Structuring the AI Sector in the Mediterranean

In a worldwide context in which AI is emerging as a driver of economic and societal transformation, the countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean are expressing a growing need for building the capacities of actors; accessing expertise; and strengthening the links between research, entrepreneurship and innovation.

The “Structuring the AI Sector in the Mediterranean” project supports the emergence of a dynamic Mediterranean ecosystem in artificial intelligence. It is financed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) via the Team France Fund+ (FEF+) and implemented by Expertise France.

The project is seeking to make AI a lever for economic growth, technological transformation, and societal impact, based on a network of committed actors from the private sector, academia, and public institutions.

This goal includes four specific objectives:

1. Structure and strengthen an entrepreneurial ecosystem dedicated to AI in the Mediterranean, by improving the capacities of support structures, and by facilitating start-ups’ access to strategic resources and financing, with special attention paid to women-led start-ups.
2. Accelerate the transformation of AI innovations into viable entrepreneurial solutions, by building bridges between applied research and business and supporting high-potential deep-tech start-ups.
3. Promote a dynamic process of regional and international cooperation, by facilitating exchanges between start-ups, researchers, investors, and decision-makers, and by setting up collaborative frameworks based on AI issues in the region.
4. Strengthen the visibility and competitiveness of Mediterranean AI actors on the international stage, by supporting the upskilling of talent and positioning the region as a key player in responsible AI innovation.

Enhancing support structures

Analysing the needs of support structures and boosting their artificial intelligence skills through targeted training, coaching, and a community of practice, including a study visit to France

Supporting high-potential AI start-ups

Supporting a cohort of start-ups specialised in AI, via strategic mentoring; access to a catalogue of high-level AI expertise; and the infrastructure, data, and services needed to accelerate their development and enhance applied research

Structuring cooperation and regional visibility

Establishing and coordinating theme-based working groups; organising two editions of the Mediterranean AI Forum to promote co-creation, networking and regional visibility; and producing a strategic reference report on AI in the Mediterranean

By bringing together the ecosystems of Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia, the project is helping to build a common Mediterranean vision of AI, focused on collaboration, skills development, and innovation to address economic and societal issues. The project mobilises a set of committed regional actors from the private sector, academia, and public institutions. It is based on key values such as diversity, inclusiveness, responsibility, trust, collective intelligence, and social justice.