The center developed through a partnership with both local and international participants will provide access to AR and VR technologies for the region.

Benguerir, Morocco, February 11, 2020 – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) hosted today the inauguration ceremony of the first Interactive Digital Center in Morocco. This center is the outcome of a collaboration between EON Reality, the world leader in Augmented and Virtual Reality-based knowledge and skills transfer for industry and education, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with the support of the Moroccan Ministry of Industry, Trade, Green and Digital Economy, the Ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Agency for Digital Development, and Mohammed V University in Rabat.

The center provides unprecedented access to Augmented (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology and solutions for Morocco’s growing digital transformation of the academic, industrial, and government sectors.

The seven partners are a perfect representation of the “triple helix” model that projects like this bring to fruition, with government, academia, and industry leaders all coming together to shape Morocco’s technological revolution.

“With today’s launch of this Interactive Digital Center, we are supporting the Government of Morocco’s ambitious education strategies and igniting the possibilities for youth by giving Moroccan students the technology they need to succeed in the workforce of the future,” stated U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, David T. Fischer.

In addition to the newly named U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, the inaugural event was attended by Senior Moroccan officials, namely Mr. Driss Ouaouicha, (Delegate Minister of higher education and scientific research), Mr. Youssef El Bari (Secretary General of the Ministryof Industry, Trade, Green and Digital Economy), and Mr. Mostafa Terrab (Chairman and CEO of OCP Group).

On this occasion, Mr Youssef El Bari stressed that through this new experience in the North Africa region, Morocco confirms its commitment to the integration of new technologies in the academic and industrial sectors for a better digital transformation. He also added that this digital project will contribute to implementing innovative learning solutions that will develop the skills required in tomorrow’s industry.

The inauguration event showed the center’s ability to serve as a technological hub for the community. In addition to socializing with the other regional leaders, guests listened to keynote speeches from speakers such as Mr. Sidi Mohammed DRISSI MELYANI (General Manager of Agency for Digital Development), Mr. Mohammed Rhachi (President of Mohammed V University), and Mr. Dan Lejerskar (Founder of EON Reality) and received a tour and hands-on demonstrations of the technology that will soon be assisting the next generation of Moroccan students, employees, and entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hicham El Habti, UM6P Secretary General said: “Our university is committed to explore conventional and unconventional education methods that can help in going with science and technology to their utmost limits. Today, we are hosting this Interactive Digital Center as part of our portfolio of innovative tools to contribute to the development of educational models in Africa.”

About EON Reality EON Reality is the world leader in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) skills and knowledge transfer for industry and education. Since 1999, EON Reality has developed the de-facto standard for AR and VR academic and enterprise training software that supports devices from mobile phones to large immersive domes. EON Reality’s global app development network has created the world’s leading AR/VR library for education and workforce training with over 8,000 applications, downloaded by over 40 million people worldwide. For further information, visit www.eonreality.com

About USAID USAID is an independent United States federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the U.S. Secretary of State. USAID supports international development and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade, global health, democracy and conflict mitigation and management; and humanitarian assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, North Africa and Arabian Peninsula, Asia and the Near East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Eurasia. For further information, visit www.usaid.gov

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is a hub of education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, aspiring to become a solid bridge of knowledge between Morocco, Africa and the world. Located in the “Mohammed VI Green City” in Benguerir, near Marrakech, UM6P applies a “learning by doing” approach and develops sound partnerships with world-wide class universities, to promote leadership and training in focused research areas. By contributing to the training of a new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders, UM6P is committed to positioning Morocco and Africa at the forefront of technology and human Sciences.

About Agency for Digital Development The Agency for Digital Development (ADD) has been created under the law number 61-16. It is a strategic public institution endowed with legal personality and financial autonomy. Placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Green and Digital Economy, the Agency is in charge of executing Morocco’s strategy in digital development and promoting the use of digital tools among its citizens. ADD is responsible of various transversal missions, as an institutional actor, aiming to structure the digital ecosystem and enhance solid operators in digital economy. The Agency contributes to the upgrade of digital administration and ensures closer ties with citizens and companies, supports industry 4.0, enhances social change through training, encourages social and entrepreneurial innovation and guarantees a responsible, sustainable digital inclusion. For further information, visit www.add.gov.ma