Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research (MASCIR)

MAScIR is non-profit organization and a key contributor to the development of a market-driven science and technology in Morocco and the region. MAScIR (www.mascir.com) provides technology development and innovation services to partners and clients in different research areas including energy, environment and health. Since its creation in 2007, it has assembled world-class research and management teams, it counts over than hundred scientists and engineers, who work in state-of-the-art labs, using best practices to provide innovative solutions, respond to industry demand and address social needs.  From materials and nanotechnology, including optics & photonics, to microelectronics and biotechnology, research teams at MAScIR are partnering with universities, institutes and industry to deliver technology innovations and create greater value for its customers. MAScIR has an international network for research as, for example, the twining with Osaka University, Japan Photonics Advanced Research Center, and the membership with the African Laser Center in South Africa.

One of the priorities of MAScIR is to develop and study energy technologies; e.g. solar energy with components in thin film photovoltaic and thermal solar concentrators. Solar energy is the most attractive renewable source that needs to be developed in Morocco which presents an ideal zone due to its large solar potential areas of high insulation. As part of its strategy towards sustainable development, Morocco takes advantage of its abundant solar resources and gives priority to developing renewable energies.

The main role of MAScIR in INFINITE-CELL will be focused in the development of wide band-gap kesterite based solar cells by chemical way as well as TCOs and characterization of optical, electrical and structural properties of thin films for PV applications.

Previous Involvement in Research and innovation projects:

1.     EUROSUNMED (FP7/2007-2013).

2.     Internal project: Prototype of photovoltaic solar cells based thin films with high efficiency.

3.     Other projects related to plasmonics and sensing funded by Moroccan Ministry of Research and Education and Osaka University, Japan.

Current involvement in Research and Innovation projects:

1.     PPR-OPV: Development of Organic Photovoltaic Solar Cells (MEFCRS PPR).

2.     HAINDAI: Fano-resonances and sensing.

3.     PPR-Optical Storage: Development of new materials for optical storage (MEFCRS PPR).

4.     ERASMUS +: EU Programme for exchange.