Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, inaugurated the activities of the forum titled “Ain Shams University as a Strategic Supporter for the Design of the Semiconductor Industry and the Development of Embedded Systems in Egypt,” attended by Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs; and Prof. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Innovation and Scientific Research.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen emphasized that the forum is being held at a critically important time, as it addresses one of the most strategic sectors shaping the future of development, namely, the design and development of semiconductors and embedded systems. He noted that Ain Shams University, as a long-established academic institution, believes the role of universities is no longer limited to traditional academic education, but has become pivotal in building a knowledge-based economy, preparing human capital capable of leading the future, and contributing effectively to the implementation of Egypt’s sustainable development vision.
He explained that Egypt has made tangible progress in recent years through ambitious presidential initiatives, foremost among them the “Egypt Makes Electronics” initiative, resulting in an increased number of operating companies, the creation of high-quality job opportunities for youth, and the enhancement of high value-added exports.
He affirmed that Ain Shams University, particularly the Faculty of Engineering, takes pride in its leading role in localizing this vital industry by preparing highly qualified graduates equipped with knowledge, skills, and innovation capabilities that meet the needs of both local and international markets. He also expressed the University’s pride in the tangible successes achieved by its graduates, whether through joining leading global companies or establishing promising local enterprises, underscoring that investment in education and scientific research is the true investment in the nation’s future.
The University President stressed the importance of integration among universities, research centers, and industry to transform knowledge into economic value and scientific research into applied solutions that support the national economy and enhance Egypt’s regional and international standing in advanced technological industries. He added that the significance of the event lies in providing a platform for exchanging expertise between experts and students, and in the inspirational impact of the presence of influential figures.
He further emphasized that education and scientific research realize their full value only through applied research linked to societal needs and offering practical solutions to challenges in sectors such as medicine, agriculture, and engineering. He noted that the University’s vision focuses on supporting technological scientific research in engineering, electronics, and other vital sectors to serve society and advance development.
In her address, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, affirmed that the University is no longer merely a traditional educational institution, but has become “a factory for minds and a driver of change.” She highlighted that the semiconductor and embedded systems industry constitute the backbone of economic security and a key to Egypt’s future technological sovereignty. She explained that the University operates under a strategic vision that places innovation and applied scientific research at the core of development, noting that the semiconductor industry is among the most significant fields reflecting the transition toward a knowledge economy and strengthening Egypt’s position in advanced technological industries.
She clarified that the University directs scientific research toward projects with practical feasibility and direct societal impact by supporting market-ready research, strengthening partnerships with industry, and creating an enabling environment for researchers and entrepreneurs to transform ideas into competitive technological products and solutions. She added that Ain Shams University, particularly through the Faculty of Engineering, has succeeded in preparing qualified human capital capable of leading this vital sector, stressing that graduates’ success stories in founding startups or joining global institutions are tangible evidence of the returns on investment in advanced education and research.
She concluded by emphasizing that such events serve as vital platforms for showcasing successful experiences, inspiring students and researchers, and fostering a culture of innovation, thereby reinforcing the University’s role as an active partner in achieving the national vision and building a knowledge-based economy. She noted that the forum is not merely a meeting, but a message of hope highlighting a successful model and inspiring stories of excellence, and a genuine call to action and launchpad for new ideas directed at students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, affirming that the future is made here, and that Ain Shams University will remain a supporter and incubator for every innovative idea and ambitious project.
The forum was attended by Prof. Amr Shaath, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Rasha Ismail, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences; Prof. Farid Moharram, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Prof. Sahar Moussa, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing; Prof. Reem El-Kabariti, Director of the Alumni Association; Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director; Prof. Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering for Education and Students Affairs; and Dr. Mohamed Magdy, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.
During the forum, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen and Prof. Amany Osama Kamel honored a select group of Faculty of Engineering staff and several Ain Shams University graduates. Multinational companies operating in semiconductor design and embedded systems development have benefited from the strong academic reputation of Ain Shams graduates in establishing design and development centers in Egypt and expanding their design, development, and testing teams, relying on university graduates and collaborating with faculty members in training and academic supervision. These efforts have contributed to integrating Egypt into global value chains for semiconductors and embedded systems. University graduates have also played a direct role in establishing local design and development companies, either as independent entities or spin-offs based on expertise gained within global corporations.