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Algeria Startup Challenge · 2026

Innovating Across Sectors.
Scaling Impact

8th Edition
Organized by Leancubator
Powered by Soolvit
Pre-Register

About Algeria Startup Challenge

Since 2018, Algeria Startup Challenge has built bridges between economic operators, institutions, and startups, transforming industrial and societal challenges into open innovation programs that generate high-impact solutions.
Today, ASC continues to build on this legacy to create the opportunities and collaborations that will shape the future of innovative entrepreneurship in Algeria.

Strengthen startups’ access to markets and investment opportunities.

Unite innovation ecosystem stakeholders to create an environment that supports the emergence and acceleration of innovative solutions.

Support a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to economic, societal, and environmental challenges.

Provide startups with concrete opportunities rooted in real market and industry challenges.

Why take part?

We open the right doors for you

Access new markets, collaborate with companies and institutions, and get investor-ready to help your project scale.

Acceleration & immersion

Join a structured program with full immersion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and tailored support to scale faster.

Access to grants & funding

Get grants to launch and deploy pilot projects, test your innovation, and speed up go-to-market.

Get noticed

Gain media exposure, connect with industry leaders, and strengthen your startup’s credibility.

Impact

Program Impact in Numbers

0

Promising startups and innovative projects supported

0

Dinars in startup contracts and grants obtained

0

Open innovation challenges organized

0

Open innovation agreements signed

0

Startups that successfully raised funds

Join Algeria’s
largest startup
program

Pre-register now. Be the first to get notified when the next challenges launch.

How does the program run?

A structured 6-step journey to turn your innovations into success

1
April – May 2026

Launch of the
call for innovations

Official announcement of the challenges, application submissions, and mentor mobilization for awareness and outreach.

2
June 2026

Selection
& deliberation

Project selection process including pre-screening and jury review, based on clear criteria, hackathons, and pitch sessions.

3
July 2026

Program
kick-off

Onboarding of selected startups and official launch of the acceleration program.

4
August – October 2026

Intensive support

Strategic diagnostics, focused training sessions, and personalized mentoring.

5
September 2026

Learning & Immersion Days

Dedicated days for learning, networking, and key ecosystem meetings.

6
October 2026

ASC2026 Annual Event

Final pitches, battle finale, strategic partnerships, and media exposure.

What we are looking for

Commitment & professionalism

Founders who are fully engaged, with structured teams able to execute with discipline and consistency.

Collaborative mindset & openness

Profiles open to learning, sharing, and collaborating with the ecosystem and partners.

Projects with real impact

Solutions addressing concrete economic, societal, and environmental challenges.

Execution & structure

The ability to turn an idea into an operational solution and build a solid company.

Do you see yourself in these criteria?

Success Stories Success Stories

Discover Our Alumni

Previous editions have rewarded high-potential startups across various sectors.

alumni
Abdallah bousbia

woven

ASC 2025
alumni
Amine Nemer

Inspectops

ASC 2025
alumni
Lyna Cherif

AIRCROP

ASC 2024
alumni
AgriTech

harm reduction

ASC 2024
alumni
Abderraouf Benramoul

tahwissa

ASC 2021
alumni
Kandi Nadir

BargMe

ASC 2024
alumni
Dora Souane

SanoX

ASC 2025
Dora SouaneAgriTech

SmartAgri 5

ASC 2023
alumni
Mousaab Fethallah

Treelamp

ASC 2024
alumni
adam deba

Qareeb

ASC 2025
alumni
Farah bourras

Think Touch

ASC 2025
Découvrir →

Highlights from previous editions

Relive the key moments from past editions of the Algeria Startup Challenge

7th edition - 2025

The annual event of the 7th edition brought together startups and key players from across the Algerian ecosystem around the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future.” Showcasing ambitious business cases, sustainable solutions, and collaborative co-innovation.

Learn more →

6th edition - 2024

The sixth edition of the Algeria Startup Challenge (ASC) highlights sustainable innovation, uniting startups, professionals, and investors to shape a sustainable future. It offers a vibrant program of discussions, networking, and collaborative activities.

Learn more →

5th edition - 2023

The long-awaited Algerian program returns with a focus on sustainability. With an array of battles in which the best startups compete to win over their future partners.

