The 2025 edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize Africa and Middle East (POESAM) concluded with the selection of four standout Moroccan startups, highlighting the country’s growing innovation scene. The final stage, branded POESAM in the Ring, served as an intense startup battle where entrepreneurs pitched transformative ideas to a panel of experts. Out of more than 380 applications, 11 finalists secured a place in the national showdown.
A Competitive Selection Process
POESAM 2025 was designed to showcase bold ideas and visionary entrepreneurs tackling pressing societal challenges through technology and creativity. The national stage brought together promising Moroccan startups spanning diverse sectors, from health and education to agritech and logistics. Each finalist was evaluated not only on innovation but also on scalability, social impact, and long-term sustainability.
Winners of the Moroccan Edition
The first prize went to DeepLeaf, recognized for its pioneering work in harnessing technology to address environmental and agricultural challenges. The second prize was awarded to VISIOPROCESS Maroc SmartGlobe, a startup that leverages data-driven solutions to optimize industrial and operational processes. Sand to Green, a project dedicated to transforming desert land into sustainable agricultural zones, took third place, while Mamabox, an innovative food and lifestyle brand, received the Coup de CÅ“ur special award.
Finalists Representing Moroccan Innovation
Beyond the winners, the competition highlighted other notable startups making strides in their respective fields. These included IYADA HealthTech Solutions, PostGoo, Colibghiti, OMNIDOC Santé, Cyberschool, and Beeka Athletic. Each of these ventures represented Morocco’s expanding innovation pipeline, underscoring the country’s role as an emerging hub for entrepreneurial talent in Africa.
Role of Orange Fab
The initiative was supported by Orange Fab, the corporate accelerator of Orange, which continues to play a vital role in boosting the Moroccan startup ecosystem. By offering mentorship, visibility, and international exposure, Orange Fab provides winning startups with the resources needed to scale and integrate into broader markets. The program’s objective extends beyond recognition, aiming to deliver concrete support that helps startups expand their impact.
A Celebration of Creativity and Impact
The closing ceremony was framed as more than a competition, described by organizers as a celebration of creativity, boldness, and human adventure. Jury members emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that use technology as a tool for societal improvement. The diversity of projects showcased Morocco’s innovation potential across different sectors, from education and healthcare to environment and sports.
Looking Ahead
POESAM 2025 once again confirmed Morocco’s position as a key contributor to Africa’s entrepreneurial future. The winning startups will now gain access to further support from Orange Fab and may compete at regional levels, offering new opportunities for international recognition. With their groundbreaking projects, these entrepreneurs are poised to shape solutions that not only address local challenges but also create impact across Africa and beyond.
The 2025 edition of POESAM reflected both the maturity and dynamism of Morocco’s startup landscape. DeepLeaf, VISIOPROCESS Maroc, Sand to Green, and Mamabox stood out as leaders, but the entire cohort of finalists highlighted the ecosystem’s strength and diversity. As the competition advances to its next stages, Moroccan startups remain firmly in the spotlight as engines of innovation and social change.