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Prof. Dr. Mona Mahmoud Abdel Latif, Director of the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, signed a cooperation protocol with Eng. Magdy El-Taher, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Robex International for Plastic and Acrylic Manufacturing.The signing reflects the City’s primary role in the research process and its mission in scientific development within the industrial sector, fostering industrial growth, and linking the academic sector with industry by transforming scientific research outputs into real-life products. This comes in alignment with the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2030, particularly the axis of investment in scientific research and partnership to support and develop applied research projects, as well as with the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, launched in March 2023.The protocol was signed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in the presence of Eng. Magdy El-Taher and his accompanying delegation, and witnessed by Prof. Dr. Yasser Refaat Abdel Fattah, former Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Scientific Research Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Amr Salah Morsy, Executive Director of the Technology Transfer and Innovation Office (TICO) and the Entrepreneurship Club at the City.Prof. Dr. Mona Mahmoud Abdel Latif emphasized the importance of linking research outputs with industry, directing scientific research to serve the community, and creating cooperative partnerships and regional alliances that serve industry. Such collaborations contribute to the practical application of research results in developing industries and addressing the needs of the industrial sector for skilled graduates and trainees aligned with labor market demands.The protocol aims to conduct joint applied research between professors and researchers at the City and specialists at Robex International in R&D, leveraging each party’s expertise, knowledge, laboratory capabilities, and equipment to enrich the research and application process. The cooperation covers several areas, most notably:Energy sources and alternativesMaterials science and engineering and their applicationsWater treatment and related technologiesScientific training and academic cooperationExchange of technical information and scientific visitsSupport and organization of scientific meetings, conferences, and workshopsEng. Magdy El-Taher added that this protocol comes within the framework of supporting both industrial and human development activities, serving society, cooperating in national projects, and enhancing the scientific capacities of students, faculty members, and researchers in universities, institutes, and research centers by linking them with the industrial sector.Following extensive communications, meetings, and discussions between the City and Robex International, it was agreed to establish this protocol to contribute to the advancement of Egyptian industry, while also supporting outstanding researchers and innovators by fostering their work for the benefit of the industrial and production sectors.It is worth noting that Robex International is one of the leading industrial companies in the production of plastics and acrylic sheets. The company has been keen on applied research and established the Robex Research and Development Center in 2014, which has carried out numerous studies across various fields and achieved several successful research outcomes and innovations.

 The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) continues its mission of identifying and evaluating new technological ideas that provide direct solutions to industrial, agricultural, service, medical, and societal challenges within its geographical scope.New Technological IdeasApproximately 80 innovative technological ideas have been identified across the city. These ideas are currently under evaluation to assess their Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and potential for commercialization.Support for InnovatorsIn collaboration with the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA), the TTO announced opportunities for researchers and innovators interested in creating startups. Through TICO, promising themes were selected, including:A biological pesticide.A photodetector.Quinoa-based bakery products.Innovators were asked to prepare 10-minute presentations of their prototypes, which were presented on Wednesday, July 27, from 11 AM to 2 PM. The best candidates were then selected and qualified to attend a training course titled "Start Your Business", where SMEDA provided guidance on the necessary procedures for establishing startups and the types of support available for innovators.Industrial DatabaseThe city’s strategic location within one of Egypt’s largest industrial zones—representing over 40% of the nation’s industry—offers tremendous opportunities for collaboration. A database of key industrial entities that could benefit from cooperation with the TTO has been prepared, including:Faragalla Food Industries.Unilever Group (cosmetics).Samarmon Canned & Smoked Fish.Lecico Ceramics.Medo Paints.Rubex Plastics and Acrylics.Abu Donkol Group (animal feed).Integra Equipment & Belts.Pharco Pharmaceuticals.Pharaonic Pharmaceuticals Group.Through these efforts, the TTO aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen the link between scientific research and industry, and support innovators in turning their ideas into competitive market-ready projects.

