Rabat – Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) has launched a new edition of its Entrepreneurship Month, called Ventures Adventure, which is running from April 7 to 26.
Through Ventures Adventure, AUI aims to help students discover their talents, build confidence, and learn how to turn ideas into action, said the university in a press release.
This year, the event is bigger and more inclusive. It is inviting students and teachers from three other Moroccan universities, including Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, Moulay Ismaïl University in Meknes, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Ben Guerir.
According to Nicolas Klotz, AUI’s Executive Director of Entrepreneurship, opening Ventures Adventure to other universities marks an important step forward. “It’s a valuable opportunity to pool knowledge, energy, and ambition,” he stated.
The event includes a startup competition with three rounds, open both online and in-person. Out of 100 startup ideas, 55 will move to the second round, and 20 finalists will compete in the final stage. Winners will receive prizes to help them launch and grow their projects.
The statement noted that participants will receive support at every step from experienced coaches and mentors. In the first stage, five coaches are set to guide teams through quick idea development.
In the next phase, 30 mentors from public and private organizations, including Attijariwafa Bank, the Digital Development Agency, and the Founder Institute, will help improve the projects. In the final round, 12 investors and business angels will review the best projects and choose the winners.
The competition will end with the Angel Awards Ceremony on April 26, where top teams will receive investment, startup support, and personal mentoring opportunities.
“It’s not just about creating startups, but about shaping a mindset,” said Amine Bensaid, AUI president. “We want our students to feel empowered to explore multiple avenues, to take initiative, and to maintain this entrepreneurial energy regardless of the path they choose. That’s what makes the AUI difference.”
This year’s edition includes other activities like fun workshops inspired by Babson College in the US to teach entrepreneurship in new ways, workshops for teachers to learn how to use games in their classrooms, and a practical session to build e-commerce websites using AI, without needing to code, among others.
Students and teachers will also visit the International Agriculture Show (SIAM) in Meknes to meet experts in agritech, agribusiness, and social entrepreneurship, especially around water management.
