Rabat – Morocco’s University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) has officially launched a new branch in Montreal, Canada, under the name “UM6P Canada.”
This expansion is part of UM6P’s effort to foster stronger collaboration between Africa and North America, particularly in research, education, and innovation, the university said in a press release.
The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Souriya Otmani, Morocco’s Ambassador to Canada, and Pascale Déry, Québec’s Minister of Higher Education.
By establishing a presence in Canada, UM6P said it seeks to enhance knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives between the two continents.
UM6P Canada will focus on four core areas: research and development, executive education, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.
The statement added that the new branch aims to encourage collaboration between UM6P and Canadian universities, including UQAM, Laval University, the University of Sherbrooke, the University of Alberta, and the University of Manitoba, as well as the broader Canadian innovation ecosystem.
These partnerships will aim to promote the exchange of knowledge, technology transfer, and skill enhancement.
Beyond academic collaboration, UM6P Canada plans to contribute to North America’s innovation landscape by supporting advancements in agriculture, energy, mining, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.
The new branch also aims to drive commercial agreements, technology transfers, and startup development.
UM6P President Hicham El Habti emphasized the importance of the university’s Canadian expansion. “By establishing UM6P Canada, we are marking an important milestone in our commitment to strengthening bridges between Africa and North America,” he said.
El Habti added, “In collaboration with our Canadian partners, we are addressing the need for innovation and fostering international cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges.”
He explained that the new branch embodies a proactive approach to tackling global issues such as energy transition, environmental sustainability, and advancements in artificial intelligence.
UM6P has its main campus in Benguerir, with branches in Rabat, Laayoune, Paris, and now Montreal.
