AI in Motion Competition 2026: Maurisafe Drive Team from UOM Takes First Place
In support of the government's ambition to transform Mauritius into a modern, high-tech, and innovation-driven digital economy, the AI Unit has led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the FAIR Guidelines based on Fairness, Accountability, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Responsibility for the ethical development and use of AI. These initiatives were officially launched on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the J & J Auditorium in Phoenix, establishing a comprehensive framework to guide the ethical, transparent, and effective adoption of AI across the Republic.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Minister of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul; ministers; delegated ministers; Members of the National Assembly; and the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh, among other distinguished guests.
The logo and website of the AI Unit (https://aim.govmu.org/aim/) which will serve as a hub for governance, resources, and collaboration were also unveiled. The Regional AI Marketplace, hosted on the website, was presented to connect solution providers, startups, businesses, and public institutions, thereby accelerating the development, adoption, and deployment of AI-based solutions.
Co-designed and co-developed with contributions from key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society, the AI Strategy represents a significant milestone in Mauritius's digital transformation journey and underscores the country's commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable and inclusive growth.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul highlighted AI as a key catalyst for economic transformation, innovation, and competitiveness. He emphasized the government's strong commitment to accelerating Mauritius's transition to a smart, inclusive, and future-ready nation while ensuring that AI is deployed responsibly, ethically, and transparently. The importance of modernizing infrastructure and enhancing training and skill development in AI was also highlighted.
Emphasizing the need to foster an ecosystem conducive to AI development to tackle real community challenges and support local startups, he noted that the AI Strategy and FAIR Guidelines will play a crucial role in redefining how AI is developed and applied in the country. In this regard, he reassured that measures are being put in place to facilitate the registration of startups, protect the local AI industry, and unlock regional opportunities, particularly in the African market.
The Minister of ICT reiterated that a people-centered approach remains at the heart of the government's agenda, as indicated by the Digital Transformation Roadmap 2025–2029. Several key initiatives, such as the KOREK Super App serving as a one-stop-shop for government services and the AI for All booklet promoting inclusivity and the adoption of AI technologies, have been introduced.
Additionally, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul noted that the ministry has developed the Digital Interactive Virtual Assistant (DIVA), a government-led AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing the delivery of public services.
On the same occasion, the winners of the AI in Motion 2026 competition on the theme "Video Quest for Road Safety" were awarded. The competition, an initiative of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation in collaboration with the Mauritius Digital Promotion Agency and the Mauritius Film Development Corporation, was aimed at tertiary-level students.
The Maurisafe Drive team from the University of Mauritius (UOM) secured first place and received a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The second prize, amounting to Rs 40,000, was awarded to the Your Road Friend team, designed by UOM and Polytechnics Mauritius. The finalists included the Evolution team from Polytechnics Mauritius, the Pixel Drive team from the Academy of Design and Innovation, and the DriveWise team from Polytechnics Mauritius.
