Technology Parks in Egypt

Mubarak City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications (MUCSAT)

Background: Mubarak City for Scientific Research & Technology Applications (MuCSAT) is the newest addition of research institutes in Egypt that was directed to the development and renovation of industry. The City was established in 1993 by Presidential decree and is managed by a board of trustee headed by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The MuCSAT occupies 250 acres in the industrial area located at New Borg El Arab City, west of Alexandria. This region also inhabits about 40% of the Egyptian industry. The science park will comprises 12 research centers to be developed at different intervals. The first stage of MuCSAT was inaugurated on the 13th of August, 2000. Focus sectors: Biotechnology (genetic engineering, biotechnology research), Information Technology (informatics research), Advanced Engineering (new materials), Nanotechnology (solar cells)

Established institutions and/or companies

  • Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI)
  • Informatics Research Institute (IRI)
  • Advanced Technologies and New Materials Research Institute (IATNM)
  • Technology Capabilities Development Centre (TCDC)

Scheduled to be established:

  • Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute (ALCRI)
  • Laser Research Institute (LRI)
  • Environmental and Natural Resources Research Institute (ENRRI)
  • New and Renewable Energy Research Institute (NRERI)
  • Fine Chemical Research Institute (FCRI)
  • Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Centre (PFIDV)
  • Small Scale Industries Development Centre (SSIDC)
  • Engineering Industries Development Centre (EIDC)

International cooperation: The success of the MUCSAT strongly requires the cooperation with the EU countries. Joint projects must be developed and materialised in the areas of Biotechnology (cell culture and tissue engineering), Information Technology (virtual reality applications) and New Materials (fuel cells technology). The outsourcing of EU projects is also vital for the sustainability of the Mubarak City institutes. The cooperation with the EU countries should be focused on the applied projects and marketable end-products. Bearing in mind the importance of international cooperation for the success of the MUCSAT objectives, links have already been established even during the first year of operation, such as:

  • a Scientific protocol between MUCSAT and Shenzhen High Tech Industrial park in China
  • a Memorandum of understanding between MUCSAT and the Hong Kong productivity council
  • a Scientific protocol with the National Research Center in Egypt
  • an Agreement between the Ministry of Scientific Research and an important Pharmaceutical holding
  • a protocol of collaboration with the Ministry of State of Environment

Egypt's Smart Village (ESV)

Background: The construction of the Egypt's Smart Village is an initiative designed to provide a high tech environment necessary to attract IT companies to set up offices in Egypt. It is located on a 300-acre park just 20 minutes away from downtown Cairo, 10km from the pyramids and is also easily accessible from Cairo International Airport. The Smart Village provides a state-of-the-art infrastructure catering to every company's business needs.

Upon completion of all the phases there will be 58 office plots, accommodating approximately 30,000 employees within a total office area of 1,336,000 square meters. Any company in the IT and Telecommunications sector can rent office spare or buy land and build their own offices in the Smart Village.

Focus Sectors: ICT

Established institutions and/or companies: See list of established companies.

Sinai Technology Valley (STV)

Background: The Sinai Technology Valley is one of the major projects for socioeconomic development in Egypt. It is a technopole and is located at the northwestern access to Sinai Peninsula, on the east bank of the Suez Canal within the territorial jurisdiction of Ismailia governorate, covering an area of 72 square kilometers. The "technology valley" project will be implemented in five stages, in which the investments in the first stage amounted to nearly 500 million Egyptian pounds. 

Focus sectors

  • ICTs
  • Microelectronics
  • Biotechnology
  • New materials
  • Fine tools
  • Renewable energy

Established institutions and/or companies

  • Egyptian National Bank
  • Misr Bank – Ismailia
  • Alexandria Bank
  • Suez Canal Bank
  • El Ghamrey Tourist company
  • National communication company
  • Cliopatra Group
  • Egypt medical company
  • BIC Electrical company

Northern Coast Technology Valley (NCTV) (under development)

This proposed technopole is still at the study stage. The project is being considered by Alexandria Governorate, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of State for Scientific Research and the Social Fund for Development.