La Turbine is celebrating its tenth anniversary and, to mark the occasion, is launching the Innovation Challenge 2026. Focused on artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation, this new edition invites entrepreneurs and startups to submit their projects by August 26.
La Turbine kicked off its Innovation Challenge 2026 on July 15 at its headquarters in Les Kocottes, Saint-Pierre. The launch comes at just the right time, as it coincides with the incubator’s tenth anniversary; over the past decade, it has become one of the pillars of Mauritius’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Innovation,” this edition aims to bring together entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups to explore high-potential solutions capable of addressing the country’s economic, social, and environmental challenges. “Our experience has shown us that startups cannot succeed on their own,” says Swarna Gujadhur, Head of Operations at La Turbine, who emphasizes the need to build bridges between young companies, the private sector, and public institutions.
Applications, which will be accepted for eight weeks, must be submitted by August 26. Starting in September, selected participants will take part in an intensive two-month program (workshops, coaching, networking, etc.) leading up to the Innovation Challenge Fair in October and Pitch Day in November, where finalists will present their projects to investors and partners.
The initiative is supported by MCB, ER Group, Eclosia Angel Fund, Blue Azurite, and ER Hospitality, as well as by Axess, TGH Holdings, and the Journal des Archipels. Pamela Chan, Head of Business Banking at MCB, sees it as a “true catalyst for transformation” for the local ecosystem. Over the past ten years, La Turbine has received more than 1,000 projects, supported 150 entrepreneurs during the pre-incubation phase, and seen the launch of 35 startups—a trajectory that this new edition aims to continue, with the stated ambition of making Mauritius a regional hub for innovation.
