Ifrane, December 14, 2024 – Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) takes a new step in its commitment to entrepreneurship by signing a strategic partnership with the Founder Institute, the Silicon Valley-based accelerator and global leader in entrepreneurial training and startup support. The signing ceremony took place on Saturday in Ifrane, bringing together representatives from both institutions, including Dr. Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University, and Omar Layachi, Director of the Founder Institute Morocco.
Initiated by AUI’s Employability and Entrepreneurship Office (EEO), this partnership aligns with a shared ambition: to provide the university’s young talents with the tools to accelerate the transformation of their ideas into viable businesses, through intensive mentoring and direct access to international experts.
"Last year, 800 Al Akhawayn students from various disciplines participated in our entrepreneurship program; we expect this number to grow to around 1,000 students this year. We are delighted by our students' strong interest in entrepreneurship and provide them with multiple support systems—such as mentors, business angels, and incubators—to maximize their chances of success. This partnership represents an additional step in offering our students and graduates professional, practical, and strategic support in their entrepreneurial journey," stated Dr. Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University.
Mr. Omar Layachi, Mr. Hicham Sentissi, and Mr. Youssef Koun, Co-Directors of Founder Institute Morocco, added: "By joining forces with a prestigious institution like Al Akhawayn University, we aim to create a significant impact on the future of entrepreneurship in Morocco and Africa."
This collaboration reflects a shared vision for promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and research. Both institutions will combine their efforts to offer joint programs, including co-developed training, thematic conferences, hackathons, and support initiatives for young startups.