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Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
AI's potential depends on ethical governance, equitable access: Expert
At a UM6P-hosted summit, academics and business leaders discussed how AI is reshaping scientific, industrial, and entrepreneurial innovation through foundational and transformative roles AI's potential will be fully realised only if its governance is ethical, access equitable, and impact globally and equally distributed, an education expert said at the Deep Tech Summit here in Morocco. At the summit, hosted by the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) here, academics and business experts brainstormed and explored the foundational role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping scientific, entrepreneurial and industrial innovation. Hicham El Habti, president of UM6P, said AI is rewriting playbooks of the industry, but its complete potential can be realised only if its governance is ethical. "AI today is a general-purpose technology that demands general-purpose responsibility. It is rewriting the playbooks of industry, reshaping value chains, and reimagining public goods. And yet, its potential will only be fully realised if we ensure that its governance is ethical, its access is equitable, and its impact is globally and equally distributed. "The debate today is less about how fast we go and more about where we are headed. It challenges us to look past the hype and ask deeper questions. Not just how fast we can move, but where, why, and for whom," Habti said. The two-day summit saw about 7000 participants from over 30 countries and 980 startups. Jalal Charaf, Chief Digital Officer at UM6P said AI is something that we all struggle to know what to do with. "It is very difficult because it's a new technology, and a lot of people even liken it to fire or electricity, because it is a general purpose technology.. it is like a drug. We don't know the dosage, we don't know the side effects, we don't know exactly what to do with it. So we are in this period of, I would say, fermentation, where we're trying to figure out what to do with it. "I think the best way to build an ecosystem is to make the maximum people aware of it and try it. We have to. We are responsible of making people test it and see what they can do with it," Charaf said. An understanding of AI technology would need to be embedded within education systems, stressed Stavaros N Yiannouka, CEO of World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a global think tank of the Qatar Foundation, who added that dealing with AI is like interacting with a new form of intelligence. "We are really trying to connect the dots between policy research and innovation in education. Whatever we do with AI, however we harness its its potential, it has to be with an aim in mind. So, the most asked question today is what can AI do for education, and how do we harness its potential? "I think there are opportunities to personalise learning, to significantly enhance access through AI agents that can act as tutors, teaching assistants, research assistants or even co-principal investigators at some point," he said. The CEO supported that we are dealing with a new intelligence and a potentially new consciousness. "Who knows where this is going to go? We need to start thinking about how we are going to be interacting with that, with that new intelligence. We also need to think about the broader community and embed within our education system, an understanding of this technology and how we interact with it. This will help us avoid the mistakes we made with social media," he said. Steve Ciensinki, founder of Vencrest Partners, a private venture capital and advisory firm, and professor at Stanford University, US, said the advent of AI is obviously a game breaker for all of us as human beings. "Stanford has set up an institute across the university called Human-Centered AI, and the idea is to have AI work for humans, as opposed to the other way around," Ciensinki said. "This is those who have the clever agility to figure out how these markets will be changing, the courage to move forward, the resilience that startup companies need to have are going to do to really do well in this industry, in this whole area," he added. Being a new technology, AI is not yet proven, which is where science is needed, Ciensinki said. "So, instead of just having two elements -- engineering and commercialisation -- you have the third element, which is the science behind it. That's the third group that needs to be brought in, and that is hugely risky for any kind of customer or individual to use when (the technology) is all new and has never really been even invented yet. "It is going to take more people, specialised workforce and scientists. It is also going to take more capital, more equipment, and a lot more patience by investors. These venture capital funds that are going to be formed now for deep tech are going to be longer than 10 years, before we can start to see some of these technologies really take hold but undoubtedly the opportunities are immense," he said.
