The following press release was submitted by the national organizers of the Entrepreneurship World Cup in Madagascar.
Antananarivo, Madagascar – Solar Smart Systems, a IoT cutting-edge solar solution; Moli Company, an agri-food business; and Foodbox, a startup that provides transportation services by motorbike, captured first prize in the idea stage, early stage, and growth stage categories respectively at the national finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2024 (EWC) competition held recently in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
“Participating in the EWC competition organized by the co-national organizer was an enriching experience where we had the chance to present our idea and perfect our project thanks to feedback from the juries," said Rakotoarisoa Garrys, founder and CEO of Solar Smart Systems. "Winning the idea stage prize was a moment of great pride for Solar Smart System, and we express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this success."
"Being able to present my activity on the international stage was a great opportunity for me," said Vahatraina Rabemanantsoa, founder and CEO of Moli Company. "It was an honor to represent Madagascar. I extend my warm thanks to the juries and co-national organizers, in particular Swethal Kumar and Mustapha Zaouini.”
"Thank you to all the national organizers Startupscale360, Fliptin, and JCI Larivo for this wonderful organization as well as the juries, and the national hosts for allowing us to be part of this adventure which was a real success," said Landry Rabe, Co-Founder & COO of Foodbox.
Swethal Kumar, from Startupscale360, Meva Wanda RANDRIAMANARINA, president of JCI Larivo, and Mustapha Zaouini, CEO of Fliptin, co-founder and chair for AI in Africa greeted the distinguished visitors and emphasized its role in fostering a diverse and dynamic startup platform including cost-effective business incubation, advisory, and mentorship. The Madagascar Final held at the World Bank has seen an active participation of judges, speakers, founders, and key enablers of the regional startup ecosystem.
Reflecting on the culmination of Madagascar Final of EWC after an arduous five-month journey of meticulous preparation, coordination, rigorous screening, assessments, and multiple rounds of judging, Swethal Kumar, CEO of Startupscale360 FZE, expressed gratitude to the judges and management committee members who dedicatedly selected the top 3 finalists. He added “I acknowledge the remarkable journey of the competition and extended appreciation to the numerous individuals involved in its success." He thanked industry leaders for their guidance, in-kind supports, and all those who contributed to making the event possible.
"This competition participates in boosting Madagascar's digital ecosystem, emphasizing the need for events like these across all sectors to showcase the vast potential of the startups involved,” said Mustapha Zaouini, CEO of Fliptin. "I'm filled with immense pride for every startup that applied to EWC Madagascar and grateful to our partners. Here's to a digital future for Madagascar, brightened by the innovation of all startups!"
“Hosting the national final of the EWC in Madagascar proved to be an exhilarating journey for us," said Meva Wanda RANDRIAMANARINA, President of JCI Larivo. "Witnessing the enthusiasm of the startups during their pitches was immensely gratifying. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants, with special recognition for the winners. Our success wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners, to whom we owe immense gratitude. A sincere appreciation goes out to Lentre and ISSOF for their commitment to assisting the winner in their preparations for the global phase.”
Dr BaomiavotseVahinala RAHARINIRINA, former minister of environment and lecturer in economics said: "The startup ecosystem in Madagascar is evolving rapidly, with young people keen to write a new story for their nation and to undertake ventures both to meet the needs of the domestic market and to gain a presence and visibility on the international stage. Thank you to the EWC team for giving Malagasy talent this opportunity to get in on the action.”
The event has seen various pitching sessions and panel discussions, which was moderated by Mustapha Zaouini, CEO of Fliptin, founder and chair for AI in Africa.
Solar Smart Systems is a startup that excels with IoT cutting-edge solar solutions, innovative apps and modules which provides unparalleled optimization, remote management, and efficient control, which sets company apart in the market.
Moli Company is a startup that aims to add value as a agrifood company to country’s terroir products, while contributing to the development of farmers’ living conditions and began their activity with coffee.
Foodbox is a start-up that provides transportation service with motorbike to transport user from point A to point B by using motorbike, also providing food delivery services
Other finalists in the EWC Madagascar National Finals included:
Idea Stage Category:
- Payka from Antananarivo, a startup that streamlines financial transactions, crypto currency rewards, and othersacross all currencies.
- Numeris from Antananarivo, a startup that is a revolutionary online training solution to make training an integral part of everyday life.
- Soleau from AmbohibaryAntsirabe II, a startup that provides agri-food products to help reduce the rate of hunger, unemployment, and rural exodus and to create jobs in rural areas.
- Vibee’s from Antananarivo, a startup that provides, digitalization to make events accessible remotely, including for individuals with disabilities.
Early Stage Category:
- Sehatra from Antananarivo, a startup that provides first streaming video platform in Madagascar.
- Rariala from Antananarivo, a startup that providesa digital technology and Madagascar's artisanal heritage to create and sell unique goods.
- Let’s Share from Antananarivo, a startup that meets the needs of language learners who want more practice.
- InstitutSuperieur Le Capricorne from Antananarivo, a startup that provides professional training institute to produce agribusiness operational technicians and improve access to professional training in rural areas.
- E-Trano from Antananarivo, a startup that provides a property portal in Madagascar where people can easily find their properties to rent, buy and fund.
- Vision’R from Antananarivo, a startup that provides a company dedicated to promoting professional integration in Madagascar.
- Madagascar Honey from Antananarivo, a honey selling business connecting producers to consumers.
Growth Stage Category:
- Vanilla Pay from Antananarivo, a startup that promotes, online secure payment for ecommerce, e-business and international tourism provider.
- NetPro from Antananarivo, a startup that provides, offers a range of products and services from AI to IoT (AI Tutor & E-Learning, Smart Assistant), professional training.
Solar Smart Systems, Moli Company, and Foodbox will be advancing to global winner pool where they will be further evaluated for selection of EWC 250 - the next round of the global competition against applicants from 200 countries. All founders advancing to the next round will participate in a Boot camp which features virtual training and mentoring sessions targeted to their company’s current stage and growth trajectory. This is a key step to qualify for the EWC Global Finals.
The top 100 finalists globally will advance to pitch live for a share of USD 1 million in cash prizes at the EWC Global Finals held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in Fall 2024. Global finalists also gain automatic entry into the GEN Starters Club, an invitation-only community of talented founders from around the world.
Judges for the national competition were:
- Niavo Ramamonjisoa, Responsible for the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Centre and Project Manager, SEEED-Le CEENTRE
- Kanto Rakotondrasata, Trainer, INSCAE
- MasinantenainaAndriantsoa, Founder, YMAGOO
- Zo NantenanainaRanaivoson, President, SME consortium
- HasneinTahora, CEO, Groupe Rianis (CTMotors, Bari Immobilier, STMB, Eva Fruit)
- Harilalaina RAMAMIARIJERY, Trainer, ISSOF
- Tahina Rajaonarison, Vice-President, PLAMFE
- Jonathan Rakotoarisoa, Go-to-market specialist, ZafyTody
- DiamondraRazafitsalama, Investment manager, Miarakap
The EWC Madagascar National Finals were organized by Startupscale360 in partnership with JCI Larivo and Fliptin “Co-National Co-organizer”.
Since launching in 2019, the Entrepreneurship World Cup has attracted 430,000 registrations from 200 countries and connected founders with over US$4M in cash prizes and another US$266M worth of free support and services.
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is hosted globally by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and Monsha’at.