Kawtar Zerhouni

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

I bring a cross-disciplinary background in AI and wireless systems, combining academic depth, project leadership and a strong focus on real-world impact. My dual experience in research and strategic consulting allows me to contribute both critically and creatively. As a mentor and educator, I care deeply about inclusive, human-centered technology and open knowledge sharing, and I bring with me cultural insights and a commitment to bridging theory and practice.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Understand how AI-driven solutions are structured and scaled in tech companies
2. Learn from leadership practices and innovation cultures in high-impact environments
3. Explore ways to translate academic research into industry-relevant, scalable applications

Mentorship Characteristic

• Attend company meetings
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms
• Gets me involved in day-to-day activities of the mentor and partnering company.

Ideal Company Type

I would value a mentor working in a mid-to-large tech company with a strong focus on AI, wireless technologies or systems design. Ideally, someone who bridges research and implementation, and is open to exchanging around both technical innovation and leadership in inclusive environments.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Purpose-driven
2. Visionary
3. Resilient

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

This mentorship will allow me to step outside my academic and consulting roles and immerse myself in how large-scale tech projects are structured, led and scaled. I am particularly interested in how leading companies integrate ethical AI and connectivity systems into real-world applications. Through this experience, I hope to explore new tools, innovation pipelines and leadership practices that can enrich both my research and my broader vision of impact.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

I intend to translate this experience into meaningful mentorship for my students and research mentees, and integrate what I learn into new courses and collaborative projects, particularly at the intersection of AI and wireless systems. Beyond academia, I aim to contribute to a more open, ethical and inclusive tech ecosystem, both locally and globally. This mentorship will serve as a catalyst to scale impact across education, research and innovation.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

8

Primary Professional Focus

• Electronics or telecommunications
• Individual contributor leading innovation
• Scientist and researcher in technical science and/or engineering discipline

Education History