BRAIN Deeptech Roundtable Ignites Innovation in Africa Charting a Vision for Deeptech Prosperity with Global Thought Leaders The BRAIN Deeptech Pan-African Thought Leadership Roundtable concluded on the 10th of October 2023, marking both the event's wrap-up and the start of an exciting journey in the world of Deeptech. Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Tunisia, this gathering brought together visionaries, innovators, and change-makers from various countries, uniting for a common purpose.
With 40 enthusiastic delegates actively participating, this event set the stage for a Pan-African dialogue on Deeptech practices, challenges, and policies. Partnering with Open Startup, a leading MEA innovation facilitator, and the renowned Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, the BRAIN Roundtable featured inspiring workshops led by the distinguished MIT team. These sessions delved deep into turning groundbreaking ideas into thriving startup ventures.
Eager to foster an environment where science and technology flourish, the event witnessed active participation from 40 delegates representing not just Africa but also Europe and the United States. The collaboration was a testament to the event's primary objective: to ignite a Pan-African dialogue on Deeptech practices, challenges, and policies.
Held in partnership with Open Startup, an organization dedicated to fostering innovation in the MEA region, and the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, a renowned institution at the forefront of research and innovation, the BRAIN Roundtable featured thought-provoking workshops led by the distinguished MIT team and African deeptech ecosystem players. These sessions delved deep into transforming innovative ideas into concrete startup ventures. "Dedicating the Legatum Center's expertise and resources to the BRAIN Deeptech Roundtable reflects our commitment to catalyzing innovation-driven entrepreneurship across Africa. We believe that by uniting varying stakeholders, we can foster a dynamic ecosystem that propels Deeptech innovation. Our role is to not just educate, but to inspire, to not merely discuss but to drive action, and to not only envision but to realize a thriving Deeptech landscape that will impact lives across the African continent”, said Dina Sherif, the Executive Director of the Legatum Center at MIT.
In a dynamic exchange of ideas, participants explored the essential roles of entrepreneurs, universities, governments, corporate entities, investors, and support structures in nurturing thriving Deeptech ecosystems. The BRAIN Roundtable stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and innovation to drive meaningful change.
The pinnacle of the event was the collaborative effort to develop a comprehensive white paper on Deeptech in Africa, led by MIT. This initiative aims to consolidate successful innovative practices in the region and foster cross-national learning and exchange. Reflecting on the significance of the white paper, Dina Sherif said, "Our commitment to the future of Deeptech in Africa extends beyond the confines of this roundtable. The white paper, which is built upon the voices of the participants of the round table, will serve as an invaluable resource for the entire ecosystem. It captures the collective wisdom, innovative approaches, and transformative ideas that have illuminated our discussions. The release of the white paper will mark what we hope to be the beginning of a new era for innovation across Africa that provides space for deep tech innovation to thrive. It stands as a testament to our vision for the future, a future shaped by the boundless potential of technology to enable sustainable prosperity".
The BRAIN Deeptech Pan-African Thought Leadership Roundtable co-created with the Legatum Center at MIT, was made possible by valued partners, including Digital Africa, AfricaGrow, the U.S. Embassy Tunis, IFC - International Finance Corporation, MIT Executive MBA Program, MIT Africa, AfricInvest Group, and InstaDeep. Their support has been invaluable in bringing this event to life.
As the event concludes participants and partners express their immense pleasure in gathering in Tunisia to drive the Deeptech vision forward for Africa. The BRAIN Roundtable leaves a lasting impression, setting the stage for innovative developments in the field. For more information, stay tuned for the release of the collaborative white paper on Deeptech in Africa, encapsulating the insights and perspectives shared during this insightful gathering.