Under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Galala University launched its First Annual Forum for Collaboration with the Industry Sector, aimed at supporting the knowledge-based economy and enhancing partnerships with production and innovation institutions. The initiative contributes to advancing Egypt’s Vision 2030, promoting innovation, and linking scientific research with national development priorities.
The forum comes in line with the strategic plan of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which emphasizes connecting educational institutions with the industrial sector to exchange expertise, encourage innovation, and drive national growth. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers, who underscored the expanding role of universities in advancing industrial development and building national competencies.
In his opening speech, Prof. Mohamed El-Shinawi, President of Galala University, welcomed the guests and participants, affirming that the forum embodies the spirit of collaboration among diverse institutions and reflects the university’s firm belief in the importance of national and international partnerships for sustainable development.
Prof. El-Shinawi highlighted that higher education and scientific research represent a key driver of the nation’s future, through preparing qualified professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, and aligning academic research with the priorities of sustainable development. He emphasized that Galala University is committed to creating a new higher education model grounded in innovation, practical application, and integration between academic knowledge and the needs of the national economy.
Prof. Hany Mostafa, CEO of the Innovation Network for the SDGs in Canada and Advisor to Galala University’s President for Research and Innovation, showcased the university’s significant progress in industrial cooperation. He explained that the Industrial Collaboration Office currently manages more than 50 applied and research projects, works with over 122 partners, and connects 13 faculties with more than 70 local and international companies and institutions in sectors such as health, engineering, business, arts, and media.
Prof. Mostafa stated that this cooperation represents a transformative step in applying scientific research to serve industry and in integrating knowledge with innovation and practical application. He added, “Over my 53 years in Canada, I have closely followed the evolution of universities worldwide, and I am proud to see Galala University advancing confidently toward academic excellence. It stands as a distinguished model for Egypt’s new generation of national universities aligned with the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions and preparing graduates capable of innovation and global competitiveness.” Prof. Mostafa also emphasized that Galala University possesses an advanced academic vision and intelligent infrastructure, qualifying it to become one of the most prominent international universities.
During his speech, Dr. Hisham Azmy, Chairman of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, discussed the critical role of intellectual property protection in fostering innovation and industrial development. He expressed his pride in Galala University, noting that it has evolved beyond being an educational institution into a comprehensive hub linking education, economy, industry, and innovation, capable of keeping pace with emerging technological challenges such as Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse.
The forum also featured a distinguished lineup of industry executives, who shared valuable insights on market demands and strategies to enhance cooperation with universities:
Dr. Ashraf El-Kholy, CEO of the Holding Company for Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the need to strengthen the connection between pharmaceutical education and industrial production, noting that the sector’s growth relies heavily on applied research.
Ms. Marwa Kandil, CEO of MK Roots, expressed her company s interest in expanding collaboration with students to provide hands-on learning opportunities and practical experience.
Eng. Mohamed Ali, R&D Director at El Sewedy Cables, emphasized the need for graduates with both scientific and technical programming skills to meet industry needs.
Ms. Yasmine Abdelwahab from MOJA Design Studios stressed the importance of developing expertise in fashion technology, a field witnessing a shortage of specialized professionals.
The forum reflects Galala University’s strategic commitment to developing a modern educational model that is rooted in innovation and aligned with Egypt s economic and industrial priorities. Through academic industrial partnerships and applied research, the university continues to graduate generations equipped to lead Egypt s technological and industrial future.
