Tatouine, a remote desert town in southern Tunisia, is perhaps best known as the fictional home planet of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga. Yet, for Karim Beguir, it was the launchpad for a journey that would take him from the Sahara to the global stage of artificial intelligence. Today, the town’s name is synonymous with ambition and innovation as Beguir’s AI startup, InstaDeep, has unveiled “Project Tatooine.”
A collaborative effort with digital skills training center GoMyCode, the project aims to establish 20 digital schools across Tunisia, cultivating 10,000 young minds in AI, Data Science, Machine Learning and other digital skills over the next three years.
The initiative will focus on regions often overlooked for technological development, including Ettahrir, Zaghouan, Siliana, Béjà, Jendouba, El Kef, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan, Gafsa, Monastir, Hammam Sousse, Ourdenin, Mednine, Zarziz, Djerba, Ben Guerdene, Tataouine, Kebili, and Tozeur. Beyond classroom learning, GoMyCode will offer 4,000 internships, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
“Project Tatooine” is more than just an educational endeavor. It’s a strategic move to position Tunisia as a regional tech hub. By investing in human capital, InstaDeep and GoMyCode hope to stimulate innovation and create a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Beguir’s journey is a testament to Tunisia’s potential. From humble beginnings in Tatouine, he co-founded InstaDeep with Zohra Slim in 2014. With a focus on AI, the startup has rapidly expanded, establishing offices across the globe and attracting investments from industry giants like BioNTech.
In a stunning deal valued at over €500 million, BioNTech acquired InstaDeep in July 2023, a culmination of years of collaboration and mutual investment. This acquisition underscores the company’s rapid growth and its position as a global leader in AI.
As InstaDeep ascends to new heights, its founders remain committed to their roots. “Project Tatooine” represents a full-circle moment, giving back to the community that nurtured their dreams. It’s a bet on Tunisia’s youth, a belief that talent can flourish even in the most unexpected places.
Whether Tatouine will become the next Silicon Valley remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the desert town has already left its mark on the world of artificial intelligence.
Project Tatooine’s Impact
Project Tatooine has the potential to significantly impact Tunisia’s tech sector. By training 10,000 young people in AI and digital skills, the project could help to create a new generation of tech talent. The goal is to have at least 60% of graduates employed in the tech sector within two years of graduation, and 20% launching their own startups.
Project Tatooine’s Curriculum
The curriculum of the digital schools will focus on a variety of AI and digital skills, including machine learning, deep learning, data science, coding, and software development. The curriculum will be tailored to the needs of the local job market, with an emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications.