Fez Smart Factory Competition | FSF

The Fez Smart Factory Competition, launched as part of the FSF ecosystem and managed by the Euromed University of Fez (UEMF) Morocco, is a competition for companies to become part of a global support zone for innovation activities. Competitive industry by improving its productivity and other KPIs or developing new factories for innovative products by applying industrial principles and methods 4.0.

The Phase Smart Factories competition is open to the following four categories of companies using or developing innovative Industry 4.0 solutions and technologies.

• The beginning
• Engineering companies
• Research and development bodies
• Industry units or companies (small and large)

Personal invitation to apply from Fez Smart Factory Ecosystem Coordinator Tijani Bunahmidi

Can you provide a broader context for launching mock smart factory competitions?

The Fez Smart Factory competition was selected to benefit from the support of the Sustainable Industrial Zones Fund (FONZID) as part of the Fez Smart Factory initiative, following a call for projects jointly launched by the Millennium Challenge Account – Morocco Agency. (MCA-Morocco) and the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC).

Fonzid is part of the “Industrial Land” activity of the “Compact II” cooperation program, which is supported by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and whose implementation is entrusted to the MCA-Morocco agency.

FONZID, jointly established with MIC and endowed with an envelope of USD 30 million, aims to strengthen the model of sustainable industrial zones and contribute to improving the productivity and environmental and social performance of companies in industrial areas.

FONZID expands the supply of industrial land that meets the needs of investors with location, infrastructure quality, support services and competitive prices. Thus, it will contribute to increasing private investment and creating employment opportunities.

The Fez Smart Factory project is the result of collaboration between Euromed University of Fez, as lead, Fez-Meknes Regional Council, Ministry of Industry and Trade, General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises Fez-Meknes Branch (Fez-Meknes). CGM), the company Alten Delivery Center-Morocco, as well as ADD (Digital Development Agency).

Can you explain the evaluation and selection process to interested applicants?

We have dedicated space for each of the four categories of users: startups, engineering companies, R&D bodies and industry experts. These positions are allocated to the best candidates in this competition who work on the development of new modern factories (startups and industrialists) or on supporting this development (engineering companies and R&D entities). To do this, the selection committee is based on the administrative file and the technical file of each category of candidates, whose content is defined in the terms and conditions of each category.

The evaluation of candidates is done in two stages: pre-selection and selection. The pre-selection is based on the satisfaction of the legal conditions and the nature of the proposed activities, and the selection is based on the grid of the quality of the technical file. Candidates who score more than 70 out of 100 will be ranked according to their score and accepted for residency based on the number of places in the FSF ecosystem. A waiting list will be established to replace withdrawals.

What can companies expect once they are selected to join the FSF ecosystem?

The selected companies will live in the FSF ecosystem, benefiting from the benefits specified in the relevant terms and conditions (see faq section for T&C documents).

In general, startups are supported to build and implement their smart factory at a demonstration level. The Business Center helps industrialists prepare their investment projects to create modern factories in Morocco. Engineering companies and R&D bodies benefit from proximity to potential customers looking for innovative, modern solutions.

All companies benefit from a work environment that provides innovation management and industry development services, as well as quality workplaces and a variety of social services.

Can you send a private message to all the companies that want to apply?

For innovative companies seeking greater economic, social and environmental impact, the Fez Smart Factory ecosystem is the ideal innovation ecosystem designed to achieve sustainable development goals by applying Industry 4.0 technologies.

We encourage companies to apply for this international competition, which will help create a global innovation pool working to achieve this common goal of sustainable development for the benefit of humanity and planet Earth.

Why should you apply for Fez Smart Factory competitions?

Morocco is fast becoming a hub for Industry 4.0 companies and solutions. Supportive trade policies, a dynamic and competitive business environment, and a strong focus on sustainability somewhat establish the region as a unique, integrated ecosystem for industrial innovation. Successful applications will receive the following benefits:

Benefits for all companies and startups

• Access to a 20m2 office equipped with office equipment, meeting rooms, and an exhibition hall that can accommodate up to 300 people.
• One-stop-shop services
• Social services: food and cafeteria; Medical, health and safety services, and crèche services
• Services for industrial property, business planning and industrial development support
• Professionals, donors, investors, manufacturers, etc. based in Morocco. Find out
• Rapid Prototyping Center services shared with UEMF.

Special benefits for R&D entities, engineering and industrial companies

• Pilot Model Factory Services 4.0
• Facilitating access to other technology or other services that can be provided by various UEMF entities

Additional special benefits for R&D entities

• As part of the transformation of existing industrial units or for services management support services for business center companies, start-ups and project leaders at FSF.
• Help identify the transformation needs of existing industries with the support of CGEM (General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises).

Rapid prototyping platform at UEMF

Smart manufacturing platform at UEMF

Digital and AI platform at UEMF

Biotechnology platform at UEMF

Is your company eligible to apply?

Eligibility of the candidate’s applications will be assessed by the evaluation committee on the following and must be met simultaneously:

• For starters, the industry sector targeted by the project must be one of the sectors included in the FSF ecosystem. Project activities performed in the Acceleration phase must have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of -3 or higher.
• For R&D entities: The subject matter of the R&D service provided must correspond to one of the industrial sectors included in the FSF ecosystem.
• For engineering companies: The engineering services subject of the tender must be part of the engineering services covered by the FSF ecosystem. Engineering service activities should target issues related to industrial sectors covered by the FSF ecosystem in the use of Industry 4.0.
• For industrial units or companies (small and large): The industrial company’s project must correspond to one of the industrial sectors included in the FSF ecosystem.

See the website for documentation on the target industry sectors and technologies as well as relevant terms and conditions.

Are you ready to take the first step? Click here to apply for the Mock Smart Factory Contest! Hurry, applications close on 16 April 2023!

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