National Innovation Challenge celebrates creativity and strengthens Mauritius’ vision for a culture of innovation

The National Innovation Challenge (NIC) Awards ceremony was held on Saturday 13 June 2026, at the Trianon Convention Centre, to recognise the remarkable achievements of finalists and participants. The event highlighted their creativity, innovation and commitment to developing practical solutions that contribute to addressing national challenges and fostering the sustainable development of Mauritius.

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Members of the National Assembly and diplomatic corps, public and private sectors’ leaders, and several personalities were present.

In his address, the Minister emphasised that the NIC has evolved beyond a mere competition to become a key driver of transformation, serving as a platform to identify, nurture and showcase the innovative talents of Mauritians. He underscored that, in an increasingly dynamic and competitive global environment, innovation is no longer an option but a strategic imperative for Mauritius.

The Minister highlighted the need to foster creativity, adaptability, research and collaboration to strengthen the country's resilience, enhance its competitiveness and support sustainable development. He recalled that research and innovation have been placed among national priorities, with a clear vision to make innovation a key pillar of the Mauritian economy and a driver of scientific, technological and socio-economic progress.

The transformation of the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) into the National Research and Innovation Institute was also highlighted by the Minister. According to him, this new framework will further enhance the role of the NIC by creating a stronger pathway from idea generation and talent identification to mentoring, development and the transformation of ideas into impactful solutions, products and services.

The Minister also mentioned the establishment of a Scientific Diplomacy Office, which will contribute to strengthening Mauritius’ links with regional and international research and innovation networks. He further stressed on innovation scouting and extension, as a key enabler for institutions to identify innovative ideas and talents at community level, support them and ensure that promising initiatives receive the necessary guidance and visibility.

“The NIC has also gained international recognition, with the MRIC receiving the Global Distinguished Innovator Award 2024 and the Public Service Excellence Award 2025, highlighting Mauritius’ ability to develop impactful and innovative public programmes,” he pointed out. Minister Sukon therefore reaffirmed his commitment to making innovation a national culture and a driving force for Mauritius’ future transformation.

The laureates for this year’s edition are as follows:

Junior Innovation Challenge – Young Innovator Category

Winner: Project: AI Smart Road and Reverse Safety System using PictoBlox and Arduino. Team Member: Nehaan Ameerun Second Prize: Project: Green Remedies Project. Team Member: Runglall Parinita Third Prize: Project: Green Energy Kitchen. Team Member: Rudhr Boojnan Special Jury Award: Project: Converting old carton products into a useful stylish storage basket. Team Member: Bhuvaneshi Devi Moonean People’s Choice Award: Project: Building and Testing a Solar-Powered Water Purification System. Team Member Aarnav Anand Ranshsingh Roopun

Junior Innovation Challenge – Rising Innovator Category

Winner: Project: HABYT (Habits and Balance for Youth Tech), a hybrid interactive poster. Team Member: Kylian Theo Emmanuel Razaze Second Prize: Project: Kipri – Price Comparison App. Team Member: Mateen Currimjee Third Prize: Project: LifeLoop. Team Members: Lylou Kurazj and Nara Kuraj Special Jury Award: Project: Reallocation of goods and bridging the gap between the wealthy and the poor and needy. Team Member: Sudarshini SahyPeople’s Choice Award: Project: Hydroyard Smart Gardening and Composting. Team Members: Mishka Soobul,Gigyasha Dowlot.

Rodrigues and Outer Islands Innovation Challenge

Winner: Project: Hydroponie Organique. Team Member: Mr Ange Julien Colin Special Jury Award: Project: Rodrigues Quality Basket. Team Member: Mr Jean Clément Emilien People’s Choice Award: Project: Hydroponie Organique Team Member Mr Ange Julien Colin

National Innovation Challenge -General

Winner: Project: Crime Vision: AI-powered real-time crime detection. Team Member: Dr Nevin Vunka Jungum Second Prize: Project: Compost Heat Recovery Unit. Team Member: Miss Namrata Matabudul Third Prize: Project: AI-Powered Automated ECG Diagnostic System. Team Member: Dr Divraj Kumar Ramburran Jury’s Choice Award: Project: Ti Bazar: A Digital Hub for Small Planters. Team Member: Mr Roddy Curpen People’s Choice Award: GABY MARINE Ai. Team Member: Tulasidarsan Moorghen

15 June 2026

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Topics: Education, Innovation

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