Rabat – UPF University is celebrating two decades of academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to higher education in Morocco, marking its 20th anniversary with a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening its role in research, talent development, and technological advancement.
Under the theme “20 Years of Excellence,” the institution’s anniversary comes at a time of significant transformation in Morocco’s higher education sector, as universities assume an increasingly strategic role in supporting economic development and enhancing human capital.
Founded in 2006 and granted university status in 2013, UPF University has grown into one of Morocco’s leading private higher education institutions. Based in Fez, the historic capital of knowledge and learning, the university has built its reputation around interdisciplinary education, innovation, and strong links to the job market.
Today, UPF University comprises nine faculties and schools and offers more than 50 academic programs across key fields including architecture, dentistry, engineering, management sciences, health sciences, and technology.
The institution has also expanded its research activities through its Doctoral Studies Center and specialized research structures, contributing to scientific production and addressing contemporary societal challenges.
The university’s official 20th anniversary ceremony, scheduled for June 18, will bring together prominent figures from academia, government, and the business community, alongside alumni holding leadership positions in Morocco and abroad.
The event will showcase the university’s achievements over the past two decades and highlight its growing influence at the national, African, and international levels.
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A major highlight of the celebration will be the inauguration of the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, a new initiative designed to position the university at the forefront of research and innovation in emerging technologies.
According to the university, the center aligns with Morocco’s broader ambitions to strengthen digital sovereignty, foster innovation, and enhance the internationalization of higher education, in line with the objectives of Law 59.24 governing the sector.
The new center will serve as a platform for advanced scientific research, knowledge exchange, and decision-support solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
Its activities will focus on strategic sectors including smart agriculture, healthcare and biotechnology, education, sustainable development, finance and insurance, Industry 5.0, smart cities, energy, cybersecurity, public policy, defense and security, and aerospace technologies.
Bringing together leading international experts, the center aims to identify emerging opportunities in AI education, research, and practical applications while promoting collaboration between universities, policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations.
The hub will also benefit from UPF University’s extensive international partnerships, including its membership in the CINTANA Alliance led by Arizona State University in the United States and the Russo-African Universities Network coordinated by Saint Petersburg University, as well as numerous agreements with national and international academic institutions.
As it enters its third decade, UPF University says it remains committed to advancing academic excellence, scientific research, and innovation while contributing to Morocco’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy and a more competitive digital future.
The anniversary celebrations will also provide an opportunity to unveil the university’s 2026-2030 strategic development plan, outlining a roadmap for further growth and higher standards in teaching, research, and international engagement.
