Cadi Ayyad University Hosts Innovative Challenge in Moroccan Sahara
Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech is set to organize the inaugural edition of the "Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge 2026" from October 26 to 31. This event, themed "Territorial Space – Opportunities – Future," is being held at the Innovation Complex and coincides with the celebration of Unity Day and the anniversary of the Green March. The university aims to foster collaboration with its economic and territorial environment, making scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship pivotal in enhancing the resources of the southern regions of Morocco. Through this initiative, the university encourages youth and skilled individuals to develop innovative solutions and projects that address the specific needs of these areas while aligning with their developmental opportunities.
The Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge 2026 represents a novel university initiative focused on territorial innovation, aiming to highlight local talents and utilize the vast potential of southern regions. It seeks to support projects that tackle developmental challenges and leverage opportunities within these areas, thereby enhancing the university's role in producing innovative solutions that have economic and territorial impacts.
The challenge will bring together students, researchers, innovative youth, startups, and project holders to work on six key themes related to developmental and economic issues crucial for the southern regions. These themes include environmental concerns and ports, blue economy, water management, renewable energies, green transition, agriculture, food security, smart territories, culture, tourism, sports, and entrepreneurship.
Participants in the challenge will have the opportunity to benefit from a year-long project incubation program at the university's Innovation Complex. This program will provide support in developing prototypes, entrepreneurship training, intellectual property guidance, market access, and connections with local stakeholders and entrepreneurs, facilitating the transition of ideas into scalable and investable solutions.
The challenge will feature a total of ten awards, including three grand prizes and six thematic awards, along with a jury's choice award for the favorite project. The closing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Laayoune on October 31, with participation from the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, the Faculty of Science and Technology in Marrakech, and the Regional Investment Center of the Marrakech-Safi region, alongside various institutional and economic stakeholders.
As reported by maroc24.com.