As part of the efforts of the TICO office in the city to strengthen cooperation and establish strategic partnerships, four protocols and memoranda of understanding were signed with various entities, namely:Cooperation Protocol with the Economic Development and Entrepreneurship AssociationCooperation Protocol with Ebda Academy for Training and ConsultingMemorandum of Understanding with Al-Minhaj Company for Consulting, Training, and Scientific ServicesMemorandum of Understanding with the NilePreneurs Initiative – headquartered at Nile University.In addition, the team conducted several field visits to explore potential areas of collaboration, including:Visit to the NilePreneurs Initiative at Nile University, 6th of October City, where the team met with Prof. Dr. Heba Labib – Head of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Competitiveness, and Executive Director of the initiative. This visit resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.Visit to Nile University (Alamein Branch) in New Alamein City, where the team met with Prof. Dr. Hesham Gaber to discuss opportunities for academic and applied cooperation.Visit to Rubex Company for Plastic and Acrylic Manufacturing in Borg El-Arab Industrial Zone, where the team met with Eng. Magdy Taher – Chairman of the Board. During the visit, one of the innovative ideas developed by young researchers at the city was presented, and the chairman expressed his willingness to adopt and support these ideas until they reach a final product stage.Visit to the Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Association, where the team met with Dr. Souziet El-Reidy – Chairperson of the Board. The visit resulted in the signing of a joint cooperation protocol, which was further crowned by co-organizing the 3rd Arab Youth Entrepreneurship Forum held from June 30 to July 1, 2022.

On March 27, 2022, the TICO Office at the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications was officially launched through a distinguished opening event attended by a wide range of high-profile figures and officials.The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of:Prof. Dr. Yasser Refaat, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.Prof. Dr. Walaa Sheta, Director of the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF).The Deputy Governor of Alexandria.A distinguished delegation from the Academy of Scientific Research, led by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Sakr – President of the Academy, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Amr Farouk, Prof. Dr. Tamer Hamouda, Dr. Wafaa Mohamed, Dr. Yasmin Abdel Moneim, Dr. Yasmin Abdallah, Dr. Hayam Helmy, and Eng. Marwa Mohamed.A representative of the President of Nile University, in addition to several heads of research centers, universities, deans, heads of departments, and researchers.The ceremony began with a short documentary showcasing the steps of establishing and equipping the office, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by Prof. Dr. Mona Mahmoud Abdel Latif – Chairperson of the Office Board.The event also featured keynote speeches from:Prof. Dr. Yasser Refaat – Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Sakr – President of the Academy of Scientific Research.Prof. Dr. Alaa El-Din Idris – Vice President of Nile University for Strategic Development and Innovation.Eng. Asmaa Ahmed Youssef – Head of Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Nile University.Ms. Aya Gamal – Assistant to the Governor of Alexandria, representing him.Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Saleh Morsi – Executive Director of the TICO Office at the City.This inauguration marked a significant milestone, reflecting the great efforts made to establish a distinguished office that supports researchers, fosters innovation, and strengthens the City’s position as a leading scientific hub.

Since its inauguration, the Innovation Support and Technology Transfer Office has hosted several important visits that have reinforced its role and services, including:Visit of Prof. Dr. Yasser Refaat, Deputy on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, during the office’s opening day on March 27, 2022.Visit of a high-level delegation from the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), led by Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Sakr – President of the Academy, accompanied by a distinguished group of experts: Prof. Dr. Amr Farouk, Prof. Dr. Tamer Hammouda, Dr. Wafaa Mohamed, Dr. Yasmin Abdel Moneim, Dr. Yasmin Abdallah, Dr. Hayam Helmy, and Eng. Marwa Mohamed, also on the opening day March 27, 2022.Visit of representatives from USAID to explore opportunities for joint collaboration with the office.Visit of Ms. Fathiya Abu El-Fotouh Ahmed, Director of Al-Menhaaaj Consulting, Training, and Educational Services, which resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).Visit of Eng. Iman Saleh Suleiman, CEO of Ebdaa Academy for Training and Consulting, which culminated in the signing of a Cooperation Protocol.Various visits by researchers and non-researchers aiming to apply for patents and to receive guidance on completing the required documentation.

As part of the collaboration with the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), and following the contract signed on January 1, 2022 to establish the TICO Office at the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), the team organized an introductory day for the office on February 27, 2022.The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Mona Mahmoud Abdel Latif – Chairperson of the Office, along with the deans of the city’s various institutes, department heads, and researchers.The day began with the team introducing themselves and explaining the reasons for their selection to be part of the TICO offices network under ASRT. Representatives of each branch (GICO, TISC, TTO) then presented their respective roles, activities, and services to be offered to researchers within the city.The discussed objectives of the office included:Identifying new ideas, supporting innovators, and providing them with a suitable environment.Addressing technological challenges in agriculture, industry, and services.Developing and manufacturing prototypes.Marketing new innovations.Establishing an intellectual property policy for SRTA-City.Supporting researchers in registering and obtaining patents.Exploring local and international funding opportunities.Collaborating with different research institutes and centers.Assisting researchers in securing national and international research grants.This introductory day marked an important milestone in presenting the significance of the office and its vital role in supporting innovation and linking scientific research with practical applications.