Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa highlighted:
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The Technology Valleys project strengthens the role of universities as innovation-supportive environments.
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Development of an incentive system for researchers and faculty members to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Creation of a national fund in partnership with industry to finance applied research and startup projects.
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Incubators and accelerators within Technology Valleys to support student and graduate startups.
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Upgrading several Egyptian universities into highly competitive institutions meeting global standards.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that scientific research is a top priority for the Ministry, aiming to enhance industry and the knowledge economy by transforming academic research into marketable products and services. This initiative is intended to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and promote a culture of entrepreneurship, creating an advanced educational and research environment capable of meeting both local and international market challenges.
In this context, the Minister explained that the concept of “Technology Valleys” serves as the practical mechanism to achieve this vision. Each valley will function as an integrated ecosystem to support innovation, based on effective partnerships between universities and industry sectors. A dedicated Technology Valley will be established at each leading university according to its area of excellence. The valley will play a central role in adopting applied research that offers practical solutions, supporting knowledge-based economy initiatives, encouraging students to launch startups, and converting their ideas into scalable and competitive projects.
Dr. Konsowa confirmed that the Ministry will develop a comprehensive incentive system for researchers and faculty members, including promotion pathways and financial rewards that consider not only the number of published research papers but also registered patents, industry-funded applied research, and innovative projects that evolve into startups or advanced industrial solutions.
The Minister also announced the establishment of a national fund in partnership with industry to finance applied research. Funding will be competitive and conditional on the presence of an industrial partner, ensuring that research aligns with market needs and maximizes its economic and innovative impact.
To further strengthen the link between scientific research and industry, the Ministry plans incentive initiatives for major companies operating in Egypt, allocating a portion of their profits to support research in Technology Valleys. In return, these companies will have priority access to the research outcomes and practical applications.
Moreover, business incubators and accelerators will be established within the Technology Valleys to provide technical, administrative, and financial support to startups launched by researchers, students, and graduates. This will reinforce the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and transform research ideas into competitive and scalable projects.
Dr. Adel Abdel-Ghaffar, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stated that the Ministry will also focus on developing and supporting research centers, institutes, and authorities, enhancing their role in serving industry and the national economy. This will include advancing applied research, linking it to industrial needs, providing advanced infrastructure, promoting collaboration with universities, state institutions, and private sectors, supporting innovation, and implementing practical research projects. International partnerships will also be expanded to exchange expertise and joint research programs, ensuring that scientific research outcomes are converted into practical solutions that enhance the global competitiveness of Egypt’s economy.
The spokesperson added that as part of aligning higher education with industry and the labor market, several universities will be upgraded to become highly competitive institutions, reflecting Egypt’s vision for world-class educational standards. These universities will provide global-quality education, strengthen international competitiveness, ensure financial sustainability, and integrate directly with industry and labor market needs.
Universities selected for this project will be evaluated based on geographical location, strong and sustainable financial standing, a solid research base supporting applied research linked to industry, and strong ties to economic and service activities. The project is planned to be implemented over 36 months, aiming to prepare these universities to become competitive models nationally and internationally. A group of universities meeting these criteria will be chosen.
