BENGUERIR – The University Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P) launched the continent’s first Deep Tech Summit today, aiming to position Morocco and Africa as global players in this revolutionary technological field.
This landmark event marks a turning point, not just for Morocco but for all of Africa, as it positions the continent as a key player in the development and application of groundbreaking technologies with the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The two-day event, themed “Deep Tech: Next Milestone of Transformation in Africa,” brings together over 2,000 participants from 30 countries, including students, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers.
The summit focuses on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange to address Africa’s specific challenges and harness the immense potential of “deep tech” for sectors like agriculture, healthcare, energy, and IT infrastructure.
Deep Tech: A catalyst for global and African progress
Deep Tech refers to companies and projects that leverage cutting-edge research and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and quantum computing to develop disruptive products and services.
Deep Tech Summit
The summit delved into this realm, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange to unlock deep tech’s potential for critical sectors across the globe.
For Africa, the summit represents a unique opportunity. While the continent grapples with challenges like food insecurity, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and limited access to clean energy, deep tech holds the potential to revolutionize these very areas.
From developing drought-resistant crops and precision agriculture techniques to creating innovative telemedicine solutions that reach remote populations and building sustainable energy infrastructure, deep tech offers a pathway towards a resilient future for Africa.
Bridging the gap between research and reality
However, the roadblocks to realizing this potential are significant. Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P, highlighted this in his keynote speech at the event.
“Previously, access to knowledge and cutting-edge research facilities hampered African innovation,” he explained. “But advancements in digital learning platforms and democratized knowledge sharing allow Africa to leapfrog decades of technological development.”
The Deep Tech Summit serves as a platform to bridge the gap between this advanced research and real-world applications. By fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, the summit aims to empower African innovators to translate groundbreaking ideas into commercially viable solutions.
Deep Tech Summit
This focus on transforming research into tangible benefits was a resounding theme throughout the event, with workshops and masterclasses dedicated to topics like “From Lab to Market: Bringing Your Technology to Life.”
“We didn’t have access to the know-how before,” explained Laghzioui. “Today, with advancements in digital learning and knowledge access, Africa can leapfrog decades in technological development.”
The summit featured a diverse range of activities, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops, and an exhibition space showcasing high-growth Moroccan startups like Deepecho (HealthTech), Deepleaf (Agritech), and Atarec (GreenTech).
A particular focus lies on attracting young talent and members of the diaspora to contribute their expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
Global ambition, African focus
Laghzioui further emphasized in his remarks the imperative of overcoming challenges such as infrastructure limitations, market fragmentation, and regulatory hurdles to realize Africa’s potential as a hub of technological advancement.
Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P
“We need to be realistic,” he said. “Infrastructure limitations, fragmented markets and regulatory hurdles exist. However, this summit is a call to action. We will bridge the gap between research, investment, and entrepreneurship to develop solutions for Africa’s most pressing issues.”
Furthermore, the summit recognizes another crucial factor in propelling Africa’s Deep Tech revolution: the African diaspora. Many skilled professionals and entrepreneurs with expertise in cutting-edge fields reside outside the continent.
By dedicating a significant portion of the event to engaging with diaspora communities, the organizers aim to entice them to contribute their expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.
Trixie LohMirmand DWTC EVP | KAOUN CEO Dubai World Trade Centre | KAOUN International
Special panel discussions and networking events fostered connections between African Deep Tech startups and diaspora investors and mentors, creating a “brain gain” that could accelerate the continent’s development in this domain.
A call to action: building a sustainable future
Laghzioui emphasized the importance of addressing the specific challenges faced by Africa, such as limited infrastructure and fragmented markets. However, he stressed the summit’s role as a call to action.
“This summit isn’t just about showcasing the potential of Deep Tech; it’s about working together to translate that potential into real-world applications that benefit millions,” he remarked.
Deep Tech Summit
The Deep Tech Summit marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s emergence as a global Deep Tech leader. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a spirit of innovation, the summit serves as a catalyst to propel Africa onto the global Deep Tech stage.
This inaugural event set the stage for future collaborations, propelling Africa towards a future driven by groundbreaking technological solutions that not only benefit the continent but also contribute to solving global challenges.
