he said. 'We must give this generation the tools and space to imagine, create and lead.' The program includes more than 60 sessions, ranging from cybersecurity to the green economy, as well as reverse pitches — where investors must convince startups — and experimental formats aimed at sparking real-world solutions. Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures, pointed to the speed at which AI is now reshaping the deep tech ecosystem. 'In the past, breakthrough technologies took decades. Today, we're talking about months,' he said. 'AI is compressing the journey from theory to market.' Yassine Laghzioui pointed to the speed at which AI is now reshaping the deep tech ecosystem He cited DeepMind's AlphaFold as a prime example. 'It cracked the protein folding problem. That alone is changing the game in drug discovery.' For Laghzioui, the moment is ripe. 'Africa sees it. Morocco sees it. We have the talent, the ambition, and now the opportunity that AI presents.' Also attending the summit is Steve Ciesinski, a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business and former president of SRI International. 'When I first heard about the Deep Tech Summit, I wasn't quite sure what to expect,' he admitted. 'But I've been genuinely impressed. The talent, the energy, the calibre of discussions — it's remarkable.' Steve Ciesinski says AI now features in nearly a third of his students' projects Ciesinski says AI now features in nearly a third of his students' projects. 'The idea is not to replace humans, but to enhance them. AI should work for people, not the other way around.' He added that deep tech isn't for the faint-hearted. 'It comes with higher risk and longer timelines. But for those who make it through, the rewards are massive, both financially and socially.' Deep Tech Summit runs May 8–9, with AI stealing the show. From healthcare and agritech to clean energy, the goal's simple: leapfrog Africa's development with big, bold, and brainy solutions.
Morocco World
24-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P DeepTech Summit to Explore How AI is Transforming Africa's Industrial Future
Rabat — Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is set to host its second edition of DeepTech Summit on May 8-9, 2025, focusing on artificial intelligence's (AI) transformative impact on innovation across Africa. The two-day event will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions at UM6P's Benguerir campus. This year's summit is going to be held under the theme 'Redefining Progress: How AI is Transforming DeepTech Innovation.' The event will explore how AI is reshaping scientific, entrepreneurial, and industrial landscapes throughout Africa and beyond. 'This second edition captures a key moment, where AI is reshaping the landscape of DeepTech, from the lab to the value chain,' said Yassine Laghzioui, Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P and CEO of the UM6P Ventures. 'It's a call to connect technological breakthroughs with real-world challenges, with Africa as a living lab of innovation,' he added. The summit builds on UM6P's mission to come up with applied innovation specifically designed for African contexts. It will 'serve as a platform for collective experimentation and dialogue between science, industry, and society,' a statement from UM6P said. New to this year's program is the DTS Prize, which will be competed for by a pool of groundbreaking startups using advanced technologies to tackle critical challenges in healthcare, renewable energy, and other sectors. Read also: UM6P Ventures, Attijariwafa Ventures Partner to Boost African Innovation The academic event will be a platform to provide startups several opportunities to connect with potential investors, including pitch sessions and specialized matchmaking activities such as the CVC Track, Pitch Me in the Dark, and Reverse Pitch. According to the organizers, these events aim to create meaningful interactions between innovators and financial, industrial, academic, and institutional partners. Quantum computing emerges as a key focus area in this year's edition. Although some technical and financial challenges exist, interest in this field is growing across Africa, particularly for its applications in precision medicine, cybersecurity, molecular modeling, and advanced AI. 'Quantum computing is gaining traction as a disruptive frontier, particularly promising for African ecosystems seeking to leapfrog traditional development stages,' the statement noted. The DTS Prize finalists, selected from over 150 applications, will receive increased visibility, structured support, and funding opportunities. A special award will recognize an initiative led by an African ecosystem, reinforcing the summit's goal of strengthening the continent's role in global scientific and technological development. The 2025 DeepTech Summit positions Africa at a strategic crossroads, calling attention to how Africa's demographic momentum, emerging entrepreneurial hubs, and unique challenges can drive innovation in key sectors like agriculture, water, energy, healthcare, and education. For more information or to register, the university calls on those interested to visit the website . Tags: DeepTechDeepTech SummitMohammed VI Polytechnic UniversityUM6P
Morocco World
10-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P Ventures, Attijariwafa Ventures Partner to Boost African Innovation
Doha – Attijariwafa Ventures and UM6P Ventures signed a framework agreement to boost entrepreneurial innovation across Africa, combining their resources to invest in technology startups. The partnership will focus on joint investments in fintech, insurtech, deeptech, and greentech startups. Attijariwafa Ventures, backed by Attijariwafa Bank and Wafa Assurance, offers minority stakes ranging from MAD 2 million ($200,000) to MAD 30 million ($3 million) without requiring exclusivity from portfolio companies. 'By joining forces with UM6P Ventures, we strengthen our role as an engaged player in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship,' said Hamza Mikou, CEO of Attijariwafa Ventures. The agreement enables startups to access academic, industrial, and financial ecosystems from both institutions. By integrating into Attijariwafa Bank and Wafa Assurance's network — spanning 27 countries and serving more than 12 million clients — portfolio companies gain immense scalability opportunities. 'This collaboration marks an important step in our shared commitment to a robust and inclusive innovation ecosystem in Africa,' said Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures. UM6P Ventures, established in 2019 as the investment arm of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, operates two distinct funds: a Digital Transformation Startup fund and a Deeptech Ventures fund. The firm actively invests in agriculture, chemicals, greentech, healthtech, and Industry 4.0, while providing scientific projects with laboratory-to-market transition support. It also partners with native and international programs, including incubators, accelerators, and business angels, providing portfolio companies access to specialized equipment and infrastructure. Attijariwafa Ventures, founded in 2022, targets early to growth-stage investment opportunities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, specializing in financial services technology, including payments, regtech, P2P lending, equity crowdfunding, KYC, blockchain, and ICO. The initiative aligns with Morocco's objectives in innovation, technological sovereignty, and human capital development, supporting the continent's major transitions through technological advancement. Tags: AttijariWafa BankUM6P VenturesYassine Laghzioui
