The first Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge 2026 launched in Marrakech on Monday. The competition aims to help students and young innovators develop ideas that support growth in the southern provinces.
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The event marks Eid Al Wahda (Unity Day) and the anniversary of the Green March. It follows the theme “Innovate for Territories, Unlock Potential, Shape the Future.”
Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) leads the initiative through its Innovation City. Several academic institutions and regional partners are also taking part. Together, they aim to turn creative ideas into practical solutions for local needs.
Six Areas for New Ideas
The competition welcomes students, doctoral candidates, researchers, young innovators, startups and project holders from across the country.
It focuses on six key areas:
- Blue economy
- Water, renewable energy and the green transition
- Agriculture, food and bioresources
- Mobility, logistics, connectivity and smart territories
- Art, culture, tourism, sport and local experiences
- Entrepreneurship, investment and new value chains
The challenge also aims to strengthen the southern provinces’ links with Africa and the Atlantic region. For this reason, organizers will pay special attention to projects that support trade, investment and cooperation. They will also encourage ideas that could work in other African regions and markets.
University Leaders Highlight Regional Potential
At the launch ceremony, Cadi Ayyad University President Belaid Bougadir said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to the first anniversary of Eid Al Wahda.
He noted that, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, the southern provinces have strengthened their role as a gateway to Africa. He also expressed hope that the challenge would become an annual event.
Meanwhile, El Hassan El Mouden, dean of the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia in Marrakech, highlighted the link between research and practical projects. He said the competition would help students turn their ideas and research into solutions for the southern provinces.
The initiative will also bring the university closer to businesses and other economic partners. In addition, it will give participants practical support as they explore entrepreneurship.
The launch included a panel discussion on investment and innovation in the southern provinces. Business representatives and academic researchers discussed opportunities linked to Africa and the Atlantic region.
Final Awards Ceremony to Take Place in Laayoune
On Tuesday, participants will attend a training bootcamp at UCA’s Innovation City. The program includes practical workshops, project development and individual coaching.
The final round will take place on Wednesday at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia. A jury will assess the projects before the competition concludes in Laayoune on October 31.
Winners will receive financial prizes. They will also benefit from a one-year support program led by UCA’s Innovation City and its partners. The program will help them develop and improve their projects.
Finally, the jury will award a special prize to a project that stands out for its originality or potential impact.
- Source: MAP