Digital Innovation Lab - Al Akhawayn University

From Hackathon to Innovation Universe

The Hackathon Challenge

8 teams represented Africa in the prestigious Digital ID Hackathon, a collaboration between CMU Africa, Upanzi Network, and Al Akhawayn University. Our innovative solutions caught global attention.

ID4AFRICA 2025 AGM

Our presentation at ID4AFRICA 2025 Annual General Meeting showcased Morocco's potential in digital identity innovation and attracted international recognition.

Strategic Partnership

Professor Dr. Houda Chakiri, in collaboration with Upanzi Network and CMU Africa, secured funding to establish this cutting-edge digital innovation laboratory.

Lab Establishment

Today, the Digital Innovation Lab at Al Akhawayn University stands as a beacon of African digital innovation, ready to shape the future of technology.

Our Strategic Partners

CMU Africa

Carnegie Mellon University Africa brings world-class technological expertise and research excellence to our collaboration.

Upanzi Network

A network of digital innovation labs across Africa, connecting us to a continent-wide ecosystem of innovation and knowledge sharing.

Al Akhawayn University

Our home institution provides the academic foundation and student talent that drives our innovative research and development.

Innovation Dimensions

Digital Identity Solutions

Developing secure, scalable digital identity systems that protect privacy while enabling seamless digital interactions across Africa.

Blockchain & Security

Researching cutting-edge blockchain technologies and cybersecurity solutions tailored for African digital infrastructure needs.

Mobile-First Applications

Creating innovative mobile solutions that work seamlessly across different network conditions and device capabilities.

AI & Machine Learning

Applying artificial intelligence to solve unique African challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

Pan-African Collaboration

Building bridges between African universities and innovation hubs to share knowledge and accelerate digital transformation.

Student Innovation

Empowering the next generation of African technologists through hands-on research, hackathons, and real-world projects.

Connect With Our Universe

Lab Location

Digital Innovation Lab

Academic Area Building 5 Lab

Al Akhawayn University

Ifrane, Morocco

Laboratory Lead

Professor Dr. Houda Chakiri

Lab Director & Principal Investigator

Al Akhawayn University

Research Excellence Lead

Global Collaborations

Upanzi Network Partnership

CMU Africa Collaboration

ID4AFRICA Community Member

Pan-African Innovation Hub