Key Takeaways
- The “NAWAT” national challenge aims to promote agricultural innovation and technology in Algeria, launched ahead of the “AgriTech 2026” exhibition.
- The competition targets students, startups, and researchers, with a focus on sustainable development and modernization of agricultural practices.
- Applications are due by October 5, with winners announced on October 15.
National Challenge Launched to Enhance Agricultural Innovation
The National Coordinating Committee for the Follow-up of University Innovation and Entrepreneurship, operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has launched the “NAWAT” national challenge in agricultural technology in Algiers. This initiative precedes the International Agricultural Investment and Technology Exhibition, “AgriTech 2026,” set for October 13-15 in Annaba.
The competition collaborates with the INCOP Agency and the National Higher School of Agriculture (ENSA) to foster technological innovation in agriculture. Its goal is to showcase technical solutions that support sustainable development and enhance agricultural value chains and the agrifood industry.
Participants include students with innovative project ideas, startups, small enterprises, university faculty-researchers, and teams working on technological solutions applicable to agriculture. Ahmed Mir, advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighted the challenge’s critical role in improving agricultural and food security and its aim to attract innovators keen on launching startups in specialized sectors.
A digital registration platform has been launched for student innovators, enabling them to submit their projects, with plans to select ten innovative projects for the final phase. ENSA Director Tarik Hartani emphasized the challenge’s alignment with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s initiatives to encourage youth entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation. He remarked that the primary aim is to convert ideas and innovations into impactful economic solutions.
The competition will focus on key areas such as innovative technologies and smart agriculture, agrifood processing, sustainable water management, and practical solutions that support farmers and enhance crop yields. Salem Rabia, Director of the AgriTech 2026 Exhibition, noted that the challenge serves as a platform for innovators to address current agricultural issues by utilizing advanced technologies, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.
Applications must be submitted through the dedicated online platform by October 5, with an award ceremony for winners planned for October 15. The “NAWAT” challenge represents a significant step towards enhancing Algeria’s agricultural sector through innovation and youth engagement.
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