The fifth edition of the International Conference on Next Generation Computing Applications (NEXTCOMP 2026), which brings together researchers, academics, industry leaders, policymakers and students to exchange knowledge on emerging technologies and foster collaboration in digital innovation, opened this morning at the Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel in Balaclava.
NEXTCOMP 2026 features keynote addresses by internationally renowned experts, technical paper presentations and panel discussions on cutting-edge computing technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The two-day conference, organised by the Faculty of Information, Communication and Digital Technologies of the University of Mauritius (UOM) with technical sponsorship from IEEE, was officially opened by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul. The opening ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the UOM, Professor Kavi Kumar Khedo, and the Dean of the Faculty of Information, Communication and Digital Technologies, Associate Professor Maleika Heenaye-Mamode Khan.
In his address, Minister Ramtohul underscored the importance of responsible artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital trust. He highlighted several Government initiatives, including the establishment of an AI Unit and an AI Marketplace to support the commercialisation of AI research and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. The Minister also emphasised the setting up of a FabLab in Ebène Cybercity to provide researchers, students and entrepreneurs with access to advanced digital technologies and innovation resources.
Dr Ramtohul indicated that Government is reviewing the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act, along with the relevant regulations, to strengthen the national cybersecurity framework and enhance compliance with data protection requirements. He also spoke about the KOREC super application, which provides citizens with access to a wide range of digital public services.
Professor Khedo reaffirmed the UOM’s commitment to research excellence, while highlighting its vision to strengthen international collaboration, promote interdisciplinary research and establish the institution as a regional hub for research and innovation. He also underscored the University’s efforts to forge new international partnerships and enhance its global standing through participation in internationally recognised university rankings.
For her part, Associate Professor Heenaye-Mamode Khan reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to producing highly skilled graduates in key disciplines such as AI, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering and business informatics. She also noted that this year’s NEXTCOMP attracted peer-reviewed paper submissions from several countries, with accepted papers to be published in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library.
Dated 30th of July 2026
Source: GIS News
Topics: Artificial Intelligence