Who said innovation is confined to Western laboratories? Hanane Sanoussi, a daughter of Tangier who grew up between Essaouira and Agadir, has proven that innovation can just as powerfully emerge from the East. The journey was far from easy for a woman who chose to venture into the world of technology and artificial intelligence in a male-dominated environment. Yet with every step, she showed the world that creativity knows no boundaries—and belongs to no one alone. When Hanane Sanoussi begins to speak about her journey, the image that emerges is of a woman who has learned to confront challenges and break barriers with unwavering determination. That comes as no surprise—she grew up in a family steeped in thought and creativity. Her father, a visual artist and professor, nurtured her love for the arts and critical thinking, while her mother, through her quiet, tireless work as a seamstress into the early hours of the morning, embodied commitment and patience. Hanane was raised between Tangier, Essaouira, and Agadir—a child drawn to silence, voracious in her reading and even more attentive in her observations. Reflecting on those years during a conversation with Yabiladi, she recalled, «I remember Morocco as always active, resilient, inspiring, and open! The sunset on the beach and the books I secretly read at night shaped my dreams and my slightly rebellious spirit», she said with a touch of nostalgia. «In short, I can say that my childhood was a school of strong, often contradictory emotions—between the need to see further and learn more... and the desire to remain where I was, in that delicate balance». But Hanane chose to challenge herself and leave her comfort zone behind, refusing to remain in the shadows. At 18, she enrolled in a preparatory fine arts program in France, later pivoting toward political science at Sciences Po Milan. Eventually, she carved out an independent path in technology, earning a drone piloting certificate in France. «I've always found myself at the crossroads of technology, art, and society», she explained. Innovating in a Male-Dominated World For Hanane, technological entrepreneurship—especially in the realm of hardware, which she describes as «even more male-dominated than software»—felt like a natural fit. It was a space where she could innovate, ask questions, and, as she put it, «connect my intuition with scientific precision». Her motivation was also rooted in a desire for more diversity in the tech world. «We talk a lot about innovation, but the faces we see haven't changed much. Women, though increasing in number, still face many invisible barriers», she said. In 2022, she founded Vimersio, a startup that integrates smart devices and artificial intelligence to automate video recording—a bold venture, particularly for a woman working solo in a male-dominated field. She successfully marketed the product even before releasing its first version. But success was short-lived. A dispute with a shareholder led her to make a difficult decision: she pulled the plug. Following that experience, Hanane turned to education. Inspired by initiatives like Station F and Quest for Change, she launched a school hackathon to ignite students' interest in innovation and expose them to the digital professions of the future. «The biggest challenge I've faced? Convincing people in a world full of preconceived ideas. A woman alone, with an unconventional project, often has to speak louder to be heard. My greatest achievements aren't measured in revenue or awards, but in resilience—turning shocks into quiet strength, and continuing to build with consistency and clarity». Hanane moves between three identities—Moroccan, French, and Italian—and describes herself as someone who builds bridges, not walls. «This diversity is my engine. My dual Euro-Moroccan identity is a powerful asset when it comes to designing projects that speak to both sides of the Mediterranean», she proudly affirms. Returning Home: Building Morocco's Digital Generation One of the turning points in her career came in 2010, when she worked alongside the late former Minister of Privatization, Abdellah Saidi (who passed away in 2020). «He placed rare trust in me at such a young age», she said. He entrusted her with managing his art gallery and auction house in Casablanca, where she served as administrative and commercial director for a year. Still, at that stage of her life, Europe called more loudly. She returned, propelled by the experience and responsibilities she had just assumed. But ultimately, after 23 years in Europe, Hanan chose to return home—for good. Today, she heads a digital lab (FabLab) affiliated with the MlfMonde Foundation in Casablanca, where she teaches digital sciences to younger generations. «Since returning to Morocco—and with the support of our institution's director—I launched the first hackathon dedicated to high school students. It's part of my vision for Moroccan youth», she explained. «Knowledge transfer has become a priority. I teach young people about digital tools and technologies they may not yet see the importance of—cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science. My job is to wake them up and show them that they belong in this future. Morocco needs these professions, and our youth need to be ready». In 2024, Hanane was recognized by Orange as an «Entrepreneur» and invited to speak at the European Parliament during a major civic innovation event organized by the Innovation for Democracy Foundation. She concluded her talk with a powerful message: "Telling my story in such a symbolic place as the European Parliament is a responsibility. I didn't accept the honor to shine a light on myself—but to carry the voices of others, to open doors for more women and for young African talents. It's a message to the world: We have solutions. We have a voice. Listen to us», she concludes.
