Benguerir, a city in central Morocco, has developed into a dedicated ecosystem for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, centered on the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The university, founded in 2013, serves as a hub for scientific research and technology transfer, attracting startups and international partners.
The city's development is part of Morocco's national strategy to diversify its economy beyond agriculture and mining, focusing on knowledge-based industries. UM6P hosts research labs in fields such as agriculture, water, energy, and artificial intelligence, and collaborates with institutions like MIT and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development.
As of 2026, Benguerir's innovation district includes incubators, a science park, and facilities for agritech and green tech startups. The city aims to become a model for sustainable urban development in Africa, with a focus on education and job creation for youth.
