Request for Applications: Mayotte Reconstruction Challenge

The 2025 VivaTech Challenge highlights Mayotte, leveraging innovation for resilient reconstruction after Cyclone Chido. The island faces challenges in infrastructure, water access, agriculture, and employment. With immense potential in the blue economy, renewable energy, and AgriTech, startups worldwide are invited to propose scalable solutions for sustainability and economic growth.

Challenges

• Infrastructure Resilience:
  • Context/Need:
    • Mayotte’s infrastructure was severely impacted by Cyclone Chido, exposing the fragility of buildings, roads, and essential public services. Reconstruction efforts must integrate resilience against future climate risks while considering Mayotte’s limited resources and environmental constraints
  • Expected Solutions:
    • They are looking for projects that go beyond emergency response—solutions that will strengthen Mayotte’s infrastructure, economy, and environmental resilience, ensuring a smarter, more connected, and future-proofed island.
    • Innovative construction materials, modular and adaptive building designs, smart infrastructure technologies, and flood prevention systems that ensure long-term durability and sustainability.
• Sustainable Access to Water and Energy:
  • Context/Need:
    • With a growing population and limited natural water and energy resources, Mayotte faces recurring shortages. Existing infrastructure is insufficient, and reliance on fossil fuels increases environmental vulnerability.
  • Expected Solutions:
    • Renewable energy solutions (solar, wind, marine), off-grid water purification technologies, smart grids, and decentralized energy storage systems that enhance self-sufficiency and resilience.
• AgriTech and Food Security:
  • Context/Need:
    • Mayotte’s agricultural sector struggles with land scarcity, low productivity, and climate-related challenges. The cyclone exacerbated food insecurity, highlighting the need for sustainable farming solutions.
  • Expected Solutions:
    • Vertical and hydroponic farming, precision agriculture, AI-driven crop management, climate-resilient irrigation, and technology-driven supply chain solutions to boost local food production and reduce dependency on imports.
• Circular Economy for Community Resilience:
  • Context/Need:
    • Cyclone Chido generated a massive amount of waste while exposing Mayotte’s dependence on imported goods. A circular economy approach is needed to reduce waste, encourage local production, and strengthen economic resilience.
  • Expected Solutions:
    • Decentralized repair and reuse hubs, waste-to-resource innovations, upcycling initiatives, sustainable local supply chains, and community-led circular economy projects that reduce reliance on imports.
• Smart Marine Conservation & Biodiversity Protection:
  • Context/Need:
    • Mayotte’s lagoon is one of the largest enclosed coral reef systems in the world but faces increasing threats from pollution, illegal fishing, and climate change. Protecting marine biodiversity is essential for both the environment and the local economy.
  • Expected Solutions:
    • AI-powered reef monitoring, marine drones for pollution detection and enforcement, sustainable aquaculture, biodegradable plastic alternatives, and genetic coral restoration technologies.

Rewards

• Win a prize money for each challenge:
  • 5,000 euros to support the development and deployment of the solution in Mayotte.
• Incubation and Support:
  • Access to a local support program, including office space at the Mayotte Technopole, mentorship, and tailored guidance for implementation.
• Visibility and Deployment:
  • Exposure at VivaTech 2025 with a dedicated presentation, as well as access to local and international networks to facilitate the deployment of the solution in Mayotte.
• VivaTech Access:
  • Two tickets per winning team for VivaTech’s 9th edition, offering opportunities to engage with global tech leaders and innovators.

Selection Criteria

• Adaptability to Challenging Environments: Innovative companies that provide cutting-edge solutions while adapting to the unique challenges of Mayotte. Ability to navigate logistical, infrastructural, and environmental issues. A commitment to long-term impact and collaboration with local stakeholders is essential.
• Technical and Economic Feasibility & Startup Readiness: Technically viable and economically feasible for Mayotte. Candidates should have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or functional prototype to show their solution’s practicality and potential
• Social and Environmental Impact: Tangible and measurable impact on the sustainable and inclusive rebuilding of Mayotte, addressing key local challenges: resource management, economic resilience, and environmental protection.
• Innovation: Technological or social innovations that effectively tackle Mayotte’s unique constraints. Must bring new approaches or significantly improve existing ones to drive meaningful change.
• Scalability: Deployable at scale and adaptable to various contexts, ensuring long-term viability. Solutions that can be replicated in other territories facing similar challenges will be favored.

For more information, visit Viva Technology.