Innovation Challenge 2026

In Partnership with

Are you ready to build an intelligent solution that drives sustainable change in Mauritius?

Whether you are validating an early-stage green tech concept or scaling an established eco-friendly startup, the Innovation Challenge 2026 is your definitive gateway to join Mauritius’ premier community of innovators.

We are fast-tracking innovative solutions engineered to solve real-world challenges across these 8 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

2

Sustainable Food Systems & Zero Hunger

Goal 2

Sustainable Food Systems & Zero Hunger

Optimizing agricultural yields, reducing supply chain waste, and mitigating market fluctuations for the 77% of food imported to Mauritius.

8

Decent Work & Inclusive Economic Growth

Goal 8

Decent Work & Inclusive Economic Growth

Driving green job creation, optimizing the circular economy to boost GDP by 1.5%, and diversifying the technology talent pool by 2033.

9

Smart Industry, Infrastructure & Innovation

Goal 9

Smart Industry, Infrastructure & Innovation

Engineering resilient coastal infrastructure, deploying smart grid systems, and advancing low-carbon industrial automation.

11

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 11

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Deploying predictive intelligence models for urban planning, real-time flood mitigation, and climate resilience.

12

Circular Economy & Responsible Consumption

Goal 12

Circular Economy & Responsible Consumption

Diverting the 537,000 tonnes of annual landfill waste and utilizing smart logistics to increase the current 4% recycling rate.

13

Climate Resilience & Green Innovation

Goal 13

Climate Resilience & Green Innovation

Providing deep-tech tools to fulfill the national pledge of a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 through green tech software.

14

Blue Economy & Marine Conservation

Goal 14

Blue Economy & Marine Conservation

Protecting marine ecosystems and optimizing sustainable ocean industries, which represent 10.3% of national GDP and employ 10,000 citizens.
tourism.

17

Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

Goal 17

Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

Fostering essential data-driven collaborations between tech startups, corporate enterprises, and public sector institutions.

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What you gain.

We are dedicated to equipping visionary entrepreneurs to pitch innovative AI-driven, sustainable solutions to a panel of corporate clients and industry partners.

Rs 300,000 Equity-Free Cash Pool

A grand prize pool of Rs 300,000 distributed across three top ventures to accelerate development, redeemable upon entry into Turbine’s Incubation Programme.

Direct Corporate Matchmaking

Gain exclusive access to leading Mauritian enterprises actively seeking intelligent business software and automation tools to optimise operations.

Expert Mentoring & Workshops

Fast-track your growth with specialised masterclasses and elite business coaching; refine your strategy, business plan, and investor pitch.

Media & Demo Day Exposure

Feature your business at high-profile innovation expos and pitching events, building credibility with media, angel networks, and key stakeholders.

Investment and Funding Opportunities

Present directly to potential customers and investors to boost your startup growth and unlock new funding pipelines.

Entry into Turbine's 2026 Incubation or Acceleration Programme

Secure your place in Turbine’s acceleration or incubation programme — dedicated workspaces, continuous coaching, workshops, and exclusive networking events.

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Our programmes

Our Programme

We are looking for forward-thinking startups addressing complex environmental and social challenges through intelligent, scalable businesses. Starting in September, this rigorous 2-month pre-incubation programme delivers hands-on workshops, dedicated business coaching, and connects you with potential partners for feedback.

Early Ideation Stage

Testing Your Prototype

Preparing To Scale

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Eligible Startups

  • Are developing or have an innovative business, or are scaling a sustainable customer base (AI-powered software is a bonus).
  • Address one or more of the UN SDGs.
  • Are based in Mauritius (or planning to build and scale from here).
  • Are committed to joining Turbine’s 2027 Incubation or Acceleration Programme if selected.

Note: This is more than a one-off program — it’s your entry point into a long-term startup support journey.

Application Deadline: 19 August 2026

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Key Dates & Timeline

Info Session

11 August 2026 11:00 – 12:45

Panel Discussions

4 August 2026 09:45 – 12:00

Deadline

19 August 2026

Programme

10 Sep - 16 Nov 2026

Meet our partners

Our Coaches

Seize the opportunity to connect with industry leaders during the program and gain their invaluable support.

Katia Derache Lauthan

Start-up Coach

Renaud Lagesse

Start-up Coach

Didier Charoux

Start-up Coach

Marc Israel

Start-up Coach

Alexandrine Maigrot

Start-up Coach

Sonal Cheekhooree

Start-up Coach

Testimonials

About Turbine

Turbine was initiated by the ER Group in 2016 (formerly known as ENL Group, which recently merged with Rogers Group in 2025) with the strategic objective to create an ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship in Mauritius.

 

Our purpose is to foster innovation to drive impactful transformation. Our mission is to provide tailored resources and opportunities to empower visionary leaders.