8/7/2026
In the framework of Kafrelsheikh University’s strategy, under the leadership of Prof. Yahya Zakaria Eid, to strengthen the University’s international presence and open up to major global universities, the President holds a high-level meeting with Prof. José Esteban Capilla Romá, President of the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain, Prof. José Montserrat, Vice President for International Relations, and Prof. Juan Jose Pascual, supervisor of the Erasmus scientific exchange program.
During the meeting, Prof. Yahya Zakaria Eid reviews the distinguished scientific and research capabilities of Kafrelsheikh University, its advanced achievements in international rankings, the significant development in its research infrastructure, specialized centers and laboratories, modern academic programs, and the University’s vision to transform into a smart and innovative university that supports a knowledge-based economy.
The meeting witnesses extensive discussions on establishing an Innovation and Technology Valley at Kafrelsheikh University. The two sides agree to begin cooperation steps with the Technology Valley at the Polytechnic University of Valencia to serve as a strategic partner in establishing the new valley. This partnership will benefit from the extensive expertise of the Spanish university in managing innovation systems, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and linking scientific research with industry.
The discussions also covers prospects for cooperation in supporting the Kafrelsheikh University Investment and Development Company currently under establishment. This will draw on the pioneering Spanish model in collaborating with the industrial sector, as the Polytechnic University of Valencia maintains effective partnerships with more than 100 industrial companies. This enhances Kafrelsheikh University’s orientation toward building an integrated system for the knowledge economy and transforming research outputs into productive and investment projects with economic and societal impact.
The talks extend to strengthening cooperation in European Union programs, particularly Horizon Europe, increasing researchers’ participation in international projects, expanding the Erasmus program for academic and student exchange, launching joint research projects, and developing joint academic programs and degrees in areas of mutual interest.
Prof. Yahya Zakaria Eid affirms that the University is implementing an ambitious vision for the internationalization of higher education and building strategic partnerships with leading global universities. This contributes to transferring international expertise to the University and enhancing the quality of education, scientific research, and innovation.
He adds that the University is working to build an integrated university model that connects education, scientific research, industry, and innovation. The establishment of the Innovation and Technology Valley represents a strategic step toward transforming Kafrelsheikh University into a regional center for creativity, entrepreneurship, and the knowledge economy, benefiting from the outstanding global expertise of the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
The President of the Polytechnic University of Valencia states: “We have found in Kafrelsheikh University an academic partner with an ambitious future vision and distinguished scientific and research capabilities. We look forward to building a long-term strategic partnership that includes innovation, technology transfer, scientific research, and joint academic programs, achieving added value for both institutions.”
Prof. José Montserrat, Vice President for International Relations, affirms that the Polytechnic University pays great attention to expanding its partnerships with distinguished universities in the Middle East region.
He adds that the University looks forward to enhancing cooperation with Kafrelsheikh University in Erasmus and Horizon Europe programs, increasing academic and research exchange, and launching joint initiatives that support innovation, entrepreneurship, and the goals of sustainable development.
Prof. Juan Jose Pascual, supervisor of the Erasmus scientific exchange program, praises the research capabilities of Kafrelsheikh University. He confirms that the coming period will witness greater opportunities to expand the participation of faculty members and students in scientific exchange programs and joint European projects, thereby enhancing international academic mobility between the two universities. The meeting concludes with an emphasis on continuing coordination between the two sides to develop an executive plan that includes mechanisms for cooperation in establishing the Innovation and Technology Valley, expanding research partnerships, and launching joint academic programs and European projects. This reflects the growing international status of Kafrelsheikh University and confirms its orientation toward becoming a leading university in innovation, the knowledge economy, and global partnerships.
