Epson partners with Tech4innov to support innovation in Africa
Epson has formed a strategic partnership with Maghrebna Innovation to support the Tech4innov challenge 2026, an initiative designed to identify and accelerate high-potential startups across Africa. The program focuses on solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges while strengthening collaboration between international technology companies and local innovation ecosystems. The partnership reflects growing efforts to scale innovation impact across the continent through structured support and cross-border cooperation.
The Tech4innov challenge 2026 builds on an initial selection phase that shortlisted projects from a larger pool of applications. These startups are now undergoing evaluation to determine which will continue in the program. The process brings together members of a scientific committee, experts from Maghrebna Innovation’s national and international network, and program partners. Their assessment focuses on maturity, innovation level, relevance, and potential for real-world impact.
Strategic collaboration for African innovation ecosystems
The partnership between Epson and Maghrebna Innovation positions the Tech4innov challenge 2026 as a platform that connects global technology expertise with African entrepreneurial talent. Epson’s role focuses on supporting local innovation ecosystems while contributing technologies relevant to sectors such as printing and projection solutions. The company frames this initiative as part of its broader sustainability strategy and long-term investment in emerging markets.
This collaboration reflects a wider commitment to strengthening innovation ecosystems in Morocco and across Africa. It also highlights the increasing importance of partnerships that go beyond funding, focusing instead on technical support, knowledge transfer, and long-term ecosystem development. Epson’s involvement is aligned with its goal of contributing to sustainable innovation while supporting the emergence of future markets.
Startup evaluation across key sectors
Projects selected under the Tech4innov challenge 2026 span multiple strategic sectors, including FinTech, AgriTech, healthcare, and environmental technologies. This diversity reflects the program’s ambition to address major challenges facing African economies and societies through targeted innovation.
The evaluation process emphasizes both technical strength and practical relevance. Startups are assessed on their ability to deliver scalable solutions with measurable impact. The initiative prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong alignment with development needs, particularly in areas such as economic inclusion, food systems, healthcare access, and environmental resilience.
By focusing on multiple sectors, the program aims to encourage cross-sector innovation and support solutions that can adapt to different regional contexts. This approach strengthens the pipeline of startups capable of contributing to long-term transformation across African markets.
Leadership perspectives on innovation and impact
Salma Bensaid, Director of Émotion TV for ICC, founder of Dialna Maroc and Maghrebna Innovation, emphasized the strategic direction of the program and its expanded thematic scope. She said: “This edition of Maghrebna Innov marks a major strategic shift with Tech4innov, strengthening a territorial approach and integrating key themes such as Agritech, health, artificial intelligence, responsible data, creative industries, energy and water. This selection phase with our partner Epson is more than an evaluation exercise. It is an opportunity to discover talent, expertise, and innovative initiatives that will contribute to sustainable solutions for Morocco and Africa.”
Her remarks underline the program’s focus on connecting innovation with territorial development and expanding opportunities for startups working across critical sectors. The inclusion of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and responsible data reflects the evolving priorities of Africa’s innovation landscape.
Ilias Azzaoui, Managing Director of Epson Francophone Africa, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting ecosystem development through practical engagement. He said: “Through our partnership with Tech4innov, Epson aims to play a concrete role in supporting innovation ecosystems by providing technological solutions that respond to real challenges in key sectors. In hosting this key stage of the program, Epson reaffirms its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship with impact. We are convinced that emerging startup solutions addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges across the continent represent a key lever for future development, aligned with Morocco’s ambitions for sustainability, competitiveness, and talent development under its Vision 2030.”
His statement reflects Epson’s long-term approach to innovation partnerships, focusing on measurable impact and alignment with national development strategies.
Next phase of the Tech4innov challenge 2026
Following this evaluation stage, selected startups will continue in the Tech4innov challenge 2026 program and receive further support to advance their projects. The next phases will focus on strengthening business models, refining solutions, and preparing startups for scaling and implementation.
The initiative highlights a broader trend in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, where global technology companies increasingly collaborate with local platforms to support startup growth. Through this partnership, Epson and Maghrebna Innovation aim to reinforce the capacity of African entrepreneurs to build solutions that address structural challenges while contributing to sustainable development.