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
AI and Africa's Big Leap: Deep Tech Summit Kicks Off in Morocco
The Deep Tech Summit kicked off today at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, with a bold ambition: to show how artificial intelligence is shaping deep tech, and why Africa shouldn't just follow the trend, but lead it. Over two days, the summit hopes to bring together founders, investors, academics and policymakers from over 50 countries. With over a thousand startups in attendance, this year's second edition focuses on how AI is accelerating breakthroughs in everything from ailment diagnosis, drug discovery, and green energy. 'This summit was never meant to be just another conference,' said Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P. 'It's a statement – a call to push boundaries, rethink progress, and include everyone in that journey.' Hicham El Habti calls to push boundaries, rethink progress, and include everyone in that journey. El Habti pointed during his opening speech to Africa's young minds, noting that over half of the continent's population is under 24. 'That's our greatest asset,' he said. 'We must give this generation the tools and space to imagine, create and lead.' The program includes more than 60 sessions, ranging from cybersecurity to the green economy, as well as reverse pitches — where investors must convince startups — and experimental formats aimed at sparking real-world solutions. Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures, pointed to the speed at which AI is now reshaping the deep tech ecosystem. 'In the past, breakthrough technologies took decades. Today, we're talking about months,' he said. 'AI is compressing the journey from theory to market.' Yassine Laghzioui pointed to the speed at which AI is now reshaping the deep tech ecosystem He cited DeepMind's AlphaFold as a prime example. 'It cracked the protein folding problem. That alone is changing the game in drug discovery.' For Laghzioui, the moment is ripe. 'Africa sees it. Morocco sees it. We have the talent, the ambition, and now the opportunity that AI presents.' Also attending the summit is Steve Ciesinski, a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business and former president of SRI International. 'When I first heard about the Deep Tech Summit, I wasn't quite sure what to expect,' he admitted. 'But I've been genuinely impressed. The talent, the energy, the calibre of discussions — it's remarkable.' Steve Ciesinski says AI now features in nearly a third of his students' projects Ciesinski says AI now features in nearly a third of his students' projects. 'The idea is not to replace humans, but to enhance them. AI should work for people, not the other way around.' He added that deep tech isn't for the faint-hearted. 'It comes with higher risk and longer timelines. But for those who make it through, the rewards are massive, both financially and socially.' Deep Tech Summit runs May 8–9, with AI stealing the show. From healthcare and agritech to clean energy, the goal's simple: leapfrog Africa's development with big, bold, and brainy solutions.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
World Football Summit Rabat at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) Concludes with Commitment to African Football Development and Global Collaboration
The inaugural edition of the World Football Summit (WFS) ( Rabat 2025, held in partnership with Evosport, a subsidiary of UM6P, and in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Federation of Football concluded after two days of exchanges on the state and the trajectory of football in Africa and its links to global dynamics. Held on April 9 and 10 at UM6P's Rabat campus, the summit convened more than 1077 football industry leaders from 70 countries, including decision-makers from 65 clubs, leagues, and federations. Under the theme 'Where football innovation meets legacy', the event provided a platform for reflection on the evolving role of Morocco and Africa in shaping the global football landscape, particularly in light of the continent's growing visibility ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco alongside Spain and Portugal. "What we've witnessed in Rabat these past two days has been truly historic," said Jan Alessie, Co-founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit. "The quality of discussion, the level of engagement, and the genuine commitment to collaboration have exceeded our expectations. This summit has not only showcased Morocco's growing leadership in global football but has created tangible pathways for African football to accelerate its development through meaningful partnerships. The connections formed here between African football leaders and their international counterparts will yield benefits for years to come." Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, stated: "WFS Rabat is a natural extension of our commitment to rethinking development models through knowledge, innovation, and continental collaboration. Football—like science, education, and technology—requires institutions that can convene, structure, and elevate ambition. By hosting and contributing to this summit, we are reinforcing Morocco's and Africa's capacity to lead with ideas, shape with values, and build ecosystems where excellence is cultivated and shared." The WFS Honors Ceremony, moderated by Mimi Fawaz (MC - WFS Rabat 2025), highlighted a number of initiatives and individuals whose work reflects a thoughtful approach to football development. The Academie Mohammed VI was recognized for its Local Grassroots Strategy to develop Sport. Frederic Kanoute received the WFS Honor for Exemplary Achievements in Football&Beyond for his contributions both on and off the pitch. OCP Group received the WFS Honor for Social&Community Impact through Sport for their transformative community initiatives. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was recognized with the WFS Honor for Exceptional Development in Women's Football for their pioneering efforts in advancing the women's game in Morocco. Finally, the African Club Association (ACA) was granted the WFS Honor for Uniting African Football. Discussions throughout the two days addressed pressing challenges and opportunities in the football ecosystem. Topics ranged from talent retention and financial models to technological integration and regulatory governance. Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation, presented Morocco's vision for football development ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Shehu Dikko, Honourable Minister of Sports of Nigeria, reflected on how African football can become more sustainable. FIFA's Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, discussed pathways for strengthening football governance, while CAF's Director of Tournaments, Samson Adamu, shared innovations in continental competitions formats. The summit drew participation from organizations such as FIFA CAF, or ECA, government ministers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, as well as executives from properties such as LALIGA, FC Barcelona, or even the NBA, who engaged in discussions about cross-continental collaboration in sport governance and development. Moreover, partners including Royal Air Maroc and TAQA played essential roles in the summit's success, demonstrating the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing sports development. The WFS global series continues with upcoming events in Monterrey (June 2025), Hong Kong (September 2025), Madrid (October 2025), and Riyadh (December 2025), creating a year-round platform for the football industry to connect and collaborate across continents. For more information about World Football Summit's 2025 events and registration details, visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit. Contact: Jaime Domínguez Communications Director World Football Summit press@ About UM6P and Evosport: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is a Moroccan university focusing on developing solutions to specific continental and more broadly global challenges. UM6P is oriented towards education and research, with strong links to industry, business, and innovation. The university commits itself to empowering a new generation of talents that will build and lead the future of Africa. EVOSPORT, a subsidiary of UM6P, was founded on the belief that sports serve as a powerful driver of socio-economic impact. The company aims to transform Morocco's sports industry by accelerating the development of a dynamic and sustainable sports ecosystem aligned with the country's strategic vision to position itself as a premier regional and global sports hub. Through an integrated and multidimensional approach, EVOSPORT seeks to redefine the sports sector by tackling current and future industry challenges and aspires to become a benchmark in the sports sector through its commitment to sustainable impact, investment, training, and human development. For more information: About World Football Summit: World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector. Thousands of professionals representing companies and institutions from around the world actively engage with WFS.
Morocco World
21-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
UM6P Science Week 2025 Closes with Promise of African Leadership in Science
Ben Guerir – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) concluded its ambitious Science Week today, marking a milestone in Morocco's journey to becoming a leading force in global scientific innovation. The five-day event confirmed Africa's growing scientific capabilities and its emergence as an independent go-getter of research and development. Hosted at UM6P's state-of-the-art campus in Ben Guerir, Science Week brought together researchers, innovators, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. UM6P President Hicham El Habti delivered a rousing closing ceremony speech to wrap up the fifth edition of Science Week. 'What was shared during the week, the energy that was here and there was just amazing,' he said. UM6P President Hicham El Habti 'I think that we have now achieved what we have in mind where we have to celebrate science.' This year's theme, 'Shaping the Future,' drew attention to how African scientists can collaborate to address the continent's unique approaches to addressing Africa's as well as global challenges. The event's rich program revolved around sustainable development, food security, artificial intelligence, innovation, and solutions tailored to African contexts. This year's Science Week also succeeded in reflecting UM6P's growing role as a catalyst for pan-African scientific collaboration. Through its various research platforms and partnerships, the university has created a network that connects researchers across the continent, fostering a uniquely burgeoning African scientific ecosystem. Of the event's significance for Moroccan and African students, El Habti said: 'We have to give the opportunity to our students to share what they are working on.' He pointed to the importance of such gatherings in shaping the future of science across the continent. Read also: AI in Healthcare: Promises vs Realities for Africa's Medical Systems Science Week's Scientific Director Fouad Laroui expressed satisfaction with the event's growing prominence in the global scientific landscape. Since its inception in 2020, he told Morocco World News, Science Week has positioned itself as a crucial platform where UM6P researchers engage with world-leading scientists. In line with its motto, 'At the frontiers of science,' Science Week 2025 brought together high-flying academic discussions and real-world innovative projects. Fouad Laroui, Science Week's Scientific Director He further specified that UM6P's Science Week particularly echoes Africa's development challenges. Its panels and networking engagements typically focus on Africa-specific research priorities. Science should help resolve pressing concerns like food security for Africa's growing population and the need to create employment opportunities for millions of graduating youth, he concluded. Convergence is the future of science Looking ahead to next year's edition, Laroui unveiled at today's closing ceremony an ambitious theme of 'Convergence,' with a particular emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration. Science Week Next Year's Theme He argued that this approach reflects a broader trend in global science: the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive sciences. Next year's edition should engage with this type of convergence and have crossed projects in its agenda, he announced. Read also: UM6P, STATION F Partner to Empower Agritech, Greentech, and Healthtech Startups He envisions its panel sessions to bring together different departments and faculties and reflect UM6P's cross-disciplinary vision. Reflecting UM6P's spirit of initiative and proactivity in positioning Morocco as a hub to bolster Africa's scientific landscape, Laroui noted 'We're closing one Science Week and immediately beginning preparation for the next.' For Laroui, UM6P's ultimate hope with this transformative event is to set the stage for future scientific endeavors that will continue to position Morocco and Africa at the forefront of global innovation. As it concluded today, Science Week left behind a legacy of cross-disciplinary dialogue and ambitious collaborations.
Morocco World
17-02-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Morocco Takes Lead in Shaping Global Scientific Future at UM6P Science Week
Ben Guerir – The fifth edition of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University's (UM6P) annual Science Week kicked off today with a powerful message about Africa's emerging role in global scientific leadership. In his inaugural speech, UM6P's president Hicham El Habti said that 'Africa must not only participate in global scientific progress but lead it.' Speaking of the challenges that Africa faces , he said that 'the solutions to our continent's unique challenges – from food security to climate resilience – must come from African talent, African innovation, and African leadership.' UM6P's president Hicham El Habti The week-long event, themed 'Shaping the Future,' comes at a critical time for global challenges. El Habti noted that 'by 2050, global food production must increase by 60% to feed a projected 10 billion people,' while 'atmospheric CO2 levels have now reached 427 parts per million.' On UM6P's position as a scientific hub in Africa, the university is now home to over 7,200 students, including 1,000 PhD candidates. 'We are not just a university; we are a scientific ecosystem,' El Habti noted, adding that 'this is a place where curiosity is encouraged, solutions emerge through collaboration, and science becomes a bridge between knowledge and action.' Science Week scientific director Fouad Laroui Following the opening speech, Science Week scientific director Fouad Laroui spoke of the event's significance for scientists to reconsider how they see science. Through a presentation titled 'Does Science Really Think?', he elaborated on the crucial role of scientists throughout history in coming up with solutions that address human challenges. He answered this question, talking about the evolution of science by urging future scientists to use their critical minds in coming up with innovative ideas that take into consideration ethics and morals. 'Science doesn't think, scientists should,' he said. Read also: UM6P's Science Week Hopes to Transform Morocco Into Scientific Hub 'Science is not just about knowledge – it is about action,' El Habti concluded. 'It is about transforming research into real-world solutions. It is about ensuring that innovation serves humanity.' A flagship week of innovation Science Week at UM6P has emerged as a cornerstone event in Africa's scientific calendar, bringing together global expertise with local talent. Speaking to the press, including Morocco World News, Laroui said that 'this is the most important week in the year at UM6P, because we convene at the same place scientists and professors from all over the world.' 'They are mixed with our own researchers and our students, discussing all kinds of topics – agriculture, computers, architecture, engineering – everything at the frontier of science.' Laroui spoke of the university's foundational mission, saying: 'We should not lag behind Europe and America, as we have done for 200 years. This time is finished. We can be at the top of science and we will be at the top of science.' The event's significance extends beyond Morocco to the entire African continent. 'It's a great opportunity for students and researchers coming from all over Africa to bring the voice of Africa in different areas, the food security, the health, the industry,' El Habti said. 'The future of humanity will be shaped here in Africa in different areas – food security, health, industry.' El Habti also mentioned UM6P's role as a platform enabling crucial conversations about humanity's future, bringing together renowned scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders under one roof to shape tomorrow's solutions. The Science Week program continues through February 23, featuring sessions on artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, future careers, and the intersection of science, ethics, and philosophy, reflecting UM6P's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.
