Three Startup Founders Join Scientific Diaspora Council
The High Council for the National Scientific Community Abroad convened its inaugural meeting in Algiers, bringing together Algerian scientific experts from Europe, America, and Asia. Chaired by Professor Elyas Zerhouni, the national coordinator, the gathering at the El Aurassi hotel marked a significant step following the Council's establishment on September 7. The primary mission of the Council is to mobilize Algerian scientific, technical, and technological expertise from abroad and align it with the country's specific needs.
A key development during this initial session was the integration of three Algerian startup leaders residing abroad as new members. These include Fayçal Djeridane, founder and president of Olea Medical, a company specializing in advanced medical imaging software driven by artificial intelligence for clinical diagnostics. Also joining are Nourredine Tayebi, co-founder of the Yassir application, and Riyad Hertani, co-founder of Xona Partners, an international consulting firm advising governments and multinational corporations on digital transformation, AI, and smart city development. These new members augment the Council's composition, which includes 30 Algerian scientific experts and six representatives from various ministries.
During the meeting, Professor Zerhouni affirmed that the Council's efforts would concentrate on vital national priorities. These strategic areas include food security, water security, and industrial security, alongside broader issues concerning the national economy. This focus underscores the Council's commitment to directly contributing to Algeria's strategic development through the leverage of its global scientific diaspora.
Looking ahead, the Council's activities are structured into two distinct phases. The initial phase, projected to last approximately four months, will be dedicated to the Council's structuring and the expansion of its global network. This will be followed by a second phase, spanning around twelve months, which will see the launch of the first collaborative programs with relevant national sectors, translating the Council's strategic vision into concrete initiatives.
