An Algerian startup is making it easier to explore, understand and preserve Algerian cultural heritage with innovative 3D model tools and IP frameworks.
Spanning the Sahara Desert to the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria has been at the crossroads of cultures and civilizations for millennia – from the indigenous neolithic and Amazigh peoples to the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans and French.
The legacy of this melting pot is an incredible cultural heritage, which encompasses the ancient rock art of Tassili n'Ajjer, Roman remains in Timgad and the Kasbah of Algiers – to mention just a few sites.
Yet, partly because of the country’s vast size and remote regions, Algeria’s cultural riches are still relatively underappreciated. That could all be about to change thanks to a startup that is making it easier to explore, understand and preserve Algerian cultural heritage by offering virtual tours of historical sites with the use of 3D architectural modelling.
making it easier to explore, understand and preserve Algerian cultural heritage by offering virtual tours of historical sites with the use of 3D architectural modelling.
3D scanning for digital preservation of Algeria’s history
Artify was founded in 2023 by Ilyes Meziani, an architect from the city of Tlemcen. His idea grew slowly from his years of experience in 3D design and architectural visualization – as well as hands-on experience working on cultural heritage projects with local agencies.
By combining advances in new scanning technologies (like photogrammetry and lasergrammetry) with immersive tools like virtual reality, Ilyes saw a clear opportunity to digitally preserve monuments, objects and cultural spaces and make them easier to experience and understand.
The potential of Ilyes’ ideas were soon recognized by both Algeria’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro Enterprises, and the Moubadar’Art incubator. This is a creative initiative delivered jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Algerian National Copyright and Related Rights Office, and the National Institute of Industrial Property.
IP as key enabler in cultural heritage preservation
As well as nurturing local talent and encouraging innovation, the aim of Moubadar’Art was to create an environment conducive to artistic development where intellectual property (IP) rights are respected.
“At this point, my understanding of intellectual property was pretty basic: mainly copyright concepts for digital content. I hadn’t yet realized how strategic IP protection could be for cultural heritage projects,” says Ilyes.
Through the Moubadar’Art network, he learned about WIPO’s IP Management Clinic (IPMC) and took part in the four-month program that focused on IP strategies, business plans and intangible assets.
With the support of IMPC experts and mentors, he learned how to craft a business plan, pitch and present his venture, and use intellectual property to protect his work.
“The IPMC completely changed the way I think about intellectual property,” says Ilyes. “I used to see it as just legal protection, something you had to take care of. But now, I see it as a key part of my strategy. Unlike physical items, digital creations like virtual museums and tours need both legal protection and technical solutions, like clear licensing and secure platforms. Overall, the experience helped me grow as a person and a startup founder.”
Developing collection of historic virtual tours of Algeria’s landmarks
With a stronger IP strategy in development, Artify is now in the process of growing its digital heritage collection, which will serve as strong foundation for future projects. The company is also building an interactive website, which, among other features, enables 360-degree virtual visits to Algerian historical sites.
Ilyes is also actively seeking partners or potential clients that may be interested in using this platform. Promisingly, Artify has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Directorate of Tourism and Crafts of Tlemcen.
“What makes Artify special is that it's not just a company; it's a personal responsibility. I feel deeply committed to preserving and reimagining Algeria’s cultural heritage through technology. Artify is the way I turn that responsibility into action, combining innovation with a deep respect for our identity and history.”
