Renens – MassChallege, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, announced today that applications are now open for IMPULSE, a bespoke startup accelerator developed in partnership with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco with the support of OCP Group and its subsidiary OCP Africa.
“MassChallenge is excited to be working with IMPULSE to help entrepreneurs in Africa make an impact and bring their ideas to market, adding value to society,” said Matt Lashmar, Managing Director of MassChallenge Switzerland. “We look forward to supporting UM6P in reinforcing its unique ecosystem with our unique capabilities and networks.”
“By launching IMPULSE, a first of its kind program, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University takes pride into fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa, for Africa. In addition to providing talents with access to important funding, Impulse will enable entrepreneurs to access a whole ecosystem composed of UM6P’s research and innovation local and international network,” said Hicham El Habti, Secretary General of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.” We look forward to Impulse being a springboard for a larger innovation platform initiative involving other corporate partners and aimed at transforming the African entrepreneurial scene.”
This 12-week program will support startups in the agritech, biotech, mining technology, and materials science and nanotechnology fields. The program is open to all aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world, who are developing and executing game changing ideas, technologies, and discoveries in Africa and for Africa.
IMPULSE is currently accepting proposals from other Moroccan and international corporates to partner on developing and supporting the industry-agnostic innovation hub in Morocco.
About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is a hub of education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, aspiring to become a solid bridge of knowledge between Morocco, Africa and the world.
Located in the “Mohammed VI Green City” in Benguerir, near Marrakech, UM6P applies a “learning by doing” approach and develops sound partnerships with world-wide class universities, to promote leadership and training in focused research areas.
By contributing to the training of a new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders, UM6P is committed to positioning Morocco and Africa at the forefront of technology and human Sciences.
About OCP Group
OCP Group contributes to feeding a growing global population by providing essential elements for soil fertility and plant growth. With nearly a century of expertise and a turnover of $ 5.95 billion in 2018, OCP Group is the world leader in the phosphate market and the world’s largest producer of phosphate fertilizers. It offers a wide range of adapted fertilizer products. Thanks to its large-scale integrated industrial development strategy, OCP is present throughout the phosphate value chain and operates in all its businesses offering its 21,000 employees an excellent development path. Based in Morocco, OCP Group works in close partnership with more than 160 clients on 5 continents. Committed to better serve Africa’s development, OCP puts innovation at the heart of its strategy, particularly, in the establishment of sustainable and prosperous agriculture on the continent.
About MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 2,300 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $5 billion in funding, generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue, and created more than 136,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org