Innovative Solutions Presented by Moroccan Startups
On Friday, Rabat was the epicenter of innovation as Morocco’s cleantech entrepreneurs convened for the 2026 ClimateLaunchpad National Final. This prestigious event, held at the Residence of the Dutch Ambassador to Morocco, showcased twelve startups that pitched their innovative climate solutions to a discerning jury. The finalists were handpicked from a competitive pool of over 200 applicants, emphasizing Morocco's burgeoning role in the global cleantech landscape. Impressively, Morocco secured the fourth position globally for ClimateLaunchpad applications this year, with an astounding total of over 4,150 submissions from 51 countries. Notably, the Moroccan initiative achieved gender balance with equal participation from 105 women and 105 men, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.
Dutch Ambassador to Morocco, Dirk-Jan Nieuwenhuis, welcomed the participants with enthusiasm, underscoring the shared priority of addressing climate change for both the Dutch and Moroccan governments. He expressed pride in the presence of numerous young startups dedicated to developing solutions for climate challenges, highlighting the embassy’s Orange Corners program, which aims to bolster Moroccan entrepreneurship. The ambassador praised the “dynamism and entrepreneurship” of the Moroccan startups, recognizing their potential to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability.
Winners of the Competition and Their Innovative Approaches
At the conclusion of the competition, three startups emerged victorious, earning their place in the Africa Regional Final. Siteli CW claimed the top spot, followed closely by Everydate and Energie Plus. These three startups will have the opportunity to represent Morocco at the global finals in Singapore scheduled for October. Yazid Siteli, the CEO and founder of Siteli CW, introduced an innovative solution aimed at helping industries significantly reduce their water consumption. His vision is to revolutionize water management in industrial sectors, promoting awareness and responsible usage of this vital resource. “Our mission is clear. We want to stop the normal and single-use water for industries,” Siteli stated, emphasizing the financial and operational benefits of their solution.
Fatima Ezzahra Ait Benhssain, founder of Everydate, secured second place with her venture that connects oasis farmers in the Drâa-Tafilalet region with consumers, cafes, and restaurants across Morocco. The startup not only produces date syrup but also a variety of products derived from dates, showcasing the potential of local agricultural resources. Ait Benhssain described her experience at the ClimateLaunchpad bootcamp as “a very enriching experience” and expressed excitement for the next stages of their journey.
In third place, Energie Plus, co-founded by Nouhaila Dahbi and Kamal Hamidi, aims to make clean electricity more accessible and reliable for Moroccan families by eliminating upfront investment costs. Dahbi shared her elation at reaching the Africa Regional Finals, highlighting the startup’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Jury member Faouzi Chaahoub, a Silicon Valley executive, commended the finalists for their impressive potential. He remarked, “There are a lot of good startups. They have actually very good potential,” reflecting a growing optimism about Morocco’s entrepreneurial landscape. Chaahoub expressed his willingness to leverage his experience and resources to support the growth of these innovative startups, further indicating a promising future for Morocco’s cleantech sector.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
