Ventures Adventure in Numbers:
- Over 530 participants
- 4 partner universities (AUI, USMBA Fez, UMI Meknes, UM6P)
- 17 finalist startups, all awarded
- 40 mentors and business angels involved
Ifrane, April 27, 2025 – Throughout April, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) turned its campus into a center for innovation through Ventures Adventure.
More than 530 students from AUI, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University took part in entrepreneurship games, received intensive mentoring, and met with industry experts to test and improve their ideas.
Organized by AUI’s Office of Employability and Entrepreneurship (E&E), the event wrapped up on April 26 with an award ceremony honoring 17 startups from the four universities.
“The entrepreneurship Morocco needs is built through ecosystems," said Dr. Amine Bensaid, President of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane. “Ventures Adventure showed the importance of bringing together energy and resources to maximize the chances of success for young Moroccan talents.”
Ideas Put into Action
After weeks of support from 40 mentors, entrepreneurs, and investors from Morocco, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Cameroon, 17 finalist startups were recognized during the closing ceremony.
Their projects spanned a wide range of fields — including IT/SaaS, E-commerce, AgriTech, FinTech, HealthTech, FoodTech, EdTech, SportTech, Sustainability, and ArtTech.
Each mentor selected their favorite startups based on their field of expertise and committed to offering ongoing support including: help with MVP development, website hosting, marketing advice, assistance with intellectual property, introductions to potential clients or suppliers, and access to acceleration programs or innovation sandboxes for product testing.
“Ventures Adventure helped build strong connections between academia, industry, and innovation networks both in Morocco and internationally,” said Nicolas Klotz, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship at AUI. “The goal is simple: help turn ideas into real businesses by building solid bridges between universities and the wider economy.”
Some teams were even awarded seed investment offers. Convinced by the creativity and growth potential of the projects, Moroccan, British, and American venture capitalists who were invited by the E&E to the event, decided to back several startups — including some in early development stages.
Among these investors, Driss Laraki, Founder and General Partner of U-Investors, a Moroccan investment fund backing high-potential startups, praised the student’s grounded and realistic approach, which, he noted, was well aligned with the Moroccan market. “The teams presented clear and realistic funding needs that matched the stage of their development which is a key factor when it comes to convincing venture capitalists,” he explained. Laraki added that once these startups prove themselves on a smaller scale, they will be well positioned to secure larger funding rounds to improve their scalibity.
Mentors Driving the Experience
Much of the success of Ventures Adventure came down to the engagement of the mentors — entrepreneurs, incubators, and investors — who worked alongside the students throughout the month.
Mehdi Laachach, Open Innovation Manager at INWI, said: “I was impressed by the clarity and strength of the ideas presented, and by how students used cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT. It shows real ingenuity and contributes to Morocco’s digital progress.”
Asmae Diani, Professor and Researcher at USMBA Fez, also praised the students’ work: “The projects we saw give us a lot of hope for the future of the region. We’re proud to see such quality and believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Laddaty: A Success Story in the Making
Among the standout projects, Laddaty, founded by AUI student Khadija Salih Alj, received the “Most Likely to Succeed Startup” award. The app aims to simplify daily meal planning for busy families using artificial intelligence, personalized nutrition, and automated grocery lists.
Reflecting on her experience, Khadija said: “This experience completely changed my perspective. I learned how to structure my project, pitch to investors, and get ready to launch. Thanks to Ventures Adventure, Laddaty is now ready to go to market.”
Ventures Adventure created an environment where innovation wasn’t just taught — it was lived, tested, and shared. By connecting students, mentors, and investors, Al Akhawayn University strengthens its commitment to preparing the next generation of Moroccan entrepreneurs ready to meet future challenges.
About Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane
Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) is a leading institution, established by Royal Dahir in 1993, modeled on the American Liberal Arts & Sciences system. With English as the language of instruction, AUI is committed to fostering intellectual freedom, critical thinking, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary learning, while emphasizing both international excellence and Moroccan identity.
AUI is accredited by the New England Commission for Higher Education (NECHE). With programs in Engineering, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts, the university prepares students to make meaningful contributions to their organizations through entrepreneurial leadership and to pursue professional success within a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.