2nd edition of the Students’ Innov’UP Hackathon 2024: Innovating in the face of water stress

On Hackathon 2024 of innovation Students’ Innov’Up, successfully concluded on December 16 and 17 its second edition around the theme “ Turning water stress into a driver of resilience ”. This landmark event in environmental innovation was organized by the European Union in Morocco in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Euromed University of Fes (UEMF). It brought together talented and innovative students and student entrepreneurs who worked together to find sustainable solutions to water stress in Morocco. 

The event capped off a nearly three-week pre-hackathon period during which 11 teams selected from more than 200 applications benefited from an intensive training program. Supervised by trainers and coaches from the entrepreneurial world, the participants were able to structure and refine their project ideas around the environment and sustainable development.

At the end of this competition, the expert jury selected three teams during the final phase of the Hackathon. The winners will benefit from post-hackathon support to refine their projects.  

On first prize was awarded to the team “ Hydrovision ” for its interactive application “Aqua لنا”, raising awareness of water conservation through practical tips integrated into users' daily habits. The second prize rewarded “ Pure Aqua White » for its ecological filtration system that reuses wastewater for irrigation and watering, thus supporting a circular economy. The third prize was awarded to « Créatech » for its project “Aquatech,” which converts atmospheric humidity into drinking water using solar technology, ideal for arid areas. Finally, the “audience favorite” prize was presented to « Raha » for “HydroPoly,” an educational game inspired by Monopoly, aimed at raising young people’s awareness of sustainable water management through interactive challenges.

The jury of this hackathon was composed of:

    •  Mr. Daniele DOTTO, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Morocco 

    •  Mr. Othmane BENMOUSSA, Vice-President of the Euromed University of Fes

    •  Mr. Chakib NEJJARI, Vice-President of the Euromed University of Fes

   •  Ms. Siham Laraichi, General Directorate of Water, Ministry of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water

   •  Mr. Omar Amrani, Director of Innovation and Pedagogy at StartUp Station

These projects reflect UEMF's commitment to encouraging innovation and awareness of environmental issues, particularly around sustainable water management. By providing a conducive environment for creativity and excellence, UEMF confirms its role as a catalyst for sustainable solutions addressing global challenges, while training a new generation of responsible and visionary leaders.