The FORGE has officially opened applications for its second cohort, searching for ambitious founders ready to transform bold technical visions into scalable, global ventures through a disciplined 9-month residency.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Residency-First Venture Program
- For: Early-stage and advanced founders building global ventures
- Key Benefits: Access to 200+ specialized labs, mentorship, and direct exposure to 80+ global VCs
- Application Deadline: April 12, 2026
- Location: Benguerir, Morocco (UM6P Campus)
Venture Program Overview
The FORGE is a 9-month, full-time, on-campus residency at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) designed for companies aiming to scale beyond borders. The program emphasizes a “residency-first” approach with hybrid flexibility, focusing on market testing, operational foundations, and capital readiness from the very first day. It is structured around progressive stages and advancement gateways, providing a high-focus environment where technical innovation is stress-tested against real market signals.
Key Benefits
- Technical Excellence: Founders gain access to over 200 specialized labs at UM6P to bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and commercial markets.
- Market Linkages: Participants receive direct exposure to a network of more than 80 global Venture Capitalists and Business Angels.
- Immersive Residency: A structured environment in Benguerir that cuts out distractions, allowing founders to focus entirely on building their ventures.
- Embedded Expert Support: Hands-on guidance from experts who operate as an extension of the founding team to guide execution and hold founders accountable.
The 9-Month Metamorphosis
- Month 1 (Validation & Scalability): Stress-testing assumptions and calibrating market thesis.
- Months 2-3 (PMF Engine): Assessing Product-Market Fit through expert evaluations and jury reviews.
- Months 4-6 (Acceleration Engine): Aligning business fundamentals with capital standards for investor engagement.
- Months 7-9 (Demo Day & Beyond): Public exposure at Demo Day and sustained networking within the ecosystem.
How to Apply
Founders building ambitious projects with the discipline to execute are invited to apply for the 2026 cohort before the April deadline.
- Deadline: April 12, 2026
- Apply Here: TheForge.ma
About UM6P – University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
UM6P is a leading Moroccan institution focused on applied research and innovation. Through initiatives like STARTGATE and The FORGE, the university serves as a premier tech hub in the region, fostering an ecosystem where technical expertise meets entrepreneurial execution to build ventures with international reach.
Learn More: The FORGE
