NPCC celebrates next-generation AI entrepreneurs
REDUIT, 08 May 2026— The National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) hosted its landmark AI StartUps Award Ceremony on Friday, 08 May 2026, at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation. The event celebrated the culmination of an ambitious national initiative that attracted over 157 budding entrepreneurs and produced 19 AI-powered ventures ready to compete on the regional and global stage. Five outstanding teams were crowned winners, each awarded a cash prize of Rs 100,000 as seed funding along with incubation support to accelerate their startups.
The ceremony was graced by Hon Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives and Dr the Hon Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and alongside Mr Arshad Duymun, Chairperson of the NPCC, and Dr Vinaye Ancharaz, Executive Director of the NPCC. The event marked a defining moment in Mauritius’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
About the AI StartUps Initiative
Launched in October 2025 as a flagship programme of the NPCC, the AI StartUps Initiative was designed as a comprehensive pipeline from ideation to incubation. Its ambition: to nurture a new generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs and operationalise the national AI for Mauritius (AIM) strategy. The response far exceeded expectations — 157 registrations were received against an initial target of 100.
The programme unfolded across seven structured phases. Ninety-four participants completed rigorous Design Thinking workshops, equipping them with human-centred problem-solving skills. The AI Sprint, hosted in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, produced 34 innovative prototypes spanning agriculture, education, marine conservation and beyond. Nineteen teams pitched their solutions to a panel of assessors in March 2026. The programme was supported by 12 dedicated AI coaches drawn from leading academic institutions and industry, and guided by a 17-member Technical Committee.
Words from the Podium
“AI is already making an impact on productivity across the Mauritian economy. In particular, since 2021, we note an encouraging reversal in the downward trend in capital productivity. In the manufacturing sector, capital productivity grew at an impressive 7.4% during 2021-2024. This performance can partly be credited to the adoption of Industry 4.0 practices, especially by the larger firms. AI and IoT applications, such as predictive maintenance algorithms that can cut machine downtime by as much as 50%, and computer vision tools that significantly reduce defect rates, are helping strengthen our export competitiveness.”— Dr Vinaye Ancharaz, Executive Director, NPCC
“By providing a platform for startups to ideate, experiment and scale their solutions, this initiative contributes directly to the creation of higher value-added activities and the emergence of new growth sectors. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, such initiatives are crucial to enhancing productivity, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring that our economy remains agile, competitive and resilient.”— Mr Arshad Duymun, Chairperson, NPCC
“Whether you emerge as winners or not, you are all champions of progress and agents of change. I encourage you to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new possibilities and contributing to the advancement of our economy. The NPCC has chosen the path of partnership and collective action, working closely with ministries, public institutions and private sector stakeholders — and this collaborative approach lays a solid foundation for a sustained productivity movement in Mauritius.”— Hon Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives
“I wish to commend the NPCC for its visionary AI StartUps initiative, which perfectly aligns with Government’s ambition to foster innovation and drive economic transformation. This project not only provides a vital platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, but also nurtures a culture of creativity, experimentation and continuous improvement. To all participants, I extend my sincere congratulations for your dedication and boldness in shaping tomorrow’s solutions. Your efforts are a source of pride and inspiration for our nation.”— Dr the Hon Avinash Ramtohul, Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation
Meet the Competing Startups
Nineteen teams from diverse sectors presented AI-driven solutions addressing real challenges facing Mauritius and the wider Indian Ocean region. Below is a full overview of the ventures that competed at the ceremony:
KOM AI – by Nigel Chevathyan
An advanced AI-powered platform revolutionising digital content creation by giving users full control over generated visuals.
Mo Karyer – by Mohammