Virginia Tech leaders traveled to Alexandria University in Egypt to advance discussions about a potential partnership that could expand academic programs, experiential learning, and research collaboration between the two institutions. 

The visit included a joint workshop focused on plans for a possible Virginia Tech academic presence at AU’s Borg El Arab campus. Participants also discussed opportunities for joint academic programs, emerging technologies, innovation, and stronger connections between university research and industry.

Representatives from the Center for International Research, Education, and Development, including Executive Director Tom Archibald and Khaled Hassouna, were part of the delegation, reflecting CIRED’s role in helping build international partnerships that connect faculty expertise, externally funded research, education, and development opportunities around the world.

A key part of the conversation centered on AU’s Technology Valley initiative, designed to support knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, startups, and the commercialization of research. The initiative aims to connect academic research with industry needs and economic development.

Virginia Tech and AU leaders also discussed ways to strengthen experiential learning, support technology transfer, and share best practices for moving research discoveries toward practical use. AU representatives highlighted existing collaboration between the institutions in engineering and technical programs, as well as the university’s broader effort to position itself as a regional hub for advanced education, innovation, and industry engagement.

The developing partnership reflects Virginia Tech’s commitment to global engagement, experiential learning, and applied research that addresses real-world challenges.

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