#SMIA Mentorship Program

We are proud to announce the official launch of the SMIA Mentorship Program, an initiative designed to connect students and early-career researchers with established AI experts in Morocco. This ambitious program aims to build bridges between generations of researchers and accelerate the development of Moroccan AI talent. Backed by our academic and industry partners, it represents a key milestone in SMIA's mission to build a competitive and inclusive AI ecosystem in Morocco.

#Why a Mentorship Program?

Mentorship is a powerful driver of professional and academic growth. In artificial intelligence, where knowledge evolves rapidly, guidance from an experienced researcher or professional can make a significant difference in a young talent's career. In Morocco, where the AI ecosystem is emerging, mentorship enables the transfer of know-how and helps young researchers avoid reinventing the wheel. It also strengthens ties between academia and industry by exposing mentees to real-world challenges and market expectations.

Beyond technical skill transfer, mentorship provides a space for reflection on career choices, research directions, and publication strategies. Mentees benefit from an informed outside perspective that helps them navigate common pitfalls and identify the most promising opportunities. For mentors, it is a chance to give back to the community, develop their coaching skills, and stay connected to the fresh approaches that early-career researchers bring. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens the entire ecosystem.

#Program Objectives

Our mentorship program pursues several complementary objectives:

Support the Next Generation: Offer students and young researchers a structured framework to develop their AI skills, benefit from personalized advice, and expand their professional network. Each mentee receives guidance tailored to their level and aspirations, whether they are preparing for a PhD, publishing their first paper, or launching a tech startup.

Foster Knowledge Transfer: Allow established researchers to share their expertise with the new generation, creating a virtuous cycle of learning and innovation. This bidirectional transfer also benefits mentors who stay connected to fresh perspectives and emerging approaches that younger researchers bring to the table.

Strengthen the Moroccan AI Ecosystem: By connecting emerging talents with established experts, we contribute to building a strong, united AI community in Morocco capable of competing with top international research centers. In the long term, we aim to create an alumni network of former mentees who will themselves become mentors, perpetuating a virtuous cycle of knowledge transmission and collaboration.

#How Does It Work?

The program is built on four pillars:

1. Personalized Matching: Each mentee is paired with a mentor whose expertise matches their research interests and career goals. A matching algorithm considers specialization areas, working languages, and availability. We also organize an initial meet-and-greet session to validate the pair's compatibility before formal commitment.

2. Regular Sessions: Online or in-person meetings are organized every two weeks to review progress and discuss challenges. Each session is documented to ensure effective tracking. Pairs are free to schedule additional sessions according to their specific needs and availability.

3. Group Workshops: Monthly group sessions address cross-cutting themes such as scientific writing, funding research, conference preparation, and career development. These workshops also allow mentees from different pairs to interact and build valuable connections with their peers across the program.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: A tracking system enables regular progress assessment and program adjustments. Satisfaction surveys are conducted at each stage to ensure quality. A steering committee meets quarterly to analyze feedback and evolve the program based on real participant experiences.

#Who Can Participate?

Mentors: Established researchers, university professors, industry professionals with 5+ years of AI experience. Mentors commit approximately 2 hours per month. We are seeking diverse profiles covering the full spectrum of AI subfields: deep learning, NLP, computer vision, robotics, AI ethics, and beyond.

Mentees: Master's or PhD students, early-career researchers, professionals transitioning into AI. Candidates are selected based on their application and motivation. We especially encourage applications from women and candidates outside major urban centers, to promote diversity and inclusion in the Moroccan AI ecosystem.

#Timeline and Commitment

The first cohort will run for six months, from September 2026 to February 2027. During this period, each pair is expected to complete at least 12 individual sessions and 6 group workshops. A closing ceremony will be held to celebrate each participant's achievements. Upon completion, mentees receive an SMIA participation certificate, and standout pairs will be featured in our newsletter and social media channels.

#Join Us!

Registrations for the first cohort are open. Whether you wish to become a mentor or mentee, fill out our online registration form and be part of this collective adventure to advance AI in Morocco. Together, let's build tomorrow's talent. The application deadline is August 31, 2026. For any questions, reach out to us at mentorship@smia.ma — our team will be happy to help.