Tunisia Among Five Countries Eligible for the MED IA Forum 2026 Research Prize
Tunisia is one of five countries eligible for the MED IA Forum 2026 Research Prize, alongside Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco. Now in its third edition, the prize opens its call for applications to researchers and academic staff, PhD and postdoctoral candidates, research teams and laboratories, universities, and higher education institutions. Innovative startups and research spin-offs are also welcome to apply.
💡 The Concept & Project Requirements
The goal is clear: spotlight AI-driven projects that tackle real-world challenges across the Mediterranean region. Proposals can address social, environmental, or economic issues, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between academic research and the business ecosystem. The prize aims to connect labs with industry partners, investors, and innovation hubs that can help scale and commercialize their work.
To qualify, projects must feature a concrete AI application—either already developed or currently in progress. Simply integrating an off-the-shelf AI tool is not enough; applicants must present their own AI solution or custom application.
There is no requirement for market readiness. The competition imposes no minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL), meaning projects at any stage of development can apply, provided they meet the core criteria.
🏆 Selection, Mentoring & Prizes
A total of six projects will be shortlisted. Selected teams will receive dedicated mentoring to refine their pitch, strengthen their business case, and maximize the visibility of their work.
Shortlisted innovators will then present their projects on November 5, 2026, at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille, in front of an international audience of researchers, tech leaders, and investors.
Two winners will be awarded on the spot:
- 🌱 Social Innovation Prize: €5,000 (approx. 17,000 TND)
- 📈 Economic Innovation Prize: €5,000 (approx. 17,000 TND)
🌍 Why It Matters for Tunisian Researchers
For Tunisian academics and innovators, this is a strategic opportunity. The call not only provides international visibility to homegrown research but also positions it alongside cutting-edge projects from four other Mediterranean nations. As AI continues to reshape regional economies, the prize aims to demonstrate the technology’s tangible, on-the-ground impact and accelerate its adoption across public and private sectors.
📅 Submission Deadline
Mark your calendars: Applications must be submitted online by September 21, 2026, at 23:59 Paris time (UTC+2). Late submissions will not be reviewed.
🤝 Organizers & Initiative Context
The Research Prize is part of Sila: France-Mediterranean Initiative for AI, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through the Team France Fund (FEF+) and implemented by Expertise France.
It is co-organized by:
- Expertise France
- The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD)
- ANIMA Investment Network
The initiative runs under the umbrella of the third edition of the MED IA Forum, launched by the Interministerial Delegation for the Mediterranean.
🔍 Ready to submit? Ensure your proposal highlights a clear AI application, aligns with Mediterranean socio-economic or environmental priorities, and meets the September 2026 deadline. Early preparation and strong storytelling will be key to standing out among regional innovators.
