Cairo: The Electronics Research Institute (ERI) on Saturday, September 19, 2026, hosted the 'ELEVATE' Open Innovation Forum as part of a strategic partnership between the institute and Advanced Knowledge Lab (Akn), focusing on how innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation can be harnessed to develop solutions to real-world challenges and better align scientific research and education with community and labor market needs.
According to State Information Service Egypt, ERI Head Sherine Mohamed Abdel Kader Moharam emphasized the importance of transforming scientific research outputs into solutions and applications with economic and social value. She highlighted the need for strengthened cooperation among research centers, universities, businesses, and startups to create a conducive environment for innovation. The institute aims to leverage its research and technological capabilities, along with the expertise of its researchers, to turn promising ideas and technologies into viable, scalable applications.
The forum explored turning challenges facing various sectors into opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the connection between universities, research centers, the technology sector, and the needs of institutions, communities, and markets. Discussions included the role of artificial intelligence, digital government, and digital transformation in developing practical technological solutions.
Khaled Negm, adviser to the Minister of Communications for digital governance, underscored the importance of developing educational curricula that align with labor market needs and technological and economic changes. He advocated for linking education to real-world challenges to help students develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills, encouraging them to create solutions and projects that address community needs.
The forum highlighted the significance of turning discussed challenges and ideas into practical initiatives and projects. It emphasized building sustainable partnerships that link education, scientific research, technology, and entrepreneurship, supporting the transition of innovations from ideas to implementation, and delivering tangible economic and social impact.