Hackathon Water4Future: Team WaterTrace Honored in Montpellier
After standing out in previous editions of the Water4Future Hackathon organized at Cadi Ayyad University, Team WaterTrace from the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia of Marrakech (FSSM) has once again earned recognition on the international stage.
After 48 hours of intensive innovation in Montpellier, the team distinguished itself among 800 students representing 66 universities from 23 countries during the 2026 edition of the hackathon. Their project was awarded the “Jury’s Favorite” Prize, recognizing both the scientific rigor of their approach and the originality of their solution in addressing pressing water-related challenges.
This recognition builds upon an already impressive trajectory. During the previous edition held in Marrakech and organized by Cadi Ayyad University, Team WaterTrace was awarded second prize, confirming the strength, consistency, and potential of their project.
A Dynamic Initiative Launched at Cadi Ayyad University
Cadi Ayyad University’s commitment to fostering innovation in the field of water management took concrete shape in January 2025 with the organization— in partnership with the UNESCO International Centre for Water in Montpellier (ICIREWARD)—of the first Water4Future Hackathon – Cadi Ayyad Edition.
Held on January 23–24, 2025, at Marrakech Innovation City, the event brought together nearly 100 students from the university’s master’s programs and engineering tracks. Participants worked on challenges related to continental freshwater systems and the sustainable management of water resources.
Organized into teams of five to seven participants, students were given 48 hours to design innovative solutions. Throughout the process, they benefited from the guidance of a multidisciplinary committee of researchers, academics, and professionals from the water sector, who provided mentorship and expertise.
A Second Edition with National Scope
Building on the success of this first initiative, Cadi Ayyad University organized the second edition of the Water4Future Hackathon on December 1, 2, and 4, 2025, once again hosted at Marrakech Innovation City, in partnership with the UNESCO International Centre on Water in Montpellier (ICIREWARD) and the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water.
Open to students from universities across Morocco, the event was held alongside the 19th World Water Congress, organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
This edition highlighted a strategic theme at the core of sustainable development challenges: the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems Nexus. Participants were invited to propose innovative solutions capable of addressing the complex interconnections between these essential resources.
International Recognition
The distinction awarded to Team WaterTrace in Montpellier represents the culmination of a journey of innovation that began within Cadi Ayyad University. It also underscores the capacity of the university’s students to develop scientifically sound and internationally competitive projects within demanding global environments.
Through initiatives such as the Water4Future Hackathon, Cadi Ayyad University reaffirms its strong commitment to innovation, applied research, and the mobilization of young talent to address the critical challenges of sustainable water management.
