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Rabat – Young Moroccan innovators captivated audiences and judges alike at the “Green Innovators Showdown,” a highlight of the “Trade & Competitiveness” program organized by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU). The aspiring youth’s groundbreaking ideas were celebrated for promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Hosted at ESITH (National School of Textile and Clothing Industries), the competition mirrored the dedication of Moroccan youth to fostering a greener, circular economy, with several projects standing out for their innovative solutions to timely environmental challenges.
The first prize went to the SOS Marin project, presented by Rihab Zarhoune from Universiapolis. This initiative aims to tackle marine pollution through advanced waste management techniques, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. As part of her prize, Rihab will receive a study trip to the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, along with personalized support from the EnR Cluster for one year.
The second prize was awarded to the CoopDiyaa project, developed by Asia Sbai from Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, which earned MAD 5,000 ($490) and a year of support from the EnR Cluster. Meanwhile, the Safiara project by Jelti Abir from ESITH took home the third prize, receiving MAD 3,000 ($295) and one year of support from the EnR Cluster.
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These awards not only celebrate the creativity of these young innovators but also equip them with the resources necessary to transform their ideas into impactful solutions for a brighter future.
Following a successful inaugural edition in 2023, which featured 22 projects and 10 participating teams, this year’s competition saw a remarkable increase in engagement, with 42 submissions from students across various universities and higher education institutions in Morocco.
The six finalist teams underwent a rigorous three-day boot camp centered on design thinking, storytelling, and problem-solving, culminating in presentations to a jury of representatives from the EIB, EU, ESITH, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, EnR Cluster, and Bank of Africa yesterday.
Adrien de Bassompierre, head of the EIB representation in Morocco, commended the efforts of the young talents, stating, “As the EU Bank and Climate Bank, the EIB is proud to continue supporting initiatives that mobilize young Moroccan talents around sustainable solutions and encourage entrepreneurship.”
He noted the importance of providing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to convert their ideas into tangible actions that promote environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
Jean-Christophe Filori, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Morocco, echoed this sentiment, underlining the EU’s commitment to supporting young talents in the green and circular economy. He noted that the “Green Innovators” competition illustrates the deep partnership between the EU and Morocco, focusing on shared values and common challenges, such as climate change.
As the competition draws to a close, these young Moroccan innovators exemplify the country’s potential for sustainable development. Their projects tackle pressing environmental challenges while laying the groundwork for future entrepreneurial ventures in sustainability. With continued backing from the EIB and EU, these winners are poised to turn their creative ideas into meaningful solutions that contribute to a greener future in Morocco.
