Algerian entrepreneur Tinhinane Laârab has won the national final of the fifth Pierre Castel Award for her aquaculture startup, Aquatic Tina Marine. The win secures her a significant grant and a place in the pan-African grand final, spotlighting innovation in Algeria’s growing blue economy.
Quick Facts
- Winner: Tinhinane Laârab, founder of Aquatic Tina Marine.
- Prize: A €25,000 grant and a full mentorship program.
- Next Step: Representing Algeria in the African finals in Benin.
Pioneering a Sustainable Bivalve Industry
Aquatic Tina Marine is developing Algeria’s first experimental hatchery dedicated to producing bivalve larvae. The project focuses on cultivating mussels and oysters, aiming to establish an organized, innovative, and sustainable national aquaculture sector.
The startup’s mission is to add value to the country’s marine resources, creating a new high-value economic chain. By convincing the judges with its innovative approach and strong potential, Laârab’s project was recognized for its alignment with sustainable development goals and its capacity to diversify the national economy.
From National Champion to Continental Contender
The Pierre Castel Award, organized by Castel Algérie and the Pierre Castel Fund, has become a key event for impact-driven entrepreneurship in the country. Since its launch in Algeria in 2018, the award has received over 400 applications, reflecting the dynamism of the local startup ecosystem.
Initially focused on agriculture and agri-food, the award has expanded its scope to include sectors like the circular economy, recycling, biotech, and aquaculture. Laârab was selected from a group of six finalists in this year’s edition, each recognized for their project’s quality, growth prospects, and socio-economic impact.
As the Algerian national winner, Tinhinane Laârab will receive a financial grant equivalent to €25,000 in Algerian Dinar. The prize also includes a comprehensive support program featuring individual mentoring, specialized training, and access to a network of strategic partners. She will now compete against winners from seven other African countries in the final ceremony to be held in Benin.
About The Pierre Castel Award
The Pierre Castel Award is an initiative by the Pierre Castel Fund that supports young entrepreneurs in Africa working in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. It aims to identify and promote projects that contribute to sustainable development, create local value, and address economic, social, and environmental challenges on the continent. The competition provides winners with financial grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help scale their businesses.
Source: Al Fadjr
