A true tech enthusiast, entrepreneur Saad Chaoui was among the first to introduce interactive kiosks to the Moroccan market. Staying ahead of the curve is his way of life! After creating OCP’s digital lab, he’s now launching Morocco’s first Glambot.
A graduate of Concordia University in Quebec, Saad Chaoui quickly saw the potential for new technologies to boost Morocco’s tourism sector. Following experience in investment banking and Property Finder in Dubai, he founded Ask Me Digital Morocco, specializing in digital marketing and interactive kiosks. Today, he’s introducing a series of innovations, including Morocco’s first Glambot, a robot that creates stunning slow-motion videos.
What inspired you to become a tech entrepreneur?
When the financial crisis hit in 2008, I decided to leave Dubai and return to Morocco. I realized there was a significant gap in digital displays, especially in the tourism sector. That’s how Ask Me Digital Morocco was born. Back then, tourist information was often found in small pamphlets distributed in cafes. My idea was to modernize this approach by creating interactive, touch-screen kiosks in hotels to offer information in multiple languages—a true tech innovation.
Then, with the opening of large malls across the country, we started developing interactive info kiosks for shopping centers, similar to what I’d seen in Dubai and France. This made me realize the growth potential, and we were among the first to introduce these interactive solutions in Morocco.
What are the benefits of a digitized economy?
New technologies are a significant growth driver and play an essential role in social development and modernizing services, benefiting both businesses and start-ups. Integrating these technologies is crucial as they can be incredibly useful. For instance, interactive totems and kiosks can be adapted to assist the deaf and mute, as well as people with mobility challenges, for greater inclusion. There are also plenty of opportunities in areas like augmented reality.
Digital innovation should benefit both citizens and consumers. It’s not just about having screens for information, display, or advertising. Fortunately, many companies, public and private, are recognizing the benefits of digitalization, though the process is still relatively slow.
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How do you identify new tech trends to stay ahead in your field?
To remain competitive, you must stay tuned to market trends and constantly create new concepts. Today, we’re launching the Glambot, our first robot capable of capturing slow-motion videos—a new innovation. For those familiar with photobooths, imagine a robotic arm capturing slow-motion footage, like the ones seen at the Oscars in Hollywood.
This tool creates unique, entertaining videos for clients at their events. International users are always fascinated to see a robotic arm taking charge to capture playful, aesthetic shots. It’s a big leap in our product evolution. Initially, we had kiosks with webcams, then evolved to various photo booths, and later to 360-degree experiences. Now, we have the Glambot. Tomorrow, it will be something else. Our mantra is “What’s next in the future?” NEW TECHNOLOGIES
What challenges does tech entrepreneurship face in Morocco?
The main challenge is timing. You can’t be too early or too late. If you’re too far ahead, you may not be understood, and your idea might seem premature. Sometimes, you have to wait a year or two for the project to take off. This can be frustrating when you’ve been pushing a product for years, convinced of its potential. So, it’s not just about having the idea (laughs). You also have to surround yourself with the right people. I’ve been working with a talented developer for 13 years; together, we’ve digitized CFG agencies and launched OCP’s Digital Lab.
Moroccan tech talent is in demand. We developed an innovative app for Christofle, the French silversmithing house, allowing customers to personalize their products. We’ve also actively contributed to digitalizing several city halls in France, modernizing their administrative services. International companies rely on our developers. It’s a valuable asset that shouldn’t be underestimated.
