On November 7th, CIHEAM, in partnership with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), UniMed, and BusinessMed, presented the 2024 Youth Innovation Award at the Ecomondo exhibition! This prize recognizes the most innovative projects in sustainable development in the Mediterranean, aiming to highlight concrete solutions and emerging technologies that address current environmental challenges. The prize is awarded by a jury composed of representatives from the organizing institutions.
Out of the 60 applications, 9 projects were selected by the jury and presented by the candidates at the exhibition.
1. The winning project : REGEN-R8
Presented by Hasan Jaafar, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of YY ReGen, this project takes first place and will receive a €10,000 grant. ReGen-R8 is an on-demand renewable energy platform using AI to help farmers adopt sustainable practices. This modular solar system provides clean and reliable energy for various agricultural needs. With a rental model that includes operation and maintenance, ReGen-R8 reduces farmers' energy costs by 40 to 50% compared to diesel generators.
2. LUXEED ROBOTICS
Presented by Guadaluna Chaer, co-founder, this project takes second place and will receive a scholarship for the "Open Innovation" master's program at CIHEAM Bari. LUXEED Robotics uses AI and lasers to precisely eliminate weeds, thus replacing herbicides. This technology improves soil quality and promotes organic and regenerative agriculture. The machine, tractor-mounted and modular, is 50% more affordable than its competitors.
3. NOWA (Network of Women in Aquaculture)
Presented by Marilou Suc, co-founder and Secretary General, this project takes third place and will benefit from an internship with a CIHEAM partner company. NOWA is a social entrepreneurship network that supports gender equality and inclusivity in global aquaculture. It enables women in the sector to connect, collaborate, and advance through mentoring and training programs, focusing on Sustainable Development Goals such as gender equality, climate action, and life below water.
4. KEEA
Presented by Hadil Rbib, founder, KEEA repurposes margines (water contained in olive cells) by extracting polyphenols for use in nail care. These polyphenols, known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, are incorporated into a strengthening nail polish and a moisturizing balm for fragile nails. This approach reduces pollution and transforms waste into a health-benefiting resource.
5. MYCELIUM
Presented by Mohamed Fawzy, founder, this project uses mycelium to transform agricultural waste into products such as edible mushrooms and materials that replace plastics and meat. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save water, and conserve energy. Customers can grow mushrooms at home, and used substrates are recycled to create alternatives to plastics.
6. ECOMARC
Presented by Ahmed Hamdi, founder, Ecomarc repurposes coffee waste into sustainable products such as gourmet mushrooms, organic fertilizers, and cultivation kits. By collecting used coffee grounds, Ecomarc supports waste management and promotes the circular economy. The proprietary technology transforms the grounds into a nutrient-rich substrate for mushrooms and eco-friendly fertilizers. The company plans to expand its activities into biofuels and bioplastics.
7. NOCEANOUS
Presented by Alexandra Martinez, founder and director, Noceanous develops video games to protect the oceans by combining entertainment with social responsibility. The goal is to educate players about environmental issues and encourage them to protect marine life through innovative gaming experiences. Noceanous raises awareness of the importance of oceans, particularly in climate regulation, oxygen production, and food supply.
8. WHEY
Presented by Nouha Ben Zbir, an engineer in the agro-food industry, this project optimizes the use of whey, a byproduct of cheese production, to make sourdough for baking. Rich in nutrients, whey is often considered a pollutant, but it enhances bread quality by replacing yeast with sourdough, leading to significant improvements in product quality.
9. FOODSIGHT
Presented by Fidèle El-Achkar, founder and CEO, FoodSight is a digital platform that connects experts and producers in the agro-food industry to tackle challenges such as limited job opportunities and technical support. It offers services to promote sustainability, food safety, and economic growth, while helping the sector adopt sustainable practices and improve product quality.
Congratulations to all the candidates for their projects, which showcase the commitment and creativity of young innovators working towards a more sustainable and inclusive future in the Mediterranean!