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Benguerir — Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and Materials science company Syensqo signed today a partnership agreement to create a new artificial intelligence laboratory that will focus on developing sustainable industrial solutions.
The two organizations formalized their collaboration at UM6P’s campus in Benguerir, where they aim to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications through AI-driven innovation.
At the heart of the partnership lies the Syensqo AI Lab, which will operate within UM6P’s newly established AI-ARC (Accelerated Research Center).
The lab will develop what the partners call “next-generation agentic AI technologies” for chemistry and materials science, pushing forward both AI system development and advanced materials for industrial use.
Syensqo opened a dedicated office on the UM6P campus, where its engineers and scientists will work alongside the university’s researchers, doctoral students, and undergraduates.
The company designed this setup to foster direct collaboration and create an environment where teams can experiment quickly and turn ideas into practical applications.
Telling her success story rising from Casablanca’s Derb Sultan to become Syensqo’s CEO, Ilham Kadri said that “at Syensqo, we believe that the future of sustainable industry will be shaped by the intelligent fusion of materials science and artificial intelligence.”
“With this lab, we aim to turn this vision into action — accelerating innovation, empowering young talent, and creating solutions that have real impact on people and the planet.”
In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Kadiri said “It’s a great milestone to be at UM6P and to sign the alliance with the university.”
Kadri commended UM6P as “one of the best universities in Morocco, probably in Africa, but definitely in the world.”
For Syensqo — a company dedicated to science at the service of humanity across electrification, connectivity, light-weighting, and biotechnology — the partnership offers access to top talent in generative and agentic AI.
“It’s an opportunity for us to tap into the best talents available on Gen.AI, which is the future,” she said, pointing to UM6P’s ability to deliver talent, speed, and world-class infrastructure.
“Long life to our alliance with UM6P,” she concluded, marking what both organizations see as just the beginning of their collaboration.
As a Moroccan herself, Kadri expressed particular pride in the achievement. She noted how Benguerir has transformed itself, building exceptional academic infrastructure from the ground up.
The partnership extends beyond the lab itself. Both organizations plan to explore additional research areas together and develop executive training programs.
UM6P students will gain hands-on experience tackling real industrial challenges, which both institutions see as crucial for preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
“At UM6P, we measure the value of research by its ability to create tangible solutions,” said UM6P’s President Hicham El Habti.
“Our collaboration with Syensqo allows us to integrate advanced AI with industrial applications, transforming laboratory discoveries into technologies that can enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and generate new economic opportunities.”
Professor Lamia Azizi, director of UM6P’s Accelerated Research Center in AI, will co-lead the lab alongside Vincent Colegrave, Syensqo’s head of AI.
The collaboration aims to apply cutting-edge AI research to materials science and chemistry, developing more sustainable and innovative products for the market.
Speaking to MWN on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Azizi said that “this partnership is very strategic.”
She described it as “a great marriage between the technical and the applied market and sources” — one that will translate advanced research into real-world solutions.
UM6P brings state-of-the-art AI technologies and technical expertise, while Syensqo contributes deep knowledge of chemical sciences, materials, and industrial markets.
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two organizations. Both serve as founding partners in Climate Impulse, explorer Bertrand Piccard’s initiative to develop the first hydrogen-powered aircraft capable of flying non-stop around the world.
Following the signing ceremony, several UM6P students who completed internships at Syensqo shared their experiences, describing how the collaboration gave them exposure to advanced industrial and research environments.
