2023 Innovation Awards

First edition of the Innovation Trophies, launched by IRD

The Trophées de l'Innovation will reward young researchers with innovative, high-impact projects in developing countries and overseas France.

For this first edition, 44 eligible applications were received. The project leaders came from 13 different countries, with the African continent well represented, with 37 entries in all. The top three countries were Burkina Faso with nine entries, Côte d'Ivoire with eight, and France with seven.

In terms of project themes, agroecology, sustainable food systems and biodiversity are the most represented, closely followed by risks and crises, and health. 

6 projects selected

From some forty applications, six have been selected to compete for the Innovation Trophies. Two trophies will be awarded by the final jury. Discover the portraits of those who may win the Innovation Trophies on November 28. 

• Clarisse Njovu Balegamire: paving the roads of mine tailings
• Fangala Hamidou Coulibaly: plant synergy against mosquitoes
• Souleymane Harouna-Dieté: on the trail of a traditional alicament
• Caroline Lory: growing marine microalgae without nitrogen inputs
• Adèle Ouédraogo Rayangnéwendé: household waste as biofertilizer
• Deutz Régis Zafimamatrapehy: enlisting crab fishermen

During the first week of October, they will take part in a four-day coaching session in a southern country, and on November 26, in a pitch coaching session in Marseille, and will present their project to the final jury atEMERGING Valley, on November 27 and 28.

Two winners will receive a prize of 10,000 euros to finance the development of their project, a promotional kit, and support from professionals to launch their project.