The city of Nice hosts Aivancity, a school of artificial intelligence (AI) focused on ethics and social responsibility. This partnership between the institution and the metropolis promises to strengthen the region’s technological appeal while addressing future challenges.
The city of Nice takes a decisive step in its digital transformation by welcoming Aivancity, a school specialized in artificial intelligence (AI) founded by Tawhid Chtioui. During a press conference, the latter, alongside Mayor Christian Estrosi, formalized an ambitious partnership. This project marks a new era for Nice, positioning it as a center of excellence in AI technologies, while emphasizing the importance of ethics, employability, and social responsibility.
A partnership for the future: Nice, land of innovation
The alliance between the city of Nice and Aivancity is part of a strategy to develop AI skills on a local scale. The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, highlighted the importance of this project for the territory’s attractiveness. “Welcoming Aivancity is a chance for our metropolis,” he declared, mentioning the impact this collaboration could have on the region’s economic competitiveness. The other Aivancity campus is located in Cachan, near Paris. Nice, already labeled “3IA” in recognition of its efforts in AI research, thus solidifies its position as a leader in technological innovation in France.
Aivancity: AI serving ethics and society
Founded in 2020 by Tawhid Chtioui, Aivancity stands out for its hybrid approach to education, combining human sciences, technology, and societal challenges. The school’s goal is to train professionals capable of developing an AI that respects ethics, focused on human and social impact. “The challenge of AI is not merely technological,” reminded the director of Aivancity, stressing the necessity of a holistic approach integrating economic, social, and philosophical aspects.
In addition to training future engineers and data scientists, Aivancity plans to raise awareness among high school students and managers about AI issues with programs adapted for each profile. A Bachelor in “Applied AI” is also set to launch in 2025, responding to the growing demand for skills in the sector, particularly in the Provence-Alpes-Cรดte d’Azur region, where 400 AI-related job offers have been cataloged in a few months.
An international opening and local commitment
The school also focuses on its international openness. Fifty percent of the students are international, representing about thirty nationalities. With prestigious partnerships, notably with the University of Berkeley in the United States, Aivancity already attracts talents from all over the world while strengthening its local roots. Nearly 15 partnerships have been signed with India, and the school receives nearly 1,000 applications from Indian students each year. The place of women in this school is also strongly emphasized as 40% of the students are women, a percentage far exceeding the usual average.
Tawhid Chtioui highlighted the importance of territorial integration. He stated that Aivancity aims to host 4,000 annual participants from the city for conferences, courses, or workshops. This open school model aims to create interactions between the academic world and the citizens to strengthen the institution’s societal impact.
A response to local businesses’ needs
Nice is also distinguished by its entrepreneurial dynamism. Several local start-ups, specializing in AI, have welcomed this new establishment. Aivancity will offer continuing education for professionals, particularly in the fields of data and generative artificial intelligence, thus responding to the need for qualified labor.
Christian Estrosi further highlighted the central role Aivancity will play, especially in training executives from major industries and local public services. According to him, integrating AI into companies’ and administrations’ strategies has become essential, especially to anticipate the transformations of the work world and upcoming climate challenges.
The upcoming opening of the Aivancity campus in Nice is planned for 2029-2030.
