In a continuation of its programs benefitting the economic inclusion of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Foundation has opened the doors of the Digital Solidarity Incubator (IDS) of Salé; a new generation center, dedicated to projects in the digital field.
Integrated into the network of incubators, the Centers for Very Small Solidarity Businesses, a platform initiated by the Foundation in 2015, the IDS aims to encourage and support entrepreneurship in the digital and service professions. The centers open access to new opportunities to project leaders and young people from institutions and training centers specializing in the development of digital skills.
The IDS includes an incubation program to support the creation and development of digital economic initiatives which last between 12 and 18 months, as well as a comprehensive 6 to 12 month certification training program covering technical (digital), entrepreneurial (business management) and soft skills.
Inspired by innovative working methods and the digital tools, IDS provides young people with a modern, collaborative work and training environment, and is fully equipped with technical tools and soft skills platforms made available by the OFPPT, the GIZ and Web-Force 3. Access to the center (open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week) and its various services and benefits are free.
With a total surface area of 10,600 m2 (including 2,300 m2 covered space) and built on two levels, the IDS provides access to a physical incubation space divided into four zones. The zones include technical space (data center and technical premises), a FabLab / DigiLab for prototyping, testing and exhibition, a coding school, meeting rooms, phone boxes as well as friendly spaces. These services are supplemented by business services, an entertainment and networking program as well as support for digital transformation.
With a total capacity to accommodate 100 VSEs in incubation and 50 young people in training, in its first year the IDS will welcome 40 VSEs carrying projects in the fields of digital marketing, e-commerce, development web and mobile, digital platforms, audiovisual and IOT (connected objects), as well as 50 young people in certified training: 25 in digital marketing and 25 in coding at the dedicated integrated school.
The beneficiaries are aged between 18 and 40, from disadvantaged backgrounds and have technical mastery of the project idea. Their recruitment was carried out via the center's web portal www.ids.org.ma and following a final selection by committee.
The project was carried out in financial partnership with the Regional Council of Rabat – Salé – Kénitra, with the assistance of the Office of Professional Training and Labor Promotion, the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, the Higher Technological School of Salé, the National Higher School of Information and Systems Analysis, GIZ, WEB Force 3 as well as several players operating in the digital sector.