Morocco and Israel certify the creation of an AI innovation centre
Following the signing of the November MoU between Morocco and Israel, the International University of Rabat (UIR) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are to establish a research centre on Moroccan soil, which will become the most important innovation centre in the region. The strategic initiative will strengthen bilateral partnership and cooperation in research related to innovation, the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the promotion of aeronautics.
Described as a significant milestone by the two parties, the establishment of the new research centre once again represents the good relations between the governments of Rabat and Tel-Aviv, which were strengthened following the signing of the Abraham Accords. In addition to fostering cutting-edge research in the aeronautical sector, the new centre will represent a strong commitment between the two states, and will have a transformative impact on the technological future. This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening ties and building on shared expertise on the solid foundation established by the Agreements. Together, Israel and Morocco are pursuing cutting-edge research and innovation, underscoring their shared commitment to maximise the potential of their new partnership for the good of both nations and the wider international community.
This programme will provide graduate students with new opportunities and strengthen their will to succeed in a cutthroat environment by offering a world-class education in specialised fields with a focus on science and technology. The Rabat Salé Kénitra University Cluster, a vibrant research and technology hub that houses a diverse pool of talent, state-of-the-art laboratories, specialised institutes and committed experts, will be beneficial to the UIR-IAI Centre of Excellence for Aeronautics and AI.
Amir Peretz, chairman of the IAI board and former Israeli Defence Minister, and Boaz Levy, CEO of the same company, were present at the signing of a memorandum of understanding as a follow-up to an agreement to that effect. The ceremony was attended by other high-profile officials, including Higher Education Minister Abdellatif Miraoui and IAI Board Chairman Amir Peretz. According to the statement, the centre's main mission is to promote cutting-edge research, innovation and knowledge transfer in the fields of aviation and artificial intelligence.
The International University of Rabat (UIR) and IAI have signed a MoU to establish a center of excellence focused on aeronautics, artificial intelligence research and innovation. pic.twitter.com/TyUVpDFL84
— Israel Aerospace Industries (@ILAerospaceIAI) May 23, 2023
In a statement, UIR president Noureddine Mouaddib said, "The Rabat Salé Kenitra University Cluster, a vibrant research and technology hub, home to all kinds of talent, laboratories, institutes, facilities and experts committed to harnessing collective intelligence and collaboration on emerging technologies and challenges, will certainly benefit the UIR-IAI Centre of Excellence in Aeronautics and AI."
The statement lists the creation of collaborative research projects, participation in calls for innovative project funding and the promotion of innovation among the Centre of Excellence's specific objectives. The centre also aims to promote networking with other participants in the civil aerospace ecosystem, organise incubation programmes and boot camps for start-ups in the industry, provide internships for students, and share resources and knowledge
The UIR research team and IAI aerospace specialists will hold workshops on Tuesday in addition to the signing ceremony, which will take place at the two institutions. The agreement aims to promote collaboration in applied research and innovation because it will act as a meeting point and forum for Moroccan and Israeli companies as well as research institutions to work together to develop cutting-edge products or creative approaches for the aerospace sector.
