Sixteen innovative projects have been recognized at the National Innovation Contest, with the aim of promoting local talent and facilitating their integration into the industrial sector. Malagasy innovation is gradually paving the way toward industrial development. Sixteen projects were officially distinguished as part of the National Innovation Contest, organized around research and new solutions likely to contribute to Madagascar's development. The trophy presentation ceremony was held this Wednesday, in the presence of various stakeholders who participated in the initiative.
In total, thirty-five project leaders presented their ideas as part of this competition. Among them, sixteen projects were selected for their relevance and potential. Three themes were prioritized: energy, local transformation, and agro-industry. This choice responds, according to the Malagasy Office of Industrial Property (Omapi), to needs identified within the population and challenges the country faces.
"The objective is to see what solutions Malagasy researchers and innovators can provide to advance the country," explains Naharisoa Oby Rafanotsimiva, director general of Omapi. The initiative thus aims to highlight local talent, whether experienced researchers, professionals, or people just starting out in the field of innovation.
Bridges
Female participation is also a notable element of this edition. Women represent 60% of program beneficiaries and are also carrying projects designed to address various issues. This significant presence demonstrates the growing role of women in Madagascar's research and innovation ecosystem.
The selection of sixteen projects was not carried out directly by Omapi. The organization worked with several partners mobilized as part of the contest. These partners proposed jury members, tasked with evaluating the different projects. Each juror assigned scores according to selected criteria. Omapi then compiled the evaluations to establish the final selection.
Beyond the trophy presentation, the contest primarily aims to create bridges between project leaders and the private sector. The sixteen selected projects should thus be able to benefit from support from partners from the industrial and commercial sectors. The challenge is to bring innovative ideas closer to actors capable of transforming them into concrete and economically viable solutions.
In this approach, Omapi intervenes notably in protecting results from research. The Office supports innovators in procedures related to industrial property, particularly those necessary for obtaining an invention patent.