In a pioneering step that reflects Alexandria University’s direction toward strengthening innovative investment, supporting startups, and linking scientific research to development needs, the first meeting of the Supreme Council for University Companies was held, attended by Prof. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of the University, and Prof. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Prof. Saeed Abdel Aziz, financial and economic advisor to the Supreme Council for Companies and former Dean of the Faculty of Business.

The University Council had previously approved the establishment of a number of companies, and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research approved granting the university a license to establish single-person companies, in accordance with Article (23 / Executive Matters - 22) of Law No. (49) of 1972, Article (4) of Law No. (23) of 2018 regarding incentives for science, technology, and innovation, Article (34) of its executive regulations, Article (129 bis) of Law No. (4) of 2018 amending some provisions of the Companies Law No. (159) of 1981, and Article (287 bis) of the executive regulations issued by Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Decree No. (16) of 2018.

The meeting also witnessed the participation of a distinguished group of industry leaders and experts in investment and corporate management, including Eng. Ahmed Abdel-Maboud Sayed, Chairman of Al-Saqr Food Industries Company; Eng. Emad Mostafa Abdel Wahab, Board Member of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce; and Mr. Nabil Mohamed Dweidar, former Chairman of the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport. The council also includes Eng. Mohamed Fouad Emam, Technical Affairs Manager at Ezz Steel Group, and Eng. Amr Lotfy Shehata, Chairman and Managing Director of MIDOR.

Prof. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, emphasized that the Supreme Council for University Companies represents an unprecedented step at the level of Egyptian universities. He noted that it aligns with the university’s vision to maximize the utilization of its scientific and research capabilities and transform them into sustainable investment and development entities. He added that the council aims to establish governing frameworks and regulations for managing the university’s affiliated companies, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and sustainability while enhancing the university’s role in supporting the national economy.

He further stated that the university seeks to build an integrated model linking scientific research, industry, and investment, enabling the transformation of research outputs and innovative ideas into applied projects and companies capable of competing and adding value to society.

For her part, Prof. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, explained that the meeting discussed the regulatory frameworks governing the operation of university-affiliated companies, as well as future plans to maximize the benefit from the outputs of each company. This contributes to achieving integration between academic, research, and investment activities.

She added that the council aims to support entrepreneurial ideas, encourage cooperation between the university and industrial and investment expertise, enhance the competitiveness of startups, and create new job opportunities, in addition to developing innovative investment mechanisms that support the state’s direction toward sustainable development. This will help generate financial resources that enable the development of public education programs and provide higher quality education and a distinguished learning environment for all students and members of Alexandria University.

It is worth noting that Alexandria University succeeded over the past year in establishing eight specialized companies in various fields, namely: Itqan Company for Research Support and Engineering Consultancy, Al-Namaa Company for Consultancy, Services and Agricultural Manufacturing, Al-Nakaa Company for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Energy and Water Services, Al-Idara Company for Research Outputs, Studies, Consultancy and University Asset Management, Reaya Company for Clinical Research and Medical Consultancy, BioPharm Company for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Consultancy and Services, Adaa Sports Company for Sports Services and Consultancy, and Innovators Company for University Education Development.