Latest news with #AlAkhawaynUniversityinIfrane
Morocco World
17-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
AUI, AUS Sign Partnership to Boost Research in Arabic Language, Ethical AI
Rabat – Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in digital humanities, Arabic and Islamic studies, and ethical artificial intelligence. The agreement aims to promote collaboration in research, teaching, and technology development, particularly in areas that connect Arabic and English language education, Islamic studies, and modern technologies like artificial intelligence. The goal is to empower both Moroccan and Emirati students and citizens to engage with AI tools while staying rooted in their cultural identity, according to a press release. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday at the headquarters of Bank Al-Maghrib in Rabat. It was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of AUS's Board of Trustees, Abdellatif Jouahri, Chancellor of AUI , Amine Bensaid, President of AUI, and Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. Speaking at the event, Bensaid said that the partnership 'reflects AUI's founding vision of balancing cultural identity with openness to advanced technologies.' He added that through this agreement, AUI and AUS aim to 'promote scientific research, rethink Arabic studies in the age of AI, and create tools that strengthen cultural identity and serve the youth.' The signing of the partnership Meanwhile, Laursen said that this partnership 'fully supports' AUS's vision of a 'borderless higher education system built on intellectual cooperation.' 'Together with AUI, we are expanding opportunities for collaborative research and contributing ethically to AI development,' he added. The collaboration also focuses on the educational link between the Arabic and English languages to help students improve academic and critical thinking skills. In addition, it supports the development of liberal arts education in both institutions. One major goal of the partnership is to create a joint center for digital humanities and pedagogy, which will use AI to support research in Arabic and Muslim literature, cultural studies, and communication systems. The signing of the partnership Beyond languages and humanities, the MoU also opens the door for cooperation in science, engineering, management, architecture, arts, design, and archival research. It includes plans to build an open-source Arabic database of literary works, media content, and academic publications that reflect the cultural and linguistic richness of Morocco and the UAE. The agreement also includes faculty and staff exchanges, student mobility programs, shared teaching resources, co-developed courses, and joint research projects. It also supports co-supervision of master's and doctoral theses, joint conferences and workshops, and the creation of a fund for academic initiatives. The statement concluded that the partnership fits into the global strategies of both universities, which aim to build knowledge ecosystems, foster innovation, and respond to major regional and international challenges through interdisciplinary research.
Morocco World
11-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Al Akhawayn University Launches ‘Ventures Adventure' to Boost Student Entrepreneurship
Rabat – Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) has launched a new edition of its Entrepreneurship Month, called Ventures Adventure, which is running from April 7 to 26. Through Ventures Adventure, AUI aims to help students discover their talents, build confidence, and learn how to turn ideas into action, said the university in a press release. This year, the event is bigger and more inclusive. It is inviting students and teachers from three other Moroccan universities, including Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, Moulay Ismaïl University in Meknes, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Ben Guerir. According to Nicolas Klotz, AUI's Executive Director of Entrepreneurship, opening Ventures Adventure to other universities marks an important step forward. 'It's a valuable opportunity to pool knowledge, energy, and ambition,' he stated. The event includes a startup competition with three rounds, open both online and in-person. Out of 100 startup ideas, 55 will move to the second round, and 20 finalists will compete in the final stage. Winners will receive prizes to help them launch and grow their projects. The statement noted that participants will receive support at every step from experienced coaches and mentors. In the first stage, five coaches are set to guide teams through quick idea development. In the next phase, 30 mentors from public and private organizations, including Attijariwafa Bank, the Digital Development Agency, and the Founder Institute, will help improve the projects. In the final round, 12 investors and business angels will review the best projects and choose the winners. The competition will end with the Angel Awards Ceremony on April 26, where top teams will receive investment, startup support, and personal mentoring opportunities. 'It's not just about creating startups, but about shaping a mindset,' said Amine Bensaid, AUI president. 'We want our students to feel empowered to explore multiple avenues, to take initiative, and to maintain this entrepreneurial energy regardless of the path they choose. That's what makes the AUI difference.' This year's edition includes other activities like fun workshops inspired by Babson College in the US to teach entrepreneurship in new ways, workshops for teachers to learn how to use games in their classrooms, and a practical session to build e-commerce websites using AI, without needing to code, among others. Students and teachers will also visit the International Agriculture Show (SIAM) in Meknes to meet experts in agritech, agribusiness, and social entrepreneurship, especially around water management. Tags: auientrepreneurship
