Ifrane, February 17, 2025 — Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) and PortNet have successfully wrapped up the first edition of the Smart Trade Challenge, a hackathon where more than 90 students developed AI-powered solutions to streamline international trade and logistics.
Over three days, participants tackled critical industry challenges, guided by mentors from PortNet and evaluated by a panel of experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Ports Agency (ANP), and logistics leader Dachser.
From Concept to Market: Student-Led Innovations in Trade and Logistics
The challenge focused on four key areas: trade financing, user experience enhancement, AI-driven global market analysis, and transaction transparency.
"We wanted to create a space where students could tackle real industry problems and bring fresh, innovative solutions to the table. Seeing the energy and creativity they've provided in just three days proves how ready they are to take on market challenges," said Deborah Bartlett, Director of the Employability and Entrepreneurship Office at AUI.
For Youssef Ahouzi, CEO of PortNet, partnering with Al Akhawayn University was a natural choice: "AUI has a proven track record of organizing high-impact hackathons. Its students are trained to think critically and innovate, making them an ideal talent pool for developing real-world solutions in our sector."
He added that many of the ideas developed during the challenge have real potential for implementation: "Some of these solutions are ready to be deployed. We’ll be exploring ways to further develop them, through internships and collaborations with PortNet."
Speaking on the importance of AI in trade and logistics, Tarik Maaouni, Director of Information Systems and Digital Transformation at the National Ports Agency (ANP), emphasized: "AI adoption is no longer optional; it’s essential to making trade more efficient and resilient. The solutions presented here prove that the next generation of innovators is ready to drive this transformation."
Top Talent Recognized for Game-Changing Solutions
Four standout teams were awarded for their groundbreaking ideas in international trade and logistics. Winners received cash prizes to support the further development of their projects, along with exclusive internship and immersion opportunities with PortNet.
The first-place team, PortFlow, made up of Hanane Bentair, Marwa Lazraq, Meryam Khatib, and Aymane Belkadi — all students from AUI’s School of Science and Engineering — created an AI-powered tool to optimize logistics flow management. Their predictive analytics system enables international trade operators to anticipate disruptions and improve shipment planning.
"This challenge pushed us to think outside the box and develop a solution that could genuinely transform global trade. We’re excited to see where it leads us," said Marwa Lazraq.
The competition also recognized: 2nd place NaviAI (Hiba Bouyahyaoui, Aaya Bougrine, Douae Doukkali, Aya Melli), 3rd place ASL Team (Doha Amaguoure, Aya Bouchikhi, Othmane Karim, Salmane El Mansour Billah) and 4th place BMA Consulting (Maissaa Bihi, Fatma Maalainine, Roua Abou Lmajd, Fatima Abdulazeez). Each team introduced promising solutions with the potential to reshape the industry.
With an equal representation of men and women among the participants, the Smart Trade Challenge highlighted the strong presence of women in innovation, as they made up 81% of the winners.
Building a Long-Term Bridge Between Academia and Industry
With the success of this inaugural edition, AUI and PortNet are committed to making the Smart Trade Challenge a long-term initiative.
"Collaboration between universities and industry is key to developing future-ready talent and meeting evolving market demands," said Deborah Bartlett.
This initiative reinforces AUI and PortNet’s shared vision: leveraging innovation to shape the future of global trade.