Morocco's UM6P shapes the future of AI through education and entrepreneurship

Wednesday 19 February 2025 - 14:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's UM6P shapes the future of AI through education and entrepreneurship

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is positioning Morocco as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence development through its focus on education and entrepreneurship. During the university's fifth Science Week, the College of Computing's director Ali Kettani shared insights on Morocco's evolving AI landscape and its potential impact on regional and global innovation.

Kettani emphasized the importance of harnessing local expertise to develop AI models that address pressing local, national, and continental challenges. The College of Computing has successfully attracted exceptional professors and researchers in computer sciences, AI, and cybersecurity, which in turn draws talented students from Morocco and beyond.

According to Kettani, AI represents a technological disruption that could surpass the impact of the Internet. He stressed the necessity of building local AI capabilities and investing in education to ensure Morocco's competitive position in the global tech landscape. The College of Computing at UM6P exemplifies this commitment by serving as an educational hub for future tech innovators.

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in this vision, with Kettani highlighting the opportunities for young Moroccan and African talent to thrive through startups. These entrepreneurs are expected to tackle not only regional issues but also contribute to solving global challenges in health, mobility, energy, and climate change.

UM6P's Science Week serves as a flagship event that brings together leading minds in technology and innovation. The week-long conference features a diverse program focusing on artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and technological entrepreneurship, reinforcing UM6P's commitment to fostering innovation in Morocco's tech ecosystem.

Kettani expressed confidence in Morocco's capability to develop its own technology to address domestic challenges, particularly in sectors such as health, mobility, energy, and climate change. Through its investment in education and focus on entrepreneurship, UM6P aims to establish itself as a key player in AI development and implementation across Morocco and Africa.