AUC Launches Advanced Professional Diploma in Entrepreneurship for the Cosmetics Industry
Cairo, November 4, 2025 — The American University in Cairo (AUC) has announced the launch of its Advanced Professional Diploma in Entrepreneurship for the Cosmetics Industry, developed in collaboration with the Egyptian Cosmetics Company. The new program is designed to provide professionals with advanced technical and business skills necessary to establish and scale successful ventures in the cosmetics sector. The diploma will be offered through AUC’s Center for Scientific and Engineering Services, beginning in 2026.
The advanced diploma builds upon the foundation of the Professional Diploma in Entrepreneurship for Cosmetics Formulation (COZM), introduced in 2023 in partnership with the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). The COZM program has been instrumental in preparing technically proficient entrepreneurs capable of formulating, developing, and marketing safe and effective cosmetic products in line with global standards.
Dr. Wael Mamdouh, Professor of Nanotechnology at AUC’s Department of Chemistry, highlighted the program’s vision, stating:
> “Egypt’s cosmetics industry is witnessing remarkable growth. This advanced diploma aims to prepare future leaders in the field by combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial thinking, enabling them to deliver innovative, reliable, and high-quality products.”
Dr. Mamdouh emphasized that the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of cosmetics entrepreneurs, equipping them with both the technical proficiency and the strategic insight required to thrive in a competitive market. He added that participants will continue to receive mentorship and professional support beyond graduation, ensuring sustainable development and long-term success.
Structurally, the diploma mirrors the COZM program’s three academic modules—Scientific Foundations, Business Development, and Regulatory Affairs—while expanding its experiential components. The advanced program will feature interactive laboratory work, opportunities for product design leadership, and hands-on exposure to the entrepreneurial process. The scientific module will focus on formulation and testing within AUC’s state-of-the-art labs, while the business module will guide participants in developing and pitching their own venture projects.
Through AUC’s partnership with the Egyptian Cosmetics Company, participants will gain direct access to industrial training and production facilities. The company will support prototype manufacturing for student-developed formulations, host technical workshops and factory visits, and participate in a final evaluation panel. The top three projects will receive comprehensive sponsorship from the company, including product development support, regulatory registration through the EDA, pilot production, and promotional assistance.
This initiative underscores AUC’s ongoing commitment to linking academic excellence with industry relevance, offering learners a distinctive blend of scientific rigor, entrepreneurial practice, and real-world application.
Reflecting on the success of the COZM diploma, Dr. Mamdouh noted that two startups founded by its graduates are already operating in Egypt’s cosmetics market. He expressed confidence that the new advanced program will further strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the cosmetics industry.
