Objectives
Meeting the challenge of agricultural water stress
The problem / context
Following a hackathon on the theme of water scarcity in the region of Marrakech Safi, the subject of water use in agriculture is at the heart of the discussions. Indeed, agriculture uses 87% of water resources in Morocco, the same agriculture that constitutes an essential pillar of the Moroccan economy with 20% of GDP and 40% of total employment. It is therefore essential to pull this sector towards an eco-responsible use of its resources while creating value, innovation and employment!
Example of some problems related to agricultural activity:
– Raw material costs have become very high: fertilizers, plant protection products, etc.
– Very high energy costs, fuel, electricity, etc.
– Scarcity of water resources – Marketing problems with difficult access to international markets
– Unstructured local markets
Description Event
Near East Foundation, Emerging Business Factory and the Regional Investment Council extend their partnership to launch a second hackathon in the continuity of the Hackathon Water Show which took place last month from October 12 to 14.
A new format, a new theme, new startups and new innovative solutions!
A 100% digital format for this new edition, 17 days of Hackathon, a competition open to all startups / companies in the Marrakech-Safi region and beyond!
Raise awareness on the development of innovative rural agricultural solutions but also urban agricultural solutions.
To shed light on innovative solutions in the agricultural and agronomic industry.
Reward projects that minimize the effects of drought and maximize environmentally responsible production.
Encourage innovation and social entrepreneurship.
Challenges
Transforming the agriculture value chain
Developing a connected ecosystem
Entertaining the agricultural/rural experience
Timeline
Selected projects
The selected projects will be supported technically and financially within the framework of the Youth Climate Innovation Incubator for Agriculture in Morocco project implemented by Near East Foundation and Emerging Business Factory. and the IRC.
This program includes an important incubation component. This will translate into legal and tax advice for the creation of the startup; a support and a proximity follow-up in the development of the concept, patenting and prototyping; a domiciliation and coworking within Emerging Business Factory and its community of entrepreneurs, hard and soft skills coaching by experts and coaches of the Emerging Business Factory network, the CGEM, NEF and others!
Evaluation criteria
1. Be relevant in the proposed solution, it must answer the problem! Think about the market in the area and the population that will use it. The product should particularly target farmers in rural areas but also all other agricultural stakeholders from production to marketing.
2. The product you propose is made for farmers mainly, it should be robust and reliable.
3. What is your business model ? Your production costs? What is the potential upscaling of your product on a national and continental scale?
4. Challengers will have to be able to produce the solution in quantity in the coming months: integrate feasibility in your thinking!
5. Impact and efficiency: consider technical performance. How many people can use your solution every day?
6. The proposed product must also be visually appealing, easy to use and ergonomic, with an optimal user experience.
7. Finally, think about the sustainability around your project! For example, use recycled and recyclable materials. Think about the lifespan of your product and its environmental impact from manufacturing to disposal.
Program
Pitch day (online)
from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
The link of the event to pitch will be communicated in the Whatsapp group “Green arena 2022” tonight 23/11 at 8pm
PITCHS
Partners
