The second edition of the DeepTech Summit (DTS) was successfully held at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, reaffirming the institution’s leadership in innovation across Africa. Themed “Redefining Progress: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming DeepTech Innovation,” the two-day event (May 8–9, 2025) drew over 5,500 attendees from 53 countries. The summit served as a vibrant hub for scientists, entrepreneurs, and students focused on applying frontier technologies to real-world challenges, particularly within African contexts.
DTS 2025 featured an impressive agenda with 66 sessions covering fields such as AI, climatetech, agritech, and quantum computing. More than 3,000 students engaged alongside 186 expert speakers, creating a dynamic space for knowledge-sharing, talent discovery, and cross-border collaboration. The event emphasized Africa’s growing role in the global scientific and innovation ecosystem, positioning the continent as a rising hub for transformative research and technological development.
One of the standout features of the summit was the launch of the inaugural DTS Prize, aimed at rewarding deep tech startups blending scientific excellence with societal impact. Over 300 entries poured in from across Africa and beyond, including countries like Morocco, Nigeria, India, and the USA—with 25% of the applications led by women founders. Winners included Tunisia’s Cure Bionics in Life Sciences, Sand to Green in the Green Economy, and Nyungu Afrika as the Most Promising African Startup. Each received $50,000 and exclusive access to UM6P’s innovation and investor ecosystem.
The summit also recognized Sawari Ventures for its role in funding science-driven startups across the continent. Yassine Laghzioui, Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P, underscored the importance of combining science with industry, talent, markets, and long-term investment. He stressed that meaningful change only occurs when scientific discovery aligns with practical implementation and capital support—principles that were deeply woven into DTS’s collaborative agenda.
Several key Memorandums of Understanding were signed between academic and industrial stakeholders, laying the groundwork for African-led technological advancement. By anchoring global deep tech dialogue in African realities, DTS 2025 showcased a vision of innovation rooted in local expertise but geared toward global impact. The summit marked a turning point for African science and technology leadership, signaling a new era of cooperative development driven by the continent’s own priorities and talent.
Source: Punch