Algerian Radio
The first edition of the Exhibition of Products from National Research Programs opened on Saturday at the "Chahid Abdelhafid Ihaddaden" Scientific and Technological Hub in Sidi Abdellah (Algiers). The event aims to highlight applied scientific skills and their role in meeting the needs of the national market.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari, accompanied by the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Mr. Ouacim Kouidri, and the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-enterprises, Mr. Noureddine Ouadah. Also in attendance were the Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), Omar Rekkache, and various project leaders.
In his speech, Mr. Baddari emphasized that this edition aims to connect applied scientific research to the market in order to "meet the latter's needs, particularly in the fields of food, energy, and health security," in accordance with Algeria's strategic development vision for the 2024-2029 period.
On this occasion, Mr. Baddari revealed that the number of research projects presented during this edition reached 68, compared to only 35 the previous year. He specified that this doubling of projects "testifies to the positive trend regarding the application of scientific research results, which thus contribute to the development of the national economy."
For his part, the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry indicated that this exhibition clearly reflects the determination of state institutions to make scientific research and innovation two fundamental pillars of economic development. He described it as "a successful model of the expected integration between the university, research laboratories, and economic enterprises."
He also highlighted the importance of encouraging scientific research in the field of value-added pharmaceutical products—such as biotechnological medicines for cancer, rare, and serious diseases—in addition to developing technologies related to manufacturing medical devices, strengthening production techniques for pharmaceutical raw materials, and stimulating partnerships between pharmaceutical operators, research laboratories, and universities.
The Minister of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-enterprises affirmed that the moment is opportune to encourage researchers and university professors to engage in entrepreneurship. He stressed that he will work in concert with the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research to define the legal framework governing this field.
In this regard, he announced that a "start-up cluster" will be launched at this technological hub, in coordination with the Higher Education sector, thereby allowing start-ups to establish headquarters within the university grounds.
The Director General (DG) of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), Mr. Omar Rekkache, indicated that this meeting reflects "the growing awareness of innovation as a fundamental lever for promoting investment and building a competitive economy."
He specified that the Agency is working to encourage the exploitation of scientific research results and their transformation into concrete projects. This is achieved by supporting innovative project leaders, facilitating investment procedures, connecting researchers with investors, and providing access to various incentives, particularly for projects with technological content and a strong innovative dimension.
The event also saw the signing of a joint ministerial order between the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups, and Micro-enterprises regarding the creation of "start-up clusters," as well as the signing of several agreements.
