Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, received a high-level delegation from Paris-Saclay University, including Professor Xavier Apolinarski, Vice President for Innovation, Professor Rachid Benacer, Vice President for Research and Chairman of the Board, and Ms. Ipshita Singh, Partnerships Manager, to discuss ways of enhancing joint cooperation in the fields of innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, as well as cooperation in developing the Technology Valley at Alexandria University and strengthening its role in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and linking scientific research with industry.

The visit was attended by Professor Dr. Hisham Said, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, Professor Dr. Afaf El-Awady, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Professor Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Supervisor of the International Relations Office, Professor Dr. Gehan Gewefel, Assistant President for Internationalization and International Branches, along with a number of deans of relevant faculties.

The meeting was also attended by members of the Board of Directors of Alexandria University’s Technology Valley, including Professor Dr. Rushdi Zahran, former President of Alexandria University and member of the Board of Trustees of Alamein International University; Professor Dr. Yasser Refaat, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Planning and Governance; Professor Dr. Mona Marri; Engineer Sherif Hedayat, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Professor Dr. Dina El-Giar, Executive Director of the University Projects Management Unit; and Professor Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), in addition to a number of academic leaders and experts.

In his speech, Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim welcomed the French delegation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise in the fields of innovation and scientific research, in a way that enhances the role of universities in keeping pace with rapid technological transformations and contributing to building a knowledge-based economy. He pointed out that Alexandria University adopts an integrated vision aligned with the goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030, through supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, linking scientific research to development needs and the labor market, and transforming knowledge into applied projects with economic and societal impact. He also reviewed the university’s efforts in developing its innovation ecosystem, supporting startups, and strengthening cooperation with the industrial sector, in addition to expanding its societal role through national initiatives and sustainable development projects, affirming the university’s commitment to benefiting from leading international experiences and expanding cooperation with French universities in a way that supports development plans and enhances the university’s regional and international rankings.

For their part, the delegation from Paris-Saclay University expressed their appreciation for Alexandria University, praising its distinguished academic legacy and prestigious scientific standing at both regional and international levels, as well as its rapid progress in education, research, and innovation. The delegation emphasized their interest in strengthening joint cooperation with Alexandria University in higher education and scientific research, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and linking research outputs with industry, particularly through cooperation with the Technology Park at Alexandria University, contributing to the development of impactful joint projects. They also expressed their aspiration to expand cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, and to develop joint training and research programs, as well as academic exchange of expertise to enhance the quality of education, research, and innovation for both sides.

The two sides also discussed potential areas of cooperation in artificial intelligence and related academic and research programs, as well as activating partnership through Alexandria University’s Technology Park, to support joint projects, technology transfer, and the practical application of research outcomes.

The meeting included presentation sessions introducing Alexandria University, covering its establishment, academic programs, international agreements and dual degrees with several global universities, in addition to existing and upcoming international branches, centers of excellence, global rankings, and its vision toward transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. The presentations also focused on strengthening partnerships in innovation and technological development, supporting research excellence-driven innovation and applied projects, as well as showcasing the Engineering Center at Alexandria University and its role in supporting applied research and linking its outcomes to industry.

The French side also delivered a presentation on Paris-Saclay University, highlighting its academic development, major faculties and academic and research programs, areas of scientific excellence, and advanced international rankings.

The presentation also covered the university’s experience in international cooperation, academic exchange programs, and mechanisms for supporting innovation and applied research, reflecting its vision to strengthen global partnerships and expand cooperation with higher education institutions worldwide.