Learn more →

4th edition | Tech4Good

The grand final challenge of the 4th edition targeting innovators and startups offering disruptive and sustainable technologies through a range of open innovation challenges.

Learn more →

4th edition | Fintech SC

Fintech Startup Challenge is the innovative entrepreneurship challenge targeting innovative and disruptive solutions in Fintech, Insurtech and Legaltech in collaboration with financial sector actors.

Learn more →

4th edition | Foodtech SC

The annual program exclusive to startups and innovations in the food industry, agriculture and aquaculture. Organized in a logic of open innovation.

Learn more →

3rd edition - 2021

An edition offering a new configuration of challenges specialized by industries, namely Foodtech, Fintech and Logistics, bringing together the major actors of the three sectors with their own themes.

Learn more →

2nd edition - 2020

Organized in the form of a national competition in 5 poles bringing together enthusiasts and major actors of the startup movement in Algeria.

Learn more →

1st edition - 2018

The first edition of the program aims to stimulate the emergence of startups and innovative solutions around e-commerce and e-payment and thus promote the digitalization of the economy.

Learn more →
FAQ Icon FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Algeria Startup Challenge

Who is the program for?
The program is designed for Algerian entrepreneurs and startups, as well as students, researchers, and innovators developing high-potential solutions. It is open to individuals and teams engaged in developing scalable projects.
What types of projects are being sought?
We are looking for innovative and scalable solutions that address real economic, industrial, societal, or environmental challenges expressed by our partners. For each challenge, the required maturity level is specified: from early-stage ideas and proof of concepts to validated prototypes and projects ready to scale.
What areas or topics are covered?
Each edition is structured around open innovation challenges co-defined with our partners and rooted in real market needs. The goal is to solve concrete and validated problems, ensuring high relevance, real implementation potential, and direct market access.
How can I register for the program?
Registration is done online via the Soolvit platform. Startups can pre-register to be informed about the launch of challenges and then apply during the official opening period.
Is participation free?
Yes. Participation in the program is completely free for selected startups.
How does the selection process work?
The selection takes place in two phases. First, a pre-selection is conducted based on the submitted application, according to the evaluation criteria and specific rules of each challenge. Pre-selected candidates are then invited to pitch in front of a jury composed of experts, partners, and key ecosystem actors.
What do selected startups receive?
Selected startups benefit from a structured acceleration program combining personalized mentoring, strategic support, and deep immersion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. They gain access to concrete business partnership opportunities as well as strong media and institutional visibility to strengthen their positioning and credibility. Additionally, the winning startups for each challenge receive a financial grant to launch, test, or deploy a pilot project and accelerate market entry in close collaboration with the challenge partner.
Does the program provide access to funding?
The program does not provide direct funding. However, while we focus on market access and business opportunities as the main growth levers, the program is strongly connected to the Algerian financing ecosystem to support startups in mobilizing appropriate funding solutions.
Can I apply to multiple challenges?
Yes. A startup can apply to multiple challenges, provided that the proposed solution is clearly relevant and adapted to each specific problem. However, if selected, the startup will only be retained for one challenge to ensure focus, engagement, and optimal performance in the program.
How can I maximize my chances of being selected?
To maximize your chances, propose a clear, realistic, and genuinely innovative solution directly addressing the core challenge. Demonstrate a tangible and measurable impact with a credible implementation roadmap and a strong value proposition. Highlight a committed and complementary team and show a deep understanding of the challenge context, partner needs, and market opportunity.
Who organizes the program?
The program is organized by Leancubator, the top-ranked incubator in Algeria, and powered by Soolvit, with support from a strong network of institutional and economic partners committed to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
How can I become a partner or sponsor of the edition?
Organizations wishing to become a partner or sponsor of the edition can contact the program team to explore collaboration opportunities. We work with corporate, institutional, and ecosystem actors who want to launch open innovation challenges, support high-potential startups, and access market-oriented innovation. Partnerships may include challenge sponsorship, pilot project deployment, ecosystem visibility, and strategic collaborations. A 'Become a Partner' form is available on the website, or you can contact us at: contact@algeriastartupchallenge.com.

Do you have more questions?

Our team is here to help