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The Algeria Startup Challenge is back for its 6th edition, spotlighting “Innovate for a Sustainable Future.” This year, the program delivers a comprehensive open innovation experience, amplifying inclusivity and featuring Algeria's most promising startups and innovations addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. We proudly embrace this commitment alongside our institutional and open innovation partners to support startups in co-creating impactful, sustainable projects.

The event begins with an inspiring speech by Dr. Yacine Oualid, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Microenterprises, who serves as the program’s sponsor. This is followed by a warm welcome from Abdelfettah Herizi, Co-founder and General Manager of Leancubator, setting the tone for the day. Shortly after, Ziad R. Nesrine, also a Co-founder of Leancubator, takes the stage to present an insightful overview and report on the program.

The momentum continues as representatives from the program’s key economic and institutional partners share their perspectives. Abdelhakim Berrah, General Delegate at the Union Algérienne des Sociétés d'Assurance et de Réassurance (UAR), speaks about the importance of innovation in the insurance sector. Burak Birler, Country President and General Manager at Henkel Algeria, highlights their collaborative efforts within the ecosystem. Youcef Ghoula, Deputy Managing Director at BNP Paribas El Djazaïr, emphasizes the role of financial institutions in driving entrepreneurial growth. Meanwhile, Hichem Djama, Strategy and Projects Manager at Philip Morris International, shares insights on fostering strategic innovation. Finally, El Khansaa Medjber, Project Manager at Faderco, discusses their commitment to sustainable initiatives. Together, these contributions reflect the collective drive to support open innovation and entrepreneurship.

Panel Discussions

The event hosted two compelling panels:

Decarbonation, Circular Economy, and Inclusion: Opportunities for Algerian Industry

This panel explored strategies led by Henkel Algeria, Faderco, and BNP Paribas El Djazaïr to leverage opportunities in the energy transition. 

Featured speakers included:

. El Hadi Mohamed Hamma, Head of Marketing - Henkel Algeria

. Walid Chettibi, Utilities Manager - Faderco

. Amina Bessaa, Head of Sustainability, Marketing & Communication - BNP Paribas El Djazaïr

Responsible Insurance and Finance: Key Drivers for Sustainable Growth

Panelists discussed the financial and insurance sectors’ roles in mitigating climate and environmental risks and promoting sustainable growth. 

Participants included:

. Daouia Nedil, Civil Liability & Miscellaneous Risks Director - CASH Assurances

. Yasmine Kaouah Kaid, Communications & External Relations Director - CAAT

. Tarik Rahmoun, Director of Risk Management & Compliance - CAAR

. Hafed Abdelhakim, Head of Corporate Monitoring & Reporting - Banque de Développement Local

Startup Pitch Battles

The excitement continued with a series of Startup Pitch Battles across five challenges:

. Innov & Insure Challenge

Sponsored by UAR, CASH Assurances, CAAR, and CAAT, this pitch battle spotlighted startups transforming the insurance industry through technology.

. Clean Innovation Challenge

In partnership with Henkel Algeria, this round focused on waste management solutions, with startups addressing waste collection, sorting, and recycling for a cleaner future.

. Harm Reduction Challenge

Organized with Philip Morris International, startups in this challenge proposed innovative ways to reduce health risks linked to lifestyle factors.

. Greentech Challenge

Supported by BNP Paribas El Djazaïr, this challenge encouraged startups developing environmentally-friendly technologies.

. Positive Innovation Awards

Alongside Faderco, this challenge invited solutions that enhance quality of life with sustainable innovations.

With over 300 startups registered, 14 finalists competed in the ultimate Startup Pitch Battle, striving to win top honors in each open innovation challenge and secure future collaborations with our partners.

Celebrating the Winners

.  Clean Innovation Challenge (Henkel Algeria) - Moustafid: A digital network optimizing waste collection and recycling.

. Harm Reduction Initiative (Philip Morris International) - Think Touch Solution: A multi-vigilance platform integrating pharmacovigilance, phytovigilance, and toxicovigilance.

. Greentech Challenge (BNP Paribas El Djazaïr) - Qareeb: An AI-driven company offering solutions for agricultural and urban sectors.

. Positive Innovation Awards (Faderco) - Opticarbone: A GHG emissions tracking tool with a Power BI dashboard.

. Innov & Insure Challenge (UAR, CASH Assurances, CAAT, CAAR) - HR Technologies: A GIS solution for natural hazard data management with an insurer-local authority-business interface.

This year’s Algeria Startup Challenge was a testament to the resilience, innovation, and future potential of Algeria’s startup ecosystem. Congratulations to all the participants for their remarkable achievements and the inspiring paths they continue to forge toward a sustainable future!