The second edition of the DeepTech Summit (DTS), hosted by the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, from May 8-9, 2025, served as a resounding testament to Africa’s burgeoning role in the global landscape of science and innovation. Under the theme “Redefining Progress: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming DeepTech Innovation,” the summit attracted over 5,500 participants from 53 countries, creating a vibrant hub for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, fostering collaborations, and showcasing the continent’s potential to drive technological advancements. With over 3,000 students and 186 expert speakers engaging in 66 sessions covering a wide array of cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence, climate technology, agricultural technology, and quantum computing, the summit highlighted the depth and breadth of Africa’s scientific endeavors. The event not only fostered connections between researchers, investors, and industry leaders but also provided a platform for recognizing and nurturing emerging talent, particularly within the African startup ecosystem.
The DTS 2025 underscored the critical importance of translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible real-world solutions. This emphasis on practical application was exemplified by the inaugural DTS Prize, a competition designed to celebrate startups that effectively combine scientific excellence with impactful solutions. The competition attracted over 300 applications from a diverse range of countries, including Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, India, France, and the USA, with a notable 25% of the submissions originating from female founders. This strong representation of female entrepreneurs highlighted the growing inclusivity within the DeepTech space and the increasing recognition of the crucial role women play in driving innovation. The DTS Prize winners, Cure Bionics (Tunisia) for Best DeepTech Startup in Life Sciences, Sand to Green for the Green Economy category, and Nyungu Afrika as the Most Promising African Startup, each received $50,000 and invaluable access to UM6P’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure and expansive investor network. This support is crucial for scaling their impactful solutions and contributing to the continent’s technological advancement.
The recognition of Sawari Ventures for their significant contributions to supporting transformative science ventures across Africa further emphasized the importance of investment in nurturing the continent’s DeepTech ecosystem. This acknowledgment underscores the pivotal role of venture capital in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and commercialization, enabling startups to translate their innovative ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses. The summit’s focus on African-led solutions, combined with the recognition of both emerging startups and established investors, paints a picture of a continent poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of technology.
Yassine Laghzioui, UM6P’s Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing, captured the essence of the summit’s mission by emphasizing the vital connection between scientific progress and its practical application. His statement, “Scientific advances transform the world only when they intersect with industry, talent, markets, and patient capital,” underscores the importance of a holistic approach to innovation. The DTS 2025 served as a powerful demonstration of this principle, bringing together the key ingredients necessary to translate scientific discoveries into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. The event fostered a collaborative environment where researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders could connect, share ideas, and forge partnerships, creating a fertile ground for innovation to thrive.
The numerous academic and industrial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the summit further solidified the foundation for African-led technological co-development. These agreements represent a significant step towards fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing between institutions and industries, paving the way for joint research projects, technology transfer, and the development of innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the African continent. The emphasis on collaborative partnerships reflects a growing understanding that addressing complex global challenges requires a collective effort, leveraging the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders.
In conclusion, the DeepTech Summit 2025, hosted by UM6P, marked a significant milestone in positioning Africa as a global hub for DeepTech innovation. The summit’s focus on African-led solutions, the recognition of promising startups, the emphasis on collaboration between academia and industry, and the significant participation from across the globe all contributed to a powerful message: Africa is not just a consumer of technology but a vital contributor to its development. The event served as a catalyst for future collaborations, laying the groundwork for a new era of technological advancement driven by African ingenuity and fueled by global partnerships. The success of the summit signifies a shift in the global DeepTech landscape, with Africa firmly establishing itself as a key player in shaping the future of technology and innovation.
