Marrakech Hosts 1st Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge

Marrakech – The first edition of the Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge 2026 was launched on Monday in Marrakech, as part of Unity Day (Aïd Al Wahda) and the Glorious Green March celebrations.

Organized under the theme “Innovating for Territories, unlocking Potential, Shaping the Future” by Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), through its Innovation City, in partnership with the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia (FSS), the Faculty of Science and Technology of Marrakech, and the Marrakech-Safi Regional Investment Centre as well as other partners, this initiative aims to support the development momentum underway in the Kingdom’s Southern provinces by mobilizing the creativity and skills of students and young people with ideas.

This challenge brings forth innovative solutions that address the specific challenges and needs of Morocco’s Southern regions.

Open for students, Doctoral Candidate, researchers, young innovators, start-ups and project leaders from across Morocco, the challenge will focus on six thematic areas central to the region’s development including “The Blue Economy,” “Water, Renewable Energy, and Green Transition,” “Agriculture, Food, and Bioresources,” “Mobility, Logistics, Connectivity, and Smart Territories,” “Art, Culture, Tourism, Sport, and Territorial Experience,” and “Entrepreneurship, Investment, and New Value Chains.”

In the six challenges, special attention is given to innovations that reinforce the positioning of Southern provinces as a platform for exchange, investment, cooperation, and open innovation oriented toward Africa and the Atlantic region with the potential for replication in other African territories and markets.

This opening ceremony featured a panel under the theme “Southern Provinces: From African and Atlantic outreach to opportunities for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” with the participation of economic operators and researchers.

Participants in this challenge will benefit on Tuesday from a bootcamp to strengthen and showcase their projects, as well as hands-on practice and private coaching at the UCA’s Innovation City in Marrakech.

The final competition before the jury will take place on Wednesday at FSS. The first edition of the Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge will conclude in Laayoune on October 31st with an awards and honors ceremony.

Winners and best projects will receive cash prizes, in addition to a one-year post-challenge support and development program, provided by the UCA Innovation City and its partners.

A Jury Choice Award will also be presented to a project that stands out for its originality or exceptional potential for impact.