The second edition of the international Orange Summer Challenge ceremony concluded in Casablanca with an international event honoring three promising projects.
The event brought together professionals, partners, media, and key players from the entrepreneurial and academic ecosystems.
For over three months, 282 young innovators and entrepreneurs from 14 countries received intensive support, combining training, mentorship, and coaching provided by experts from Orange and its partners: AWS, EY, and NOKIA. Together, they developed 57 startups under the theme "Tech4Impact”, offering solutions to environmental, health, education, and agricultural challenges in the region.
The award ceremony, held on February 20, 2025, in Casablanca, unveiled the three winning startups, selected by an international jury and Orange employees’ votes from Africa and the Middle East.
The first prize was awarded to Plastikoo from Madagascar. This startup transforms plastic waste into sustainable construction materials, reducing pollution while promoting the sustainable development of local communities.
"A dream come true! When I first envisioned Plastikoo, I never imagined it would reach this level. We put our hearts into it, gave our best, without really expecting such a result. Among so many great projects, this victory is an immense pride. Kudos to my team!" expressed Sarobidy Nombatsitoha, Founder of Plastikoo.
The second prize was awarded to Tunisian startup MEPS, which offers a solution integrating IoT technology to convert organic waste into clean biogas and fertilizer, contributing to the energy transition.
Finally, the third prize went to Cameroonian startup Leevlong, which developed a medical remote monitoring device enabling real-time tracking of vital signs, thereby improving patient care.
The winners will benefit from financial, technical, and commercial support from Orange Digital Centers and their partners. NOKIA will provide €40,000 in funding for pre-incubation and incubation of the projects, while Orange will award €20,000 to support young talents engaged in these impactful initiatives.
"For 15 years, the Orange Summer Challenge has supported thousands of young talents in their entrepreneurial journey. This new edition once again demonstrates the ability of African and Middle Eastern youth to innovate and address the societal challenges of our continent. Congratulations to the winners and all participants for their commitment and creativity," said Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Africa & Middle East.
Created in 2011, the Orange Summer Challenge (OSC) is the flagship event of the Orange Digital Centers network in Africa and the Middle East (www.Orange.com). Its goal is to inspire young people to develop tech startups that serve the common good.