Research Award in Artificial Intelligence 2026 Worth €5,000
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The Mediterranean Artificial Intelligence Forum (FORUM MED IA – FMIA) has opened applications for the FORUM MED IA 2026 Research Prize, one of the international research competitions and awards aimed at supporting and showcasing innovative projects that use artificial intelligence to address social, environmental, or economic challenges in the Mediterranean region.
The award targets researchers, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, research teams and laboratories, higher education institutions, as well as innovative startups and research-based spin-offs in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia.
The award provides a valuable opportunity for those interested in international competitions and awards for researchers in artificial intelligence and innovation. Projects may be submitted in fields such as health, education, agriculture, environment, water, industry, sustainability, the blue economy, social inclusion, and technology transfer, provided that they involve a practical application of artificial intelligence to address a challenge related to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits
Two prizes will be awarded:
- Social Innovation Prize: €5,000 for a project that uses artificial intelligence to address a public-interest issue and create social or environmental impact, such as health, education, the environment, water, agriculture, sustainability, or inclusion.
- Economic Innovation Prize: €5,000 for a project that uses artificial intelligence to develop a solution with economic potential, such as technology transfer, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, or economic value creation.
In addition, 6 finalist projects will receive:
- Participation in an online preparation and training workshop during October 2026.
- Training on developing and presenting the project pitch.
- Support in clarifying the project’s scientific, social, or economic value.
- The opportunity to present the project to an international audience of researchers, investors, institutions, and decision-makers.
- An invitation to participate in FORUM MED IA 2026 on November 5, 2026, at Palais du Pharo in Marseille, France.
- Coverage of airfare and accommodation in Marseille for finalists residing outside France.
- Possible support with visa-related procedures.
- Networking opportunities with laboratories, companies, investors, and potential partners.
- Continued promotional and visibility support for selected projects through IRD and the ANIMA Investment Network.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants are eligible if they or their affiliated organization:
- Are based in or headquartered in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, or Tunisia.
- Are a researcher, PhD student, or postdoctoral researcher.
- Are part of a research team or laboratory.
- Are affiliated with a higher education institution or university.
- Represent an innovative startup or a research-based spin-off.
- Are working on a project based on a tangible application of artificial intelligence or a project currently under development.
- Submit a project that addresses a challenge relevant to the Mediterranean region.
- The project is not required to have reached a specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL).