The first edition of the Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge 2026 was launched Monday in Marrakech as part of celebrations marking Unity Day (Eid Al Wahda) and the Glorious Green March.
Organized under the theme “Innovating for territories, unlocking potential and shaping the future,” the initiative is led by Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) through its Innovation City, the Semlalia Faculty of Sciences in Marrakech (FSSM), the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences in El Kelaa des Sraghna, the Regional Investment Center (CRI), the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIS) of the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region, and the Social Development Agency (ADS), along with several other partners.
The initiative aims to support the development momentum in the Kingdom’s southern provinces by mobilizing the creativity and skills of students and young people with innovative ideas.
The competition seeks to develop innovative solutions addressing the specific challenges and needs of Morocco’s southern regions.
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Open to students, doctoral candidates, researchers, young innovators, startups and project leaders from across Morocco, the competition focuses on six major areas of regional development: “the blue economy”; “water, renewable energy and the green transition”; “agriculture, food and bioresources”; “mobility, logistics, connectivity and smart territories”; “art, culture, tourism, sports and territorial experience”; and “entrepreneurship, investment and new value chains.”
Across the six challenges, particular attention is given to innovations that strengthen the southern provinces’ position as a platform for trade, investment, cooperation and open innovation with Africa and the Atlantic region, while offering potential for replication in other African territories and markets.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, UCA President Belaid Bougadir said the initiative reflects the university’s desire to take part in celebrations marking the first anniversary of Eid Al Wahda. He noted that, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has embarked on a new development model that has enabled the southern provinces to strengthen their position as a gateway to Africa.
Bougadir also said the different challenges address concrete issues, expressing the hope that the initiative will continue over time and become an annual event dedicated to innovation in support of the development of the southern provinces.
El Hassan El Mouden, dean of the Semlalia Faculty of Sciences in Marrakech, said the challenge aims to create momentum for turning research and ideas developed within universities into concrete projects led by students and contributing to the development of the southern provinces, which he described as “territories rich in opportunities and development prospects.”
The initiative is also expected to strengthen the university’s engagement with its socioeconomic environment while offering participants a concrete pathway into entrepreneurship, he added.
The opening ceremony also featured a panel discussion titled “The southern provinces: from African and Atlantic openness to opportunities for investment, innovation and entrepreneurship,” with the participation of economic operators and academic researchers.
On Tuesday, participants in the challenge will take part in immersive training sessions, or bootcamps, focused on developing and promoting their projects, as well as practical sessions and individual coaching at the Innovation City in Marrakech.
The final competition before the jury will take place Wednesday at the FSSM. The first edition of the Moroccan Sahara Innovation Challenge will conclude in Laayoune on October 31 with the presentation of prizes and awards.
Winners and the best projects will receive cash prizes, along with a one-year post-challenge support and development program provided by UCA’s Innovation City and its partners.
A Jury’s Favorite Award will also be presented to a project deemed particularly original or with strong potential for impact.
