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Tag: Innovation

  • 2024 AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi Highlights Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Technology

    Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8th May, 2024: The 2024 AIM Congress, world’s leading investment platform, commenced at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) with a series of dynamic sessions under the Innovation and Technology Track, SMEs Track – Entrepreneurs Investment Summit, and Future Finance Forum Track. Over three days, from May 7th to May 9th, the AIM Congress brought together visionaries and experts to explore cutting-edge developments and foster collaboration in key sectors.

    Innovation and Technology Track

    The Innovation Track at the 2024 AIM Congress brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in driving economic growth and sustainability. The track featured engaging discussions on topics ranging from IoT and digitalization to AI systems and sustainable urban development.

    Moderated by Glen Gillmore, the sessions delved into the critical role of data-driven decision-making in shaping future industries. Speakers such as Catalina Valentino of ELIXR and Charles Austen Angell of Modern Edge Inc emphasized the importance of leveraging digital twins and AI integration to optimize operations and enhance productivity. They highlighted how advancements in AI and IoT are revolutionizing industries, making cities smarter, and creating safer and more sustainable environments.

    Martin Yates from Presight G42 underscored the importance of trustworthy data in AI applications, emphasizing the need for robust data management practices and regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment. Steve Nouri of Generative AI emphasized the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving AI innovation, advocating for a collective approach to harnessing the potential of AI for societal benefit.

    The Innovation Track also explored the challenges and opportunities in adopting innovative technologies for sustainable development. Panelists discussed the need for holistic approaches to urban planning and development, integrating digital solutions with environmental sustainability goals. Lilly Lau, founder of DESMO, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in IoT environments, stressing the need for robust security measures to protect data and ensure user privacy.

    Overall, the Innovation Track provided valuable insights into the transformative potential of emerging technologies in driving economic transformation and fostering sustainable development. As industries continue to embrace digitalization and AI, collaboration, responsible innovation, and ethical considerations will be key to realizing the full potential of technology in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future.

    “The best place is in digital twins. Building cities advances in AI. Making the environment safer is difficult due to the data; recognizing accurate data is crucial,” said Catalina Valentino, CEO of ELIXR.

    “AI is not a replacement of intelligence; AI is a supplement to the brains we have. We have to think of reinforcing growth. Thinking about everybody is important,” said Charles Austen Angell, CEO of Modern Edge Inc.

     

    SMEs Track – Entrepreneurship Investment Summit

    The SMEs Track at the 2024 AIM Congress convened entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts to explore strategies for fostering entrepreneurship, promoting economic growth, and overcoming challenges in the SME sector. Under the guidance of moderator Reinhold Von Sternberg, the sessions provided valuable insights into various aspects of SME development, investment, and innovation.

    Panelists such as Christian Purstinger of Terraplasma Medical and Karima Catherine of BeBeeMatch shared their experiences and expertise, highlighting the importance of supply chain resilience, digitalization, and customer retention for SME success. They emphasized the need for collaboration, adaptability, and innovation in navigating disruptions and seizing opportunities in dynamic market environments.

    The discussions also addressed the role of government policies and international cooperation in supporting SMEs, particularly in emerging economies. Dr. Assia Ben Saad of AMDIE and Ibraev Danil of the Kyrgyz Union of Industry and Entrepreneurship emphasized the importance of fostering an enabling environment for SMEs through supportive regulatory frameworks, access to finance, and capacity-building initiatives.

    Furthermore, the sessions explored the potential of alternative lending platforms, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, in addressing the financing needs of SMEs. Panelists discussed the advantages of P2P lending in providing faster access to capital, especially for micro SMEs, and the importance of risk management and regulatory oversight in ensuring the stability and integrity of these platforms.

    Overall, the SMEs Track provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions for supporting SME growth and resilience. As SMEs continue to play a vital role in driving economic development and job creation globally, fostering an ecosystem that enables their success will be crucial for building more inclusive and sustainable economies.

    “SMEs are the backbone of the government. Delivery and e-commerce are using AI. They are having issues like delivery issues. Interactive-based technology. Excess management system is important,” said Thami Zondi, Economic and Development and Investment Expert, RSA

    “99 countries, 160 subsectors. How to bring more opportunity for SMEs is the main aim. 95 to 99% of the economy of the country they don’t have economy and have financial problems. Chatbots are extremely important in customer communications and retention, and so is Google,” said Karima Catherine, Founder CEO of BEBEEMATCH, Canada Advocate

    Future Finance Forum Track

    The Future Finance Forum Track at the 2024 AIM Congress brought together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to explore the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of finance. Through engaging discussions and fireside chats, participants delved into key trends, challenges, and opportunities reshaping the financial landscape.

