European collaboration expands as UM6P joins STATION F through NextAfrica, enhancing ties between European and African startup communities.
The University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) has announced the launch of NextAfrica, an accelerator program designed to bridge Africa's emerging startup ecosystem with Europe's thriving innovation landscape. By offering a six-month immersive experience and strategic partnerships, NextAfrica aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth opportunities for African startups within a global framework.
A Transcontinental Bridge for Startups
NextAfrica is conducted in partnership with STATION F, one of the world's largest startup campuses based in Paris. This partnership provides African startups with European exposure and support, as well as access to STATION F's advanced facilities and extensive network. The program offers a blend of world-class facilities, expert guidance, and ecosystem connectivity tailored to scale African innovation.
The inaugural NextAfrica cohort includes twelve high-potential startups across HealthTech and AgriTech sectors. Notable HealthTech startups include Pelican Health, SenseBiotek, VG2D Pharma, Inn'Pulse, NeuralTeks, BlocReg Solutions, iAvicenne, and Rosetta omics. AgriTech startups in the cohort include Sand to Green, ISTYA, AgroSfer, and IrWise.
Investing in Africa's Future
UM6P has strengthened its commitment to startup investment through UM6P Ventures. Originally dedicated to Moroccan startups, UM6P Ventures broadened its reach last year to support ventures across Africa. One of its recent investments is Userguest, a platform aimed at enhancing direct hotel bookings.
UM6P Ventures provides early-stage funding of up to 7 million dirhams (around $700,000 USD), with a strong focus on Deeptech startups in Greentech, Climatetech, Chemtech, and Industry 4.0.
Cultivating High-Impact Ventures
In addition to NextAfrica and UM6P Ventures, UM6P runs other startup support initiatives. The Forge, based at UM6P's StartGate campus in Benguerir, offers structured mentorship, state-of-the-art technological resources, and global networking opportunities. By aligning with other global institutions tapping into STATION F's ecosystem, UM6P aims to position Morocco as a leading hub for technology-driven economic growth.
Through the integration of African and European innovation networks, UM6P is working to create synergies that elevate African entrepreneurial potential onto the international stage. STATION F, located in Paris's 13th district, is home to over 1,000 startups and collaborates with major tech giants such as Meta, Google, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Zendesk.
The collaboration between UM6P and STATION F was announced on January 29, with the goal of empowering startups to tackle Africa's technological, economic, and environmental challenges while fostering stronger intercontinental ties. By establishing a presence at STATION F and introducing NextAfrica, UM6P is strengthening its influence in Africa's growing startup ecosystem.
- Through the collaboration between UM6P and STATION F, the university is creating an opportunity for African startups to seamlessly transition from education-and-self-development to finance within the technology sector, as NextAfrica offers strategic partnerships and access to Europe's thriving startup ecosystem.
- With UM6P Ventures providing early-stage funding and The Forge offering structured mentorship and global networking opportunities, the startup ecosystem at UM6P is fostering innovation and growth in both finance and technology sectors, ultimately bolstering Africa's economic development.
