Mediterranean Youth Water Hackathon

The WEFE (Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems) Nexus is an approach that recognises the interdependence and interconnectedness of these three sectors. For example, energy production often requires water for cooling or hydroelectric power, while food production is heavily reliant on both water and energy for irrigation, processing, and transportation.

They’re looking for innovative solutions that address the challenges and opportunities within the WEFE Nexus. This could involve anything from developing more efficient irrigation technologies to exploring alternative energy sources with a lower water footprint.

They aim to inspire and engage aspiring young entrepreneurs in finding sustainable solutions to WEFE Nexus challenges across the Mediterranean region. Through collaboration and creative problem-solving, participants will be encouraged to develop business ideas that have a positive social and environmental impact.

Benefits

• Real-world impact: Design solutions for urgent water, energy, food, and ecosystem issues. The three most promising solutions will be selected on the final day and will receive technical and financial support in the following months.
• Prize & ongoing support: The first-place team will be awarded €3,000, and the two runner-up teams will receive €1,000 each. Winning teams will also receive continued mentorship to refine and scale their solutions, ensuring a lasting impact.
• Accelerated skill-building workshops: Gain hands-on experience with mentors and learn entrepreneurial skills, design thinking, and sustainable business models to turn your idea into reality.
• Networking: Connect with experts, mentors, and fellow innovators from across the Mediterranean region. Build relationships that will support your growth long after the hackathon ends!

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications are submitted by teams. Multicultural and women-led teams are encouraged to apply.
• Team members must be aged between 18 and 35.
• Have a business idea or be willing to work on specific business models to solve WEFE Nexus challenges.
• Be available for one or two online sessions ahead of the hackathon.
• Be available in February for the in-person hackathon in Fes. Please note that team members attending the in-person hackathon must be fluent in English.
• Regardless of your place of residence, please note that applicants must be nationals of UFM Member states:  Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, and Turkey.
• There is no specific professional background required. You can be a graduate or student, with any type of education, such as water, sanitation, business development, programming, marketing, social studies, engineering, architecture, political science, and so on.
• The most important requisites for participation are motivation, interest in solving challenges within the WEFE Nexus and entrepreneurial spirit.

For more information, visit Union for the Mediterranean.