The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is currently hosting a prestigious gathering of leading minds in digital transformation, the Deep Tech Summit, with the overarching goal of accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across strategic sectors in Africa.
The second edition of the Deep Tech Summit commenced this Wednesday at the UM6P campus in Benguérir, clearly signaling an ambition to position the African continent as a central player in the technological revolution being driven by AI.
This two-day event has attracted over a thousand participants, including burgeoning startups and an international assembly of researchers, investors, public policymakers, and industry leaders representing more than fifty countries. Artificial intelligence is the core theme of this year’s summit, with over 60 dedicated sessions exploring a wide range of critical topics, including cybersecurity, healthcare, green technologies, and digital sovereignty.
During the opening ceremony, Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, emphasized the summit’s broader significance. “This summit was never intended as a simple conference; it embodies a manifesto for inclusive progress, based on boldness, innovation, and responsibility,” he declared. He also highlighted the demographic opportunities presented by the African continent, where over half the population is under the age of 24, calling for the emergence of a new generation of African technology leaders.
The summit is also breaking new ground with its interactive formats, such as reverse pitches, where investors present their strategies and priorities to project leaders. This novel approach aims to reshape the traditional dynamics of innovation and foster more equitable exchanges within the technological ecosystem.
Yassine Laghzioui, Managing Director of UM6P Ventures, underscored the transformative potential arising from the convergence of AI and deep tech for the African continent.
“Technological revolutions used to unfold over decades; today, with artificial intelligence, these cycles are compressed to just a few months,” he explained, citing DeepMind’s AlphaFold as a prime example of AI’s power to drive significant advancements in scientific understanding.
Steve Ciesinski, a professor at Stanford University and former president of SRI International, who is attending the summit, lauded the high quality of the discussions taking place.
“The level of discussion, the relevance of the topics covered, and the enthusiasm of the participants are remarkable,” he observed. He believes that AI, now integrated into nearly a third of student projects at Stanford, represents a powerful tool for amplifying human capabilities.
The Deep Tech Summit will continue until May 9th, with a focus on developing tangible solutions in crucial areas such as healthcare, smart agriculture, and clean energy. The event is strategically aligned with UM6P’s vision to establish Morocco as a leading hub for disruptive technologies that serve sustainable development and promote the autonomy of the African continent.
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