AfriLabs and UM6P Ventures Announce their collaboration to Foster Innovation and Support for Startups Across Africa
AfriLabs and UM6P Ventures Announce their collaboration to Foster Innovation and Support for Startups Across Africa Marrakech, June 5th 2024 – AfriLabs, the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, and UM6P Ventures, that aims to advance entrepreneurship and accelerate scientific innovation in Morocco and Africa, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This synergy ambitions to empower startups within the UM6P ecosystem, foster co-innovation projects, and propel Africa’s innovation landscape forward. The signing ceremony was held at the GITEX Africa event, which took place in Marrakech, Morocco from May 29th to 31st. This marks the beginning of a one-year collaboration that aligns with each organization’s mission to stimulate economic growth and foster innovation across the continent. Through this MOU, AfriLabs, and UM6P Ventures will collaborate on several key initiatives aimed at advancing scientific innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. They will provide comprehensive support for startups within the UM6P ecosystem, including mentorship, resources, and access to AfriLabs’ extensive network of over 450 technology innovation hubs across 53 African countries. Additionally, the AfriLabs Connect Deal Room (ACDR) initiative will open up a pipeline of de-risked and investible startups within the AfriLabs network to UM6P Ventures, facilitating further investment opportunities. Through this collaboration, UM6P Ventures will leverage UM6P’s infrastructure, expertise, and talent to strengthen the African startup ecosystem. The collaboration will also engage in co-innovation projects that address local and regional challenges, leveraging UM6P’s research and development capabilities alongside AfriLabs’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, they will explore the potential launch of UM6P courses tailored for the AfriLabs Academy audience, enhancing educational offerings and skill development across the continent. On this occasion, Mayssa Mrabet, Director of Community at AfriLabs reflected on this initiative saying : “We are thrilled to partner with UM6P and UM6P Ventures to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. This collaboration aligns with our vision of building a vibrant community around tech hubs and stimulating economic growth through digital innovation.” Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures, stated: “This partnership underscores UM6P Ventures’ dedication to driving innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. By combining our resources and expertise, we are poised to significantly impact the African startup ecosystem. Together, we aim to tackle the distinct challenges faced by our communities, contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in Africa, through innovative solutions.” About AfriLabs AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer. About UM6P 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. About UM6P Ventures UM6P Ventures is the investment arm of University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, founded as a vehicle for the university to advance entrepreneurship and accelerate scientific innovation in Morocco and Africa. It is an early-stage ventures firm investing in Deeptech Ventures and Digital Transformation. UM6P Ventures provides Deeptech Ventures with capital and advanced talent sourcing, subject domain expertise, and the ability to access specialized equipment and infrastructure. UM6P Ventures has a robust ecosystem and an investment portfolio actively invested in Agriculture, Chemicals, GreenTech and Healthtech. Visit: https://um6pventures.com For more information about AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabs.com and to learn more about UM6P, visit www.um6p.ma For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com & Communication@um6p.ma
Intel AI Programme for African DeepTech Startups & Ecosystem Stakeholders Concludes Successfully in Kenya
Intel AI Programme for African DeepTech Startups & Ecosystem Stakeholders Concludes Successfully in Kenya AfriLabs, in collaboration with Intel successfully concluded a three-day event dedicated to the advancement of DeepTech and AI ecosystems in Africa. Held from May 28 to May 30, 2024, at Sankara Hotel in Nairobi, the event brought together government officials, ecosystem stakeholders, AI startups, developers, and representatives from research institutions. The event commenced on May 28 with the formal recognition of the diverse group of attendees, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions to follow. Opening remarks were delivered by prominent figures including Mr. David Ogiga, Board Member of AfriLabs; Mr. John OMO, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union; Mrs. Lisa Walker, Managing Director for Africa Operations at Prosper Africa; and Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo from Intel. Their speeches underscored the critical role of AI and DeepTech in driving socio-economic development in Africa. A panel discussion titled “Challenges and Opportunities of DeepTech in Africa/Kenya – Socio Economic and Policy Implications” featured insights from industry leaders such as Mr. Olutomi Olutola, Senior Connectivity and Digital Advisor at USAID Africa; Dr Isabelle Kandagor, representing the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya; Mr. Michael Mutiga, Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer at Safaricom; and Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo from Intel. Moderated by Susan Mbogo of Intel, the discussion explored the multifaceted landscape of DeepTech in Africa. Following a brief photo session and coffee break, the event was preceded with an AI Policy Roundtable. This session featured Dr Isabelle Kandagor, representing the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya; Mr. Savio Wambugu, Chairman of the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs; Dr. Samuel Ruhiu, Lecturer at the University of Nairobi; and Mr. Mario Romao, AI Policy Director at Intel. Moderated by Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, the roundtable addressed the regulatory and ethical considerations essential for fostering AI innovation in Africa. The first day concluded with a Q&A session, providing a platform for attendees to engage with the experts and get clarity. The second day, focused on AI startups, developers, and community hubs. Prof. Emmanuel Mutisya, PhD, Chairperson of the Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative and Board Chair of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST), delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of academic and industry collaboration in advancing AI. Ralph de Wargny from Intel introduced the Intel® Liftoff for AI Startups Program, followed by Nathan Reddy’s presentation on the Intel Developer Cloud, highlighting the resources available for AI development. Stephana from Intel presented the Intel OneAPI initiative and introduced various AI tools at Intel, providing a comprehensive overview of the technological advancements and support systems available for developers. After a coffee break, Kate Hach from Intel shared lessons learned from assembling a DeepTech/deal flow program, engaging participants in a Q&A session. This was followed by an open exchange led by Dr. Eugenie from Intel, discussing the impact of startup community programs on local ecosystems. The day concluded with a wrap-up session by Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, summarizing the key takeaways and setting the stage for future initiatives. On the final day, the event provided presentations from various hubs, showcasing their contributions and innovations in the AI and DeepTech space as well as networking opportunities, further solidifying the connections made and the knowledge shared over the previous two days. The focus remained on actionable insights and the way forward for AI and DeepTech in Africa. Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, remarked, “The collaboration and insights shared over these three days underscore the tremendous opportunities ahead. AfriLabs is proud to partner with Intel in driving innovation and sustainable development across Africa.” Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison, emphasized that “Cultivating innovation in Africa demands strategic partnerships and community engagement. The Intel AI programme for African DeepTech Startups & Ecosystem Stakeholders in Kenya exemplifies our commitment to empowering local talent and driving sustainable technological advancement across the continent, especially in AI.” AfriLabs and Intel are committed to continuing their support for the African DeepTech and AI ecosystems, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development across the continent. About AfriLabs: AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer. For media inquiries, please contact pr@afrilabs.com & comms@afrilabs.com. For more information about AfriLabs and its programs, please visit www.afrilabs.com. For further details or inquiries, please contact Jonathan at jonathan@afrilabs.com.
RevUp Women by AfriLabs
RevUp Women by AfriLabs RevUp Women by AfriLabs empowers early-stage women-led African startups and SMEs to overcome unique challenges that hinder their growth and success. Deploying women-targeted tailored initiatives such as peer-to-peer learning and mentoring by female coaches, the initiative aligns with AfriLabs’ inclusion strategy and is funded by Visa Foundation. The pilot aims to provide capacity-building training and mentoring to 500 women business owners in 5 African countries, fund 10 women-owned businesses with $10,000 each, and build 5 mentoring networks across the continent Features Learn more.