The second edition of Tech Fest, organized by OneCloud, took place on September 30 in Bouskoura, Morocco. The event centered around cloud sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Discussions revolved around the conditions necessary for companies to transition from experimentation to industrial-scale usage. These conditions include governance, data quality, cost control, security, and evolutive infrastructure. The event aimed to match existing technological capabilities with the needs of companies handling sensitive information and systems.
The debate on artificial intelligence has evolved significantly. Initially focused on developing models and computing power, the conversation now shifts to integrating AI into business processes. This change in perspective was a key theme of the second Tech Fest edition. Samir Falaki, OneCloud's general director, emphasized this shift in his opening speech, highlighting the event's focus on concrete achievements. The event was structured around cloud sovereignty, AI, and cybersecurity, with the goal of confronting existing technological capacities with business needs.
A panel discussion on digital transformation challenges brought together industry experts, including Samir Falaki, Amina Bensouda, Mehdi Barrakad, and Laurent Chapouloaud. The panelists agreed that the main challenge is no longer developing large AI models but rather integrating AI into companies efficiently, securely, and economically. They discussed the transition from training large models to "inference," or using them in practical applications. Potential uses include automation, predictive maintenance, and document processing.
To industrialize AI, several prerequisites were identified, including clear governance, exploitable data, scalable infrastructure, adapted security, and identifiable return on investment. The panelists stressed that having models, GPUs, and cloud capabilities is not enough. Companies must also redefine processes, involve stakeholders, and establish project responsibilities. The deployment of technology does not automatically lead to productivity gains.
Data quality and organization played a significant role in the discussions. The event highlighted the importance of data in driving business transformation. Companies must prioritize data management to unlock the full potential of AI and cloud technologies. This involves establishing robust data governance and ensuring data quality.
The second edition of Tech Fest demonstrated the growing interest in cloud sovereignty and AI in Morocco. The event provided a platform for industry experts to share insights and experiences. It also underscored the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive innovation and growth in the region.
Key takeaways from the event include the need for a clear strategy for AI adoption, the importance of data quality, and the requirement for scalable infrastructure. As Morocco continues to develop its technological capabilities, events like Tech Fest will play a crucial role in shaping the country's digital future.
Key points
- Cloud sovereignty and AI are critical components of Morocco's digital transformation.
- The event highlighted the need for clear governance, data quality, and scalable infrastructure to industrialize AI.
- Tech Fest 2026 provided a platform for industry experts to share insights and experiences on cloud sovereignty and AI in Morocco.
