The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari, presided on 16 July 2026 at the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences of Ibrahim Sultan Cheibout University – Algiers 3, over the inauguration of the headquarters of the first financial investment company established within an Algerian university. On the same occasion, he officially launched the second edition of the national “Proto Market” Challenge.
The Minister began his address by paying tribute to the victims of the fire that broke out at the Child Care Reception Institution in Mohammadia. He expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families and loved ones, while wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
Mr. Kamel Baddari emphasized that the establishment of this financial investment company is part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen the university innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Its mission is to support students with innovative ideas and projects by helping them transform their concepts into marketable and manufacturable products through the creation of their own start-ups.
The Minister further stated that the Algerian university has become a driving force for local and national development. Beyond its traditional role of producing and disseminating academic knowledge, it now plays a strategic role in building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy by providing technological solutions that contribute to strengthening Algeria’s technological sovereignty, in line with the programme of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Mr. Baddari also officially launched the second edition of the “Proto Market” Challenge, stressing that the initiative aims to provide more effective funding mechanisms for prototypes developed within start-up projects. This will enable students to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready prototypes and eventually establish start-ups capable of creating economic value.
The Minister encouraged students to become more actively involved in entrepreneurship and innovation, taking advantage of the support mechanisms and incentives provided by the State for project holders, thereby contributing to Algeria’s economic development.
On this occasion, Mr. Kamel Baddari also launched two digital platforms: the first is designed to assist students in registering with the financial investment company, while the second is dedicated to registration and participation in the second edition of the national “Proto Market” Challenge, as part of the continued digitalization of support services and the strengthening of the innovation ecosystem within Algerian universities.