AcopTech is a Research and Development (R&D) Foodtech laboratory established in 2022 to serve as the new interface linking ENA Meknes with Moroccan and international partners in the agricultural and agri-food sectors. 

Vibrant, inspiring and challenging culture together with a rigorous commitment to significantly contribute to make Moroccan agricultural systems more resistant to climate change, processing agri-food products and by-products into valuable, renewable products, and to support the green transition of Moroccan agriculture and agri-food sectors. This is AcopTech’s device. 

This dedicated R&D center is a prominent expression of the strong collaborative relationships between Morocco and the European Mediterranean countries given that the funding for several of its features are supported by European research and cooperation programs.

The Lab is meant to allow agronomic engineering, and Master’s and PhD students to develop solutions to challenges posed by Moroccan agriculture and agri-food companies. In this way, students are involved in the entire innovation chain from idea to problem-solving. Practical solutions are taken to the next level, prototype demonstration. This innovative process is multidisciplinary, unites different generations and allows different stakeholders to work creatively together towards common goals.

As the FOSAMED Center at ENA, AcopTech has acquired the essential scientific, computer, and audiovisual equipment required to train and prepare the future generation of skilled Moroccan professionals in the olive growing sector in the framework of the first Master program in Morocco (MarVOOLEA) focused on the Quality and Safety of Olive Products. 

ENA has equipped its lab with: 1) a Gas Chromatography (CPG) device including all its accessories to analyse the composition of olive oil, 2) a solid phase extraction device for the preparation and purification samples, and 3) a videoconference bar for the classroom/meeting room.

The Lab aims to create stronger connections between the Moroccan olive oil sector and education and to develop and implement the required tools to train and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

In addition to training young Moroccan students, the equipment obtained through the FOSAMED project is used to assist Moroccan olive industry stakeholders in ensuring the quality and safety of their production. These equipment will also be employed for various activities within other projects, mainly : H2020 SOIL O-LIVE « The Soil Biodiversity and Functionality of Mediterranean Olive Groves: A Holistic Analysis of the Influence of Land Management on Olive Oil Quality and Safety », MCRDV ECO-VALOLIVE «Eco-friendly recovery of “hydroxytyrosol” from olive by-products and its reuse for functional food and bioactive packaging applications », PRIMA MEDIET4ALL «Transnational Movement to Support the Sustainable Transition towards a Healthy and Eco-friendly Agri-Food System through the Promotion of MEDIET and its Lifestyle in Modern Society» and SUSFOOD2-FOSC ALGAEBREW « Unlocking the potential of microalgae for the valorization of brewery waste products into omega-3 rich animal feed and fertilizers».