Microsoft has marked a significant milestone in its African expansion with the launch of the Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI) in Nairobi. The institute, housed at the African Development Centre (ADC) offices in Dunhill Towers, is the company's first research facility on the continent.
According to Jaime Teevan, Chief Scientist for Microsoft, 'digital technology is transforming work, and deep scientific innovation is required to enable productive and sustainable futures for everyone.'
The MARI will focus on cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Systems, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The institute aims to forge new synergies between research, engineering, and product development to drive globally relevant innovation.
Dr. Jacki O'Neill, the founding director of MARI, emphasized Kenya's leadership in the transformation of work, stating, 'At MARI our mission is to understand, build and deploy innovative cloud and AI technologies which not only address core opportunities in Africa and help solve local challenges at scale, but which also contribute to creating a more productive future of work, health and society globally.'
The MARI has already assembled a multidisciplinary team of researchers, designers, data scientists, and software engineers. The team has completed its first scientific project on the digital transformation of African small and medium-sized businesses and is set to release its findings.
Looking ahead, the institute is working on several projects, including Swahili and Sheng language technology, exploring how AI can extend healthcare beyond the clinic, and technology innovation to support digital transformation in the Covid era.
As part of its initiatives, MARI has awarded three PhD fellowships to African university students who will intern at the institute in 2022. The institute will also offer a visiting researcher program, summer schools, and a venue for student projects.
Notably, the new ADC offices will also house the Microsoft Garage, a freeform workspace where Microsoft employees, interns, schools, and community groups can find the tools and training they need to launch products and learn skills.
