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THEFORGE

Ambition. Innovation. Excellence.

Accelerate your entrepreneurial journey with access to world-class mentorship, cutting-edge resources, funding, and a community of like-minded innovators.

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WELCOME TO THE FORGE

Strong founders rise to the global stage on a foundation of vision, excellence, and community. That’s why we created The Forge, a residency program at the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University designed to support global founders to scale innovative ventures with a focus on Africa’s future.

Innovation Acceleration

A high-impact program to scale ventures with mentorship, product development, and strategic market support.

Resource Empowerment

Access labs, prototyping facilities, funding, and top Moroccan talent to empower your entrepreneurial journey.

Global Networking

Collaborate through retreats, international events, and a vibrant community of world-class entrepreneurs and experts.

Venture Beyond Limits

Access world-class resources and support to transform your vision into reality.

Access cutting-edge infrastructure for prototyping and development.

Access cutting-edge infrastructure for prototyping and development.

Access to Labs

Access to Labs

Access cutting-edge infrastructure for prototyping and development.

Tailored, high-impact program designed for rapid growth.

Tailored, high-impact program designed for rapid growth.

Acceleration Program

Acceleration Program

Tailored, high-impact program designed for rapid growth.

Guidance from global experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Guidance from global experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Expert Mentorship

Expert Mentorship

Guidance from global experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Fellowship with living stipend and on-campus accommodation.

Fellowship with living stipend and on-campus accommodation.

Campus Living

Campus Living

Fellowship with living stipend and on-campus accommodation.

Entry to global events and valuable networking opportunities.

Entry to global events and valuable networking opportunities.

Global Network

Global Network

Entry to global events and valuable networking opportunities.

Curated retreats and wellness programming.

Curated retreats and wellness programming.

Community Events

Community Events

Curated retreats and wellness programming.

Direct pipeline to top Moroccan talent.

Direct pipeline to top Moroccan talent.

Talent Access

Talent Access

Direct pipeline to top Moroccan talent.

Access to funding and client matching opportunities.

Access to funding and client matching opportunities.

Funding Support

Funding Support

Access to funding and client matching opportunities.

Join an exclusive community of high-value founders.

Join an exclusive community of high-value founders.

Founder Community

Founder Community

Join an exclusive community of high-value founders.

Collaborate with leading institutions to drive innovation.

Collaborate with leading institutions to drive innovation.

Partnerships

Partnerships

Collaborate with leading institutions to drive innovation.

Get Ready to Launch

Application Launch

December 17, 2024

Application Close

February 7, 2025

Semi-Finalists Notified

February 14, 2025

In-Person Pitch Day and Finalist Selection

February 27, 2025

Program Start

March 10, 2025

Eligibility Criteria

We're seeking visionary founders ready to transform Africa's future

Passionate Problem Solver

Dedicated to addressing Africa's pressing socio-economic challenges.

Criterion 1

Ready for Takeoff

Prepared to elevate your business idea from concept to market launch.

Criterion 2

Committed to Growth

Willing to dedicate up to 12 months to the program in Ben Guerir, Morocco.

Criterion 3

Experienced Visionary

25+ years old with demonstrated business acumen.

Criterion 4

Collaborative Mindset

Eager to learn from international experts and peers.

Criterion 5

Born Leader

Possessing a strong leadership mindset and entrepreneurial drive.

Criterion 6

From Start to Finish: A Deep Dive into Your Journey

Phase 1: Orientation Bootcamp
Phase 2: Pre-Incubation
Phase 3: Incubation
Phase 4: Pre-Acceleration
Phase 5: Acceleration / Venture Scaling

Phase 1: Orientation Bootcamp

  • Foundational Training: Entrepreneurship basics, leadership skills, and business strategy.
  • Community Building: Networking with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders.
  • Business Model Workshops: Crafting a vision, mission, and actionable roadmap for your startup.

More Perks and Benefits

What Do I Receive as a Candidate with the Forge?

The Power of UM6P

Weekly workshops and 1:1s with mentors and research teams.

Immersive Residency

On-campus accommodation for the duration of the program with focus on wellness and community.

Our Partners

Collaborating with leading institutions to drive innovation and excellence.

um6p
firsi
ventures
startgate

Frequently Asked Questions