The second edition of the “Innovation Factory” program, an initiative focused on social entrepreneurship for youth, has concluded with a ceremony in Casablanca, crowning nine winning projects. The program, a collaboration between Ashoka Arab World, Alwaleed Philanthropies, and the Moroccan Center for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (MCISE), is designed to support young entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable solutions.
By the Numbers
The highly competitive second edition saw significant interest from across the Kingdom:
- 9 Winning Projects: The number of social ventures selected from 14 finalists.
- 470+ Applications: The number of applications received for the second cohort.
- 6 Months Incubation: The personalized support and incubation the winning projects will now receive.
A Platform for Social Changemakers
The Innovation Factory is a multi-month program that guides young entrepreneurs aged 20-35 through idea-generation workshops, intensive training, and mentorship to turn their ideas into viable social projects. “Our ambition is for every young person to be a changemaker,” said Iman Bibars, Vice President of Ashoka Global and Regional Director of Ashoka Arab World.
Innovative Solutions for National Challenges
After a rigorous selection process, 14 projects reached the final stage. The nine winning projects were chosen by a jury of experts based on their innovation, social feasibility, and sustainability. The ventures cover strategic issues including education, recycling, the environment, and local infrastructure. Adnane Addioui, President and Founder of the MCISE, highlighted the tangible social and economic impact of the projects presented.
A Collaborative Effort to Foster Innovation
The initiative was praised as a model for fruitful partnerships aimed at showcasing the creative energies of Moroccan youth. Bouchra Aârif, Regional Director of the Ministry of National Education, noted that “the program gave participants the opportunity to develop their skills and turn their innovative ideas into tangible projects with a strong impact”. The closing ceremony was attended by representatives from various ministerial sectors, business incubators, and civil society organizations.
Source: Maghreb Arabe Presse
