cmr-ai/Goal

Project goal : Building the AI ecosystem for CAMEROON # Goal Project goal Building the AI ecosystem for CAMEROON. We connect students, teachers, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and other key stakeholders. Their active collaboration, support of world class fundamental and applied research will allow for new and enhanced products and services in the area of artificial intelligence. We build a communication platform that will present AI to the general public as a disruptive, promising and critical component of future Cameroon economy and promote Cameroon abroad as a perfect place to study, do research and business. Why? Strong AI ecosystem will make it easier to attract AI talent from around the world. With AI, we will kick-start economic growth based on high value-added products and services. How? We will work with government, municipalities and the public sector to explain the necessity of the change, making AI transformation a priority. We will create a transparent environment for cooperation, organise events and promote results to inspire others. Reverting brain drain. We want to incentivize young generation of AI researchers to stay in academia in Cameroon. Why? In order to prevent depletion of the universities' intellectual potential and capability to create AI talent, the growth of AI job opportunities and salaries needs to be balanced between the corporates, startups and universities. Unlike corporates and startups, the university salaries are less dependent on economic growth of the region. The best AI scientists are leaving computer science departments even at best universities. It is expected that salary-focused funding boost can slow down or even revert this process. How? We will call for a selection of 10-20 excellent AI scientists (cmr.ai Fellows) working at cmr.ai member institution and provide them with a contribution to their existing salaries in order to incentivize them to stay in the academic environment. Attracting AI researchers. We will fund 5-10 research positions for excellent incoming …