Forging Startup Links Between Israel And Morocco

Israel and Morocco resolved to further strengthen ties during a three-day meeting in Tel Aviv.

Start-Up Nation Central, a nonprofit that promotes Israeli innovation worldwide, welcomed a delegation from Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). 

This meeting was made possible thanks to the initiation of diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco in December 2020 with the Abraham Accords.

During the meeting, they also discussed knowledge sharing and transfer between the university and industry, and connecting the startup communities in each country. 

The delegation’s visit builds upon the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that the two signed in Casablanca in May during the “Connect to Innovate” conference, a first-of-its-kind conference organized by Start-Up Nation Central. Twelve other MOUs were signed during the conference’s open ceremony alone. 

“Israel and Morocco are natural partners when it comes to building a MENA (Middle East and North Africa) innovation ecosystem,” said Start-Up Nation Central CEO Avi Hasson.

“This partnership and the MOU signed with UM6P, lay the groundwork for the dually beneficial venture for our joint economies.

“This week, we are welcoming our partners from UM6P to Israel for a series of workshops, and meetings to share journey challenges, a fresh perspective on ecosystem management, and in-person networking, geared at helping us reach our joint objective.”

H.E Abderrahim Bayoudh, Head of Morocco’s Liaison Office in Tel Aviv, said: “The business opportunities that exist between Israeli innovation and the business and academic ecosystem in Morocco are vast.

“We see the connection as a natural one, that must be developed for the benefit of developing the ties between the countries. Thanks to Start-Up Nation Central for the commitment to promoting these relationships.”