After the success of the three previous editions, TotalEnergies is launching a new edition of the Startupper of the Year Challenge in 32 African countries.
A special edition organized as part of the company’s centenary, which will reward 100 entrepreneurs across the continent through three categories of awards.
During the 2021/2022 edition in Morocco, TotalEnergies Marketing Morocco awarded three young business creators:
· “Ikram AIT KHAM, Nuwood” for the best entrepreneur award;
· “Kenza SKIRI, Tadwir”, for the best startup under 3 years award;
· And “Meryem LAHCINI, Charbon Eco” for the best business creation project.
The new edition, which we are launching today, allows TotalEnergies to reaffirm its commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as its support for the socio-economic development of the countries where the company operates in Africa. By supporting the most innovative entrepreneurs in realizing their projects, the challenge indeed contributes to strengthening the local social fabric. Since 2015, 365 winners have been rewarded and supported worldwide from over 40,000 applications received.
For the 2024/2025 edition of the challenge, TotalEnergies will support and reward young entrepreneurs residing in Morocco aged 18 to 35 who have a business creation project or a startup of less than three years, regardless of the sector of activity. A local jury composed of experts, individuals from the startup world, business leaders, local sustainable development actors, and representatives from TotalEnergies Marketing Morocco will select three winners:
· Winner “Innov’Up” for the best female/male entrepreneur;
· Winner “Cycle’Up” for the best project concerning the circular economy;
· Winner “Power’Up” for the best project concerning sustainable and affordable energy.
Four additional projects will be selected by an international jury in the “Power’Up” category.
All submitted projects will be evaluated based on four criteria:
· Response to sustainable development challenges;
· Innovative character;
· Feasibility and development potential;
· Respect for gender equality and inclusion of women in the project.
Each winner will become “Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies” and will receive a financial grant of 76,227.38 MAD, personalized support, and dedicated communication to give visibility to their project. Furthermore, the winners will have the opportunity to proudly represent their project at a celebration event, the details of which will be specified later.
Registrations are open from April 30, 2024, and can be accessed directly online at the site: http://startupper.totalenergies.com. Candidates will then have until June 18, 2024, to complete their application file.