Visit of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research to the University of Medea

As part of a working and inspection visit to the Wilaya of Médéa, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Kamel Baddari, began his visit at the Ouazra University Campus.

On this occasion, the Minister supervised the commissioning of the technological platform for rapid prototyping, following the previous inauguration of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. This initiative aims to transform ideas into prototypes for industrial use, thereby contributing to the local and national economy. He commended the efforts made in this field and affirmed that the Wilaya of Médéa has now become a regional hub for prototyping. He also praised the strategy implemented to convert research results into marketable digital services integrated within the university’s economic branch.

The Minister also inaugurated the Manufacturing Laboratory of the University of Médéa, an open space for project holders to bring their ideas to life, by mobilizing the necessary resources and providing hands-on support for students. He discussed with the lab’s managers ways to support students and help them bring their projects to fruition, transforming them into viable micro-enterprises.

At the Médéa University Campus, the Minister toured the exhibition stands showcasing student projects related to startups and patents. He praised the tangible achievements that have led to important projects and the creation of startups supported by university professors.

To promote scientific research, the Minister also oversaw the launch of the Digital Library at the Faculty of Medicine, marking the beginning of the integration of 4th-generation digital tools and artificial intelligence in this field.

Moreover, he emphasized the role universities must play as civic institutions that create added value for the national economy. He highlighted the efforts of his department to promote university entrepreneurship through the creation of incubators in most of the country’s universities.

In his speech, the Rector of the University of Médéa, Professor Djaafar Bouarouri, welcomed the Minister and his delegation. He spoke about the university’s achievements, including the establishment of a Technology and Innovation Support Center, an incubator to assist students with innovative ideas, and the activation of the Entrepreneurship Development Center, which has conducted six training cycles involving around 120 students.

To foster an environment conducive to the creation of emerging enterprises, the university has also established its own business accelerator, creating a bridge between student entrepreneurs and economic partners. These spaces provide technical and financial support for promising projects and facilitate connections between students and economic stakeholders. The university’s incubator has already obtained 15 labels.

During his meeting with students and the academic community in the conference hall, the Minister highlighted the local achievements in terms of basic infrastructure, which serve as spaces for student freedom, creativity, and technological advancement.

This takes place in a broader context where the State gives particular attention to the national economy by promoting innovation and supporting the creation of startups—a major priority outlined in the ambitious program of the President of the Republic. This program aims to accelerate economic development by mobilizing all necessary resources to structure this promising sector and support project holders at every stage. It also emphasizes enhancing training in specialties related to startups, strengthening links between training institutions and the entrepreneurial world, supporting and incubating innovative projects through the creation of technology hubs, launching platforms dedicated to research, development, and open innovation, and creating dedicated spaces for startups—especially within universities. Additionally, it involves setting up specific funding mechanisms and granting various facilities to encourage this type of initiative.

The visit concluded with the Minister awarding a special distinction to Professor Nadj Moulay Mustapha. He was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus, the highest academic distinction, awarded to distinguished senior professors with over 20 years of experience and who have produced exceptional scientific and research achievements. This title is prestigious, honorary, and highly exclusive