Time: July, 2023
Location: Ifran, Ifran 53000, Morocco
About the Event
In July 2023, Al Akhawayn University (AUI), in collaboration with MoroccoAI, successfully launched the inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summer School in Ifrane, Morocco. This groundbreaking event brought together 50 diverse participants, selected from 360 applicants across various professional and academic backgrounds, all united by their passion for AI and its potential to drive sustainable development.
Over five immersive days, participants engaged in a comprehensive program featuring insightful lectures, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Academic speakers from prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, Ecole Mohammadia des Ingénieurs, Sorbonne University, and Oxford University shared their expertise on critical AI themes of global importance. Industry leaders from Meta Facebook, Microsoft, Bytedance, and IBM enriched the discourse by offering real-world perspectives on AI’s evolving role in various sectors.
The AI Summer School fostered an inclusive environment that catalyzed collaboration between participants, industry professionals, and academics. This collaboration not only enhanced knowledge acquisition but also sparked interest in pursuing advanced research and collaborative ventures, marking a significant step forward in advancing Morocco’s AI landscape.
A highlight of the program was the hackathon, where 12 impactful projects addressing Morocco-specific challenges were showcased. Participants, guided by academics and industry veterans, developed AI solutions tackling pivotal issues such as water resource management and road safety. The winning teams earned recognition and invitations to prestigious AI conferences, including the 2nd AI for Development Conference (AI4D) and the 27th International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer- Assisted Intervention (MICCAI24).
Engage-AI’s sponsorship underscored its unwavering dedication to fostering AI for Development (AI4D). The first prize, sponsored by Engage-AI, was awarded to a team for their innovative program aimed at safeguarding Morocco’s water resources by monitoring and regulating unauthorized wells to preserve precious underground water.
Engage-AI remains committed to harnessing AI’s potential for development, nurturing a new generation of AI professionals who can merge local development with cutting-edge technology to foster knowledge, awareness, and transformative experiences.
