Celebrating Innovation and Excellence
Casablanca has become a beacon of innovation as several Moroccan inventors garnered prestigious accolades at the Innovation Week Awards 2026, an international online competition that introduced an AI-assisted judging system this year. Organized by OFEED, a Moroccan platform committed to promoting innovation and supporting inventors, this edition not only celebrated the platform’s 10th anniversary but also marked the eighth iteration of the Innovation Week Awards. This year's event was particularly noteworthy not only for the remarkable projects that were honored but also for its pioneering evaluation process, which incorporated AI-assisted live assessments to enhance the judging criteria.
Outstanding Achievements in Research and Technology
Among the standout winners was Hassan Ammor, a distinguished professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, who was awarded the Academic Grand Prize for his innovative project aimed at tackling cheating during examinations. This cutting-edge solution harmoniously integrates artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and embedded systems technologies to identify unauthorized electronic devices in exam settings. Morocco's achievements were not limited to this grand prize; Ammor, alongside fellow researchers Jalal Baayer and Zakaria Er-Reguig from the Mohammadia School of Engineers, also earned recognition as part of the competition’s Top 20 Gold Medal Winners, showcasing a collection of the highest-rated projects globally.
The Moroccan researchers were celebrated for their contributions across various sectors, including healthcare and telecommunications. One notable project highlighted the early detection of breast cancer through an advanced smart scanner that leverages microwave imaging and radiofrequency technologies. This portable device aims to democratize access to screenings, particularly in areas where traditional diagnostic tools are scarce. The researchers emphasized that early detection is vital for improving survival rates, and they foresee the potential for this technology to be deployed on a larger scale in the future.
Another innovative project recognized at the awards involved the development of a microstrip antenna for GSM communication systems, designed to mitigate the thermal effects and electromagnetic wave interactions encountered by mobile phone users. This project falls under the umbrella of telecommunications and electromagnetic compatibility research, showcasing Morocco's commitment to advancing technology in these critical fields.
This year's competition distinguished itself by implementing a novel AI-assisted jury model, where participants presented their projects through interactive video presentations. AI tools played a crucial role in analyzing submissions based on the established competition criteria, a move that organizers believe will improve transparency and ensure more consistent comparisons between projects. The impressive performance of Moroccan researchers at this event underscores the increasing vigor in applied scientific research within the country, as numerous projects are dedicated to addressing practical challenges while fostering opportunities for technology transfer and industrial advancement.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
