Towards an innovative bioeconomy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way drugs are discovered around the world. In Mauritius, the government wants to take advantage of this advancement to make the country a major center of medical discovery.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Research, Kaviraj Sukon, announced this on July 28, 2025, during the opening of the Primate Management Conference at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ébène. Organized by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the conference lasts three days.

This event brings together specialists to discuss the use of primates in scientific research. Above all, this meeting marks a new step for Mauritius in its commitment to actively participating in global scientific innovation.

The Minister explained that AI now makes it possible to move much faster in the search for treatments. “In a few days, we can find new avenues for treating diseases and create very precise molecules, something that humans alone could not do,” he said. He also noted that the University of Mauritius already has a laboratory that uses AI to develop new drugs. Kaviraj Sukon encouraged the medical industry to use more new technologies to save lives.

“This conference is a strong signal: we must move faster and be innovative,” he added. For the Minister, Mauritius has all the assets to become a key partner in the field of scientific research. The importance of research serving the national economy was also highlighted. “We believe in Mauritius’ potential. That is why we are investing in a bioeconomy that supports both science and development,” he concluded.