Beneath its constant sun and Atlantic winds, the Souss-Massa region advances with a calm yet determined ambition. Long propelled by agriculture, fishing, and tourism, it is now emerging as one of the key laboratories of Morocco's new economy. The Technopark and the Innovation City have become powerful springboards shaping the region's future. DR ‹ › With more than three million residents, the Souss-Massa region has long been defined by its historic economic trio, tourism, agriculture, and fishing, making it one of Morocco's key growth engines. But behind this familiar image, another reality is taking shape. Powered by one of the country's largest universities, a rising entrepreneurial culture, and an industrialization push launched in 2018, the region, which contributes 6.6% of Morocco's GDP, is undergoing a profound transformation: building a technological hub capable of standing alongside the Kingdom's major metropolitan centers. At the heart of this shift are two strategic infrastructures driving regional revitalization: the Agadir Technopark and the Souss Massa Innovation City (CISM). Distinct yet complementary, both serve a common goal: empowering local youth to shape the economy of tomorrow. AGADIR TECHNOPARK: THE COMMUNITY THAT BRINGS SOUSS STARTUPS TO LIFE Covering 10,000 m², the Agadir Technopark radiates innovation on every floor. With 100 offices, a Fab Lab, a gaming space, two training rooms, a creative agora, and a 38-seat coworking zone (currently fully occupied), the space is designed to spark creativity and accelerate startup growth. Since its opening in December 2021, the Technopark has strengthened its role as a regional digital hub: 142 startups and digital firms supported, more than 200 project leaders welcomed in coworking, and three support programs deployed (N-MOON, BOOST UP LAB, and TIWIZI). Several «high-potential» startups have emerged, including Biborne (FoodTech—present in 5 countries), ALKORA (e-sport—more than 10 million users), and Sand to Green (Greentech—winner of the 2025 Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East). Three success stories have already secured funding: Education Media Company (EdTech), AZA Petrosolution (Industry 4.0), and Cloudfret (e-logistics). TIWIZI: BOOSTING A HISTORIC SECTOR — TOURISM This year, the TIWIZI program spotlighted tourism-focused solutions, key to the region's identity. Its three winners are: - Goride Transfer: personalized transport for tourists and operators - FLYVIBE: smart trip-planning platform (transport, accommodation, activities, itineraries) - Beyond the Map: immersive VR tool to visualize sites, anticipate routes, and book tickets These innovations reflect the Technopark's mission: supporting startups that modernize both digital industries and traditional sectors. A Strengthened Ecosystem New regional players have amplified the Technopark's momentum: - Orange Digital Center opened its second national hub inside the Technopark, including a cutting-edge FABLAB to boost digital skills and support startups. - The Technopark Souss-Massa FABLAB now serves as a crucial prototyping engine, accelerating R&D. - Souss Techn Academy, launched with the Jadara Foundation and the Regional Council, offers six-month intensive programs (web development, digital marketing) to train ready-to-hire profiles for local startups. With its blend of rigor, creativity, and community spirit, the Agadir Technopark has become the natural gateway to digital innovation in Souss-Massa—and a magnet for regional attractiveness. SOUSS MASSA INNOVATION CITY: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND INDUSTRY A few minutes away, in the heart of Ibn Zohr University, the Souss Massa Innovation City spans 4,900 m² of laboratories, incubation spaces, and technological platforms. Inaugurated on February 6, 2020, it has become a key catalyst for applied research. Its impact is reflected in the numbers: - 85 startups supported - 19 research projects supervised - 120 project leaders hosted in coworking - 93% post-incubation success rate - 40% of startups funded - 220+ events organized in five years R&D, Patents, and Applied Research CISM hosts seven R&D platforms—biotechnology, climate change, polymer composites, renewable energies, residue analysis, Industry Lab, and natural resource valorization. Several high-impact patents have emerged: a hybrid anticovid solar dryer, sardine drying with argan oil, smart hydroponic systems, ecological agricultural traps, and composite filaments using argan waste. Success Stories with Real Impact Standout examples include: - PCS Agri (Agritech): smart greenhouse systems for yield estimation, pest detection, production optimization - AZA Petrosolutions (Industry 4.0): IoT solutions for service stations and real-time operational supervision - GreenerTech (Greentech): biodegradable trellis hooks, ozone disinfectant generators, and a SaaS platform using AI, robotics, and IoT CISM thus plays a unique role: linking university research to industry and producing innovations capable of reshaping strategic regional value chains. ONE TERRITORY, TWO LEVERS, ONE MOMENTUM Together, the Agadir Technopark and the Souss-Massa Innovation City form two complementary pillars: one focused on incubation, skills, and startup growth; the other on applied research, patents, industrial prototyping, and technological breakthroughs. In an increasingly dynamic region, they highlight an undeniable reality: Souss-Massa is no longer only a land of agriculture and tourism, but a territory of innovation, design, and patent creation, a region actively crafting its own modernity.