    One of the focal points of the track was cybersecurity, with renowned keynote speaker Edgar Perez leading a fireside chat on enhancing cybersecurity in financial systems. Perez emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in fraud detection and prevention, highlighting the power of AI technologies like ChatGPT in safeguarding financial institutions against cyber threats. The session also addressed the implications of deepfakes and the importance of responsible technology use in preserving privacy and security.

    Another highlight of the track was a fireside chat featuring Peter Tavaner, co-founder of Beehive, who provided insights into the comparative analysis of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending and traditional banking. Tavaner underscored the benefits of P2P lending, such as quicker access to funds and tailored financial solutions for SMEs, while also addressing common misconceptions about risk and security in P2P lending platforms.

    Additionally, sessions focused on the evolving role of AI and digital technologies in auditing and accounting. Speakers such as Prasanna, CEO of Blockstack, and Bernhard Schatz from PwC discussed the impact of AI on job security, efficiency, and data accuracy in the accounting profession. They emphasized the need for continuous training and adoption of technology to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

    Overall, the Future Finance Forum Track provided a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between finance and technology, highlighting the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and adaptation in the digital age. As financial institutions navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world, embracing technological advancements will be key to driving efficiency, security, and resilience in the financial sector.

    The 2024 AIM Congress continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial transformation. As discussions evolve and partnerships deepen, the Congress remains committed to driving sustainable growth and shaping the future of global industries.

     

  • Ghana’s Newest University is Putting West Africa at Forefront of the Digital Revolution

    Ghana’s Newest University is Putting West Africa at Forefront of the Digital Revolution

    The newly reformed institution is envisioned to become the premier technology institution in West Africa for equipping students and educators in the technology space
    ACCRA, Ghana, December 2, 2022/ — As part of a national drive to put Ghana at the forefront of the digital revolution in Africa, the former Ghana Technology University College has been granted university status and reformed to become the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) (https://site.GCTU.edu.gh); The newly reformed institution is envisioned to become the premier technology institution in West Africa for equipping students and educators in the technology space; GCTU is creating an entrepreneurial environment to support innovation and product development, and to foster industry linkages.
    Internationalization is key to the future path of the university, students from across West Africa will attend the institution while partnerships will be formed with international partners; The overall goal is to ensure African students are not left behind the curve in the digital revolution.

    AfricaLive.net (https://AfricaLive.net) spoke to GCTU vice-chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa on what this newly reformed institution means for Ghana and their plans going forward.

    AfricaLive: 2021 was a landmark year for your institution. Please can you provide a summary of your recent developments and the importance of them for your institution and higher education in Ghana?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: 2021 saw us achieve a milestone indeed. We used to be known as the Ghana Technology University College and were being run as a quasi-private university. Back in August 2020, we saw the Parliament of Ghana passing the Ghana Communication Technology Bill 2020. It was soon after ratified by President Nana Akufo-Addo into an Act of Parliament. The act mandates us to be a fully-fledged public university.

    When the bill was constructed, we were identified and mandated with becoming a viable center of higher education in information and communication technology.

    We were required to perform research with the following objectives in mind; promote education training and capacity building in academic disciplines related to ICT, provide global consultancy services to both the private sector and the public sector, promote basic and applied research in the area of ICT, create an entrepreneurial environment to support innovation, product development, as well as, foster industry linkages. It’s upon us now to structure ourselves in a way that makes it possible for us to carry out the mandate we have been given.

    In 2021, we saw the constitution and inauguration of the new governing council for the new Ghana technology institution. The government council was opened in September to help govern the university to ensure we execute our mandate exhaustively. They needed a substantive vice-chancellor for the newly formed Ghana Communication Technology University.

    I was interviewed for the role and have now been installed as the VC in the institution’s new format. We are now fully focused on aggregating our strengths and experiences in training and research for students in the area of ICT. We must ensure we train the human resource base for the digitised transformation agenda in Ghana. We aim to become the go-to first-class ICT university in the West-African sub-region.

    We are moving swiftly to upgrade the infrastructure in the institution to help us achieve our mandate. We wanted to create a viable ICT center but were not in a financial position to match our ambition. We consulted with the Ghana National Petroleum Cooperation (GNPC) (https://www.GNPCGhana.com) and they asked us to submit a proposal for the construction of the ICT center.

    We have an agreement now that will see them construct a four-story block that will house our ICT center of excellence. The building will house departments that will specialise in several disciplines such as cyber security, Artificial intelligence, robotics, and other labs. This will strengthen our ability to deliver competencies that will position our students to compete while also matching our ambition of being the best ICT institution in West Africa.

    It’s not just about bringing in new materials and technologies but also upgrading the quality of our staff. We are working on bringing in qualified people in the emerging technologies of interest so that they can prepare students adequately. We want staff who specialise in areas like information technology, computer science, computer engineering, and AI.

    AfricaLive: What do you believe Ghana can offer to the world and how confident are you in the future of Ghana Communication Technology University?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: I am very confident that as an institution, we are going to achieve all that we have set for ourselves, especially the objective of becoming a premier technology university in West Africa. The most important one is becoming a fully-fledged public university within the next few weeks.

    We have signed an agreement with Advanced AT in London to come and train our faculty on the world’s best practises of teaching and research. In March, the first training called Master Class will be enrolled, for our lecturers. We see ourselves becoming one of the world’s best institutions when it comes to technological training.

    AfricaLive: What current trends within the sector are going to influence the future of African education and how can African education institutions remain globally relevant in this time of fast changes?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: We are not restricting ourselves to the four corners of the lecture room; we are embedding technology in everything that we do. The fact that you can take classes from work or home is evidence of that. Government intervention is also essential in making life much easier for education providers. An enabling environment will enable educators to provide quality education for the human resource base that they want to train.

    Short courses for employees in tech industries are provided much to the delight of employers. It is up to those employees to make themselves available for classes or risk being redundant. We must ensure that we can educate our workforce by introducing them to continuous training and allowing them to attend short courses.

    AfricaLive: What steps should be taken to engage with industry on the future of work and action plans are you working on?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: We’ve signed several agreements with industries that will bring us closer together. The pacts signed will see to it that we no longer work in silos and that they share their technology, human resource needs, and research gaps with us. Our students could then research to solve the issues of the industries. This knowledge will help our students hone their research skills and build a more extensive knowledge base for our country and continent.

    We also have a prestigious lecture series regularly where we bring some of our industry partners to our institution to speak on issues that are topical in the industry.

    AfricaLive: How can the agricultural sector benefit from your research, and what flagship projects have you launched that will help?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: Under the Computer Science Programme, we have some projects that are helping farmers to identify some of the diseases that harm crops in different parts of Ghana. We are putting together a new proposal for funding to come up with new technology that will help the government identify the kind of diseases that set farmers back and hurt our food security. Research results will advise on the type of pesticides to buy for different crop diseases to avoid a one fits all approach.

    AfricaLive: What does it take for research like this to become a reality?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: Before conducting productive research, you need funds. If the University cannot provide you with the kind of funds that you need, then the team must put together an excellent proposal to seek funding.

    AfricaLive: What institutions beyond your borders are you looking to work within Africa?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: We want to work with some institutions in Nigeria, and are also establishing contact with some universities in South Africa and Kenya. We would also like to have a partnership with many more countries to ensure that we promote our area of specialisation.

    AfricaLive:  In response to environmental and sustainability challenges the identity of many African universities is evolving. How do you see your identity changing in this regard?

    Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa: We have taken into consideration sustainability issues in our delivery especially with the pandemic still around. We are not limited to lecture halls anymore because we have adopted the blended learning approach. We will execute 60 percent digital learning and 40 percent in-person. A lot of the documentation and processes will also be paperless and that will serve to reduce our carbon footprint. This will be big for us because it will help us shape our identity. Our focus is to be a student-centered university with academic freedom, innovation, and integrity. We want to evolve as an ICT institution, taking into consideration our new mandate.

    We are trying to restructure our university by following these steps. Recreate the institution as a collegiate university which will replace the faculty system. We will have the College of Computing Systems and Technology, College of Communication Engineering, and the College of Business. Each of these colleges will have faculties that will help them execute in various areas. 80 percent of the programs will be in ICT.

    Under the College of Computing Systems and Technology, we will have the Faculty of Cyber Defence and Security, Faculty of Computing, Faculty of Information Systems and Technology, Faculty of Multimedia and Communication Systems. We want to redefine our identity as an ICT university in Ghana, while also serving the entire West African subregion. With this identity, we will be known as a world-class ICT university because our programs will be unique to us in West Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ghana Communication Technology University.

    SOURCE
    Ghana Communication Technology University