Latest news with #UM6P
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Smart City Morocco: A Roadmap for Resilient, Inclusive, and Tech-Driven African Cities
Marrakech – From May 21 to 23, Morocco hosted Smart City Morocco RoadShow & Expo 2025/2030, a pivotal event in the journey toward smart, sustainable urban development. Jointly organized by Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P), Casa Events & Animation, and the FIWARE Foundation, the initiative marked a dynamic convergence of innovation, research, and collaboration, driving forward the transformation of Moroccan and African cities. Held across Casablanca, Rabat, and Benguerir, this mobile forum served as a platform for cross-sector dialogue, technological demonstration, and inclusive policymaking. In alignment with the aspirations of King Mohammed VI, the event embraced the vision of resilient, connected, and equitable urban environments, all while preparing for the global spotlight of the FIFA World Cup 2030, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The RoadShow kicked off in Casablanca with the 9th edition of Casablanca Smart City, themed 'Smart NexGen Cities: Innover pour une métropole durable et inclusive.' Reinforcing Morocco's role as a continental hub for smart city innovation This edition spotlighted smart mobility, large-scale infrastructure management, and civic participation. Two standout initiatives — the Casablanca Smart City Hackathon and the Village des Startups — provided fertile ground for entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators to propose and showcase solutions aimed at enhancing urban life. Rabat took center stage for the FIWARE Global Summit, hosted for the first time outside the European Union. Taking place on UM6P's Rabat campus, this segment welcomed tech leaders from companies such as Telefonica, AWS, NEC, Mitsubishi Electronics, Red Hat, and Libelium, alongside international delegations. Discussions focused on Open Source standards, digital interoperability, cybersecurity, and AI applications in public governance, reinforcing Morocco's role as a continental hub for smart city innovation. The RoadShow culminated in Benguerir with the African Smart Cities Forum, a gathering of policymakers, academics, and urban practitioners. The forum addressed structural transformation, youth employability, public-private-citizen investment models, and digital equity. Welcoming participants to the final stage, the President of UM6P delivered a forward-looking keynote, encapsulating the event's vision. 'This Roadshow was conceived as a space for d He highlighted UM6P's role as a bridge between scientific research and societal impact, underlining the importance of projects like the Digital Twin Smart Campus @UM6P, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, Dell, and Akila. Need for bottom-up collaboration In a significant policy-oriented intervention during the closing ceremony in Benguerir, Younes Sekkouri, Morocco's Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, called for smart cities to become a national and local governance priority. He emphasized the importance of bottom-up collaboration involving NGOs, corporations, startups, and institutions, noting that integrating smart city strategies into formal policy frameworks is crucial for unlocking long-term resources and impact. As Morocco prepares to introduce a new labor code supporting remote work and flexible employment, the Minister positioned smart cities as critical enablers of a more adaptive and inclusive labor ecosystem. The Smart City Morocco RoadShow & Expo 2025/2030 embodied a powerful message: the future of African cities must be co-created through inclusive governance, interdisciplinary collaboration, and grounded technological innovation. With institutions like UM6P and committed policymakers like Minister Sekkouri at the helm, Morocco is not just preparing for global events; it is laying the foundation for a new, citizen-centered urban era. Tags: Benguerir MoroccoSmart citiesd UM6P
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
NETYS 2025: Global AI Experts Inspire Moroccan Students at UM6P
Rabat – As the 13th International Conference on Networked Systems ( NETYS 2025 ) unfolds at UM6P's College of Computing in Rabat, the spotlight is on the meaningful exchanges between global experts and Moroccan students. More than just a series of academic sessions, the five-day event serves as a unique platform where top minds in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and distributed systems engage directly with the next generation of researchers and innovators. In an interview with Morocco World News , Rachid Guerraoui, head of the advisory board at UM6P 's College of Computing and professor at EPFL, emphasized the significance of hosting such an international event within UM6P's academic environment. He praised the university's growing commitment to research and innovation, particularly its investment in digital technologies, which he described as 'an ideal ecosystem for high-level dialogue and collaboration.' Guerraoui talked about the core mission of NETYS 2025: exposing Moroccan students to cutting-edge developments in AI and cybersecurity. 'We have a campus in Benguerir dedicated to AI and a campus in Rabat focused on cybersecurity,' he said. 'This event gathers top experts in both fields, and the goal is to introduce Moroccan students to the latest global advances, helping them integrate into international research networks.' Echoing that vision, Ibtissam Bennouna, Head of the College of Computing at UM6P Rabat, shared her perspective on organizing the conference, which runs from May 21 to 23. She highlighted the event's role in creating bridges between local talent and international academia. Read also: UM6P DeepTech Summit to Explore How AI is Transforming Africa's Industrial Future 'We are proud to welcome researchers, students, and members of the Moroccan diaspora,' Bennouna said. 'This conference helps build a new ecosystem of innovation and academic exchange, especially through internship opportunities and research collaborations.' Among the international guests, Swarat Chaudhuri—professor at the University of Texas and researcher at Google DeepMind—delivered a keynote on the use of AI in mathematical and scientific discovery. Later speaking to Morocco World News, Chaudhuri expressed gratitude for his first visit to Morocco and enthusiasm about engaging with students and faculty. He described the conference as 'an inspiring space for meaningful dialogue between Moroccan researchers and leading international experts,' and highlighted its broader importance in expanding global scientific collaboration and reinforcing Morocco's growing role in the AI landscape. Beyond the keynote sessions, the NETYS 2025 program includes technical tutorials, research presentations, and panels exploring the latest in machine learning, federated learning, formal verification, and quantum computing. Organized into three key thematic tracks, the sessions balance theoretical foundations, like consensus algorithms and Byzantine fault tolerance, with practical concerns such as secure multi-party computation, verifiable AI, and digital infrastructure governance. Speakers from institutions such as EPFL, ETH Zurich, KTH Stockholm, ENSAE Paris, RWTH Aachen University, MBZUAI Abu Dhabi, and Sorbonne University are contributing to the rich lineup of events, further underscoring the conference's international appeal. NETYS 2025 ultimately seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. But at its heart, the conference is a platform for connection—a space where Moroccan students can learn firsthand from global pioneers, and where ideas can be exchanged, challenged, and transformed into future breakthroughs. Tags: AIMohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)UM6P
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
NETYS 2025 Launches at UM6P with a Deep Dive into AI and Smart Networks
Rabat – The 13th edition of the International Conference on Networked Systems (NETYS 2025) kicked off today at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University's College of Computing in Rabat. Organized under the auspices of King Mohammed VI, the conference runs from May 21 to 23, 2025. Organized by UM6P 's College of Computing, NETYS 2025 is held as part of a broader scientific week dedicated to artificial intelligence and digital technologies. The event brings together over 400 participants, including researchers, experts, and professionals from Morocco and abroad to discuss cutting-edge topics, including machine learning algorithms, distributed systems, cybersecurity, cloud computing innovations, and recent advances in AI. 'The major questions redefining the future of AI and distributed systems are global in nature. It is therefore essential to build platforms for reflection that match the scale of these challenges,' stressed Professor Rachid Guerraoui, Chair of the Steering Committee of the College of Computing at UM6P. 'By hosting these events in Rabat, we are continuing our ambition to foster an academic ecosystem where top experts, young talents, and the most influential voices come together to write the next chapter of the digital era.' While NETYS has long been a space for sharing theoretical research in networked systems, this year's edition feels particularly timely. The world is grappling with the dual challenge of accelerating AI adoption while ensuring digital infrastructure remains verifiable, secure, and inclusive. In this context, NETYS is not just a platform for academic exchange; it's a strategic meeting point where foundational computing science meets global tech policy and industrial transformation. Forum for thinking strategically, beyond theory This year's edition addresses key developments in distributed computing, security, formal methods, and machine learning. It aims to create a space for collaboration and the exchange of research ideas between academics and engineers, covering the design, development, and analysis of networked systems. Topics of interest span cloud systems, concurrent algorithms, formal verification, data science, parallel programming, multi-core architectures, large language models, and more. Rachid Guerraoui opened the conference with an introductory speech that highlighted the significance of the event in strengthening scientific cooperation and advancing research in intelligent systems and digital transformation. The first keynote talk was chaired by Madhavan Mukund and delivered by Swarat Chaudhuri, professor at the University of Texas and researcher at Google DeepMind. Titled ' Evolution, Abstraction, and Discovery with Large Language Models,' the keynote explored the rapid evolution of Large Language Models (LLM) and the process of generating them into a target theorem. Chaudhuri explored the use of AI in both mathematical and scientific discovery, emphasizing the role of large language models (LLMs) in simplifying complex reasoning processes. LLMs were highlighted as a valuable tool in facilitating empirical discoveries. The first technical session, 'Verification,' featured two research presentations. The first, ' Reachability and Verification of Assertions for IoT Applications ' by Nagalakshmi S. R. and Meenakshi D'Souza, tackled challenges in verifying safety and correctness within Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The session's second offering, 'Enhancing Numerical Invariants Learning with Bounded Reachability Analysis,' was presented by Wael-Amine and done by Ahmed Bouajjani, Boutglay, and Peter Habermehl. It focused on integrating bounded reachability techniques to improve the learning of numerical invariants in system verification. Throughout the three-day event, participants will continue exploring themes related to networked systems, distributed computing, and machine learning. NETYS 2025 serves as a platform to present original research contributions and discuss the latest trends and techniques, offering a dynamic forum for innovation, academic discourse, and cross-sector partnerships.
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
UM6P Brings Together Experts to Tackle AI, Science, Sustainability at Arbois Roundtables
Rabat – The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Rabat hosted the 15th edition of the Arbois, Atlantic Africa, and Mediterranean Roundtables on Monday. This year's edition, under the theme 'Major Scientific Advances,' brought together researchers, scientists, academics, and industry leaders to discuss how science can help tackle today's global challenges, especially in areas like agriculture, climate, and technology. Organized in collaboration with the OCP Group, CNRS, and Aix-Marseille University, the event featured a mix of keynote speeches and panel discussions on the ethical responsibility of science, breakthroughs in hydrogen-based energy systems, nanochemistry and geo-inspired nanoreactors, and sustainable agriculture through healthy soils. the 15th edition of the Arbois, Atlantic Africa, and Mediterranean Roundtables The objective, UM6P says, is to 'combine perspectives in order to better understand how these discoveries influence lifestyles, economic organization, and political decision-making.' Participants also explored the promise of fourth-generation nuclear energy, the epistemological shift in the digital age, and AI-powered early warning systems for natural disasters. At the heart of the conversations was the role of science in shaping the future and how to ensure that society keeps up with its rapid pace. Science needs dialogue Daniel Nahon, founder of the Arbois and Mediterranean Roundtables, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) about the importance of creating spaces where science and society can meet and reflect together. 'This event is essential for bridging the gap between science and society,' Nahon told MWN. 'Science now plays such a significant role in the development of societies that we must reconcile what we invent and discover with what citizens and society as a whole can accept.' He explained that not everything science makes possible should be done, giving the example of using genome editing in unethical ways. 'We can't do just anything. We can't, for example, use genome editing to recreate a human being or play Frankenstein. So defining limits has become more crucial than ever.' Daniel Nahon, founder of the Arbois and Mediterranean Roundtables. Credit: UM6P For Nahon, the roundtables are precisely about creating space for open dialogue, ethics, and reflection around scientific progress. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, economist and former French Minister of the Economy, was also among the keynote speakers. He spoke about how deeply scientific advances, particularly in artificial intelligence and genetics, are transforming the world. 'This conference… is of great importance as it addresses the profound transformations science is currently bringing about,' he said. 'Artificial intelligence is altering how we perceive truth and falsehood, while genetics is changing human nature itself, allowing for regeneration.' Adapting to a new scientific era However, he warned that our legal and institutional systems are lagging behind these changes. 'The main challenge lies in the fact that while science advances at an extraordinary pace, the legal and institutional frameworks evolve much more slowly,' he explained. Strauss-Kahn believes scientists must work closely with economists and decision-makers, not to slow down progress, but to ensure that its impacts are understood and integrated into society. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, economist and former French Minister of the Economy 'While science should not be politicized, the political implications of scientific discoveries cannot be ignored,' he remarked The event also focused on sustainable agriculture, energy, and environmental issues. Participants explored how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, can support better use of soil and ecosystems while also responding to climate and food security challenges. Speakers and participants noted the need for collaboration across disciplines and regions, especially between Africa and the Mediterranean, to develop innovative and ethical responses to global problems. The 15th edition of the Arbois Roundtables elevated the fact that integrating science into society is more urgent than ever. Launched in 2008, the series of roundtables was initially held in France, but it has gradually expanded onto the international stage, with Morocco now a regular host. Speaker at 15th edition of the Arbois, Atlantic Africa, and Mediterranean Roundtables Tags: Arbois RoundtablesscienceUM6P
Morocco World
16-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P's Inaugural ‘Hack the Future of Work' Explores AI Impact on Jobs
Rabat – The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) hosted this week an international forum, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on education, employment, and leadership. A statement from UM6P said on Thursday that the first edition of 'HACK The Future of Work' took place from May 13-14. It brought together over 200 participants, including business leaders, HR executives, national and international experts, researchers, students, and institutional representatives, added the statement. Also joining discussions at the event were 26 company leaders, 30 HR directors, and 32 experts. The program featured a series of workshops that focused on different topics like the evolution of skills, the transformation of work environments, and emerging forms of leadership. UM6P stressed that the symposium is in line with the university's commitment to adapt to the major shifts in the job market, continentally and globally. The forum further seeks to contribute to the university's positioning as a 'catalyst for ideas, solutions, and concrete action at the intersection of innovation, education, and human development.' 'Conversations emphasized the real-world impacts of artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to evolving training frameworks, agile talent management, ethical considerations in tech transitions, and intergenerational dynamics in decision-making spaces,' reads UM6P's statement. Seren Dalkiran, an award-winning researcher and innovator in new leadership models and organization transformation; Alejandro Caballero, a principal education specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC); as well as Mehdi Lahrichi, Partner at McKinsey & Company, all took part in the event. Tags: artificial intelligenceUM6P
