Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, participated in a workshop entitled “From Idea to Ecosystem: Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer”, held at Luxor University, in the presence of H.E. Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Prof. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities; a number of university presidents; and with the participation of an elite group of experts and specialists in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The workshop was organized by the Fulbright Commission under the supervision of Dr. Maggie Nassif, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Egypt. It included a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Richard Joseph, who reviewed the latest global models for linking scientific research with practical applications, as well as mechanisms for transforming research ideas into productive projects, in a manner that supports the knowledge-based economy and enhances the role of universities as key drivers of development.

Prof. Ahmed El-Kased explained that the workshop discussed ways to develop the innovation ecosystem within universities, the role of business incubators and startups in investing research outputs, and showcased successful experiences in technology transfer and in building effective partnerships between universities and the industrial sector. This contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of academic institutions regionally and internationally, within the framework of the Egyptian state’s orientation and the support of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within Egyptian universities and to build an integrated system that links academic knowledge with labor market needs, thereby supporting the national economy and maximizing the role of universities in community service.

He affirmed that Menoufia University places top priority on entrepreneurship and technology transfer, working to establish a university environment supportive of innovation through the development of scientific research centers, activating the role of business incubators, and encouraging students and researchers to transform their research outputs into implementable applied projects. He added that, through its updated strategy—aligned with recent developments, the National Strategy for Higher Education, and Egypt Vision 2030—the university adopts advanced approaches to linking academic programs with labor market needs and strengthening partnerships with industrial institutions, contributing to transforming scientific research into real economic and societal value.

The President of the University also noted that Menoufia University has already taken practical steps in this direction, including the establishment of a Business Incubator Unit within the university to adopt innovative ideas from students and researchers and provide the necessary technical and advisory support to turn them into implementable projects. Two startup companies have also been launched at the university to date as successful models for employing scientific research in productive ventures. He emphasized that the university aims to expand the establishment of startups in the coming phase, thereby reinforcing the culture of entrepreneurship and providing real job opportunities for youth.

Furthermore, Prof. Ahmed El-Kased confirmed that the launch of Menoufia National Technological University, which is scheduled to begin admitting students starting from the next academic year, represents a qualitative addition to the university education system in the governorate. The new university aims to offer modern technological programs directly linked to labor market needs and will contribute to preparing qualified technical and technological cadres to support development and industrial plans, with a focus on practical training, entrepreneurship, and linking study with industrial applications, in line with the directives of the political leadership and in support of the national economy.