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Eng. Nisreen Refaat, Director of the Engineering Industries Sector at the Industrial Modernization Centre (IMC), revealed a new direction to establish digital platforms that bring together manufacturers and startups. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation within the industrial sector, support efforts to deepen local manufacturing, and develop production components.

Refaat stated that fostering collaboration between companies should not rely solely on personal relationships or individual efforts. Instead, it requires digital tools and specialized platforms that unite manufacturers and startups in a single environment, helping to identify actual industry needs and link them to applicable innovative solutions.

These remarks were made on the sidelines of a panel discussion addressing the gap between scientific research and industry in Upper Egypt. The event took place during Badr University in Assiut's signing of a strategic partnership to launch the first technopark inside Egyptian universities, named "CIRA Technopark," originating from Upper Egypt with the participation of the IMC.

Targeted Digital Platforms The Director of the Engineering Industries Sector explained that the planned digital platforms aim to empower startups to develop manufacturing components or produce local alternatives for currently imported products. This contributes to reducing reliance on imports and increasing the local component ratio within the Egyptian industry.

She emphasized the importance of linking the industrial sector with technological centers and universities to understand actual market needs. This connection will direct scientific research and innovation toward practical solutions that serve the industry, rather than leaving research ideas and outputs disconnected from direct industrial application.

Regarding the IMC's strategy, Refaat noted that the center is characterized by flexibility and dynamism, constantly seeking to develop its tools in line with the industrial sector's needs. She highlighted the creation of a special unit for linking academia with digital transformation, alongside a specialized department for the green economy and carbon footprint.

She added that the center is keeping pace with the global trend toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to ensure the competitiveness of Egyptian industry and enhance its ability to adapt to the technological and environmental shifts witnessed in global markets.