Egypt launches EQLIM initiative to apply research to regional development challenges

Egypt’s Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) on Wednesday launched EQLIM, an initiative to put applied technology to work on development challenges in the country’s regions, as part of the “Innovation State” initiative that emerged from the Egypt Forum 2026.

The programme will run through the academy’s regional development centres, which will serve as sites for field testing proposed solutions and measuring their impact. Researchers, universities, research centres and Egyptian industrial companies can submit applied projects until 11 January 2027.

Higher Education Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa said the initiative aimed to move research “from producing knowledge to practical application”, localise technology and make better use of local resources, while strengthening links between universities, research institutions and industry.

Eight challenges

Mamdouh Moawad, acting president of the academy, said EQLIM targets eight development challenges matched to the needs of each region.

In the Alexandria region, it covers rainwater and flash-flood harvesting and water reuse in Matrouh, cheaper and more efficient desert farming through smart irrigation in El Maghra, and the development and local manufacture of green hydrogen technology in Borg El Arab.

In the Delta, the focus is on jasmine and its higher-value products in Gharbia. In Central Upper Egypt, it aims to add value to dates and palm products in the New Valley through better processing, drying and packaging, and by using palm waste. In Southern Upper Egypt, it covers turning agricultural, food and industrial waste in Sohag into marketable products, and protecting marine life and biodiversity in the Red Sea.

A further strand, Science for Future Generations, will run across all regions with interactive science activities for children and young people.

Mohamed El-Amir Hegazy, who supervises the academy’s regional development centres, said the initiative was open to proposals that offer practical, implementable solutions to the challenges listed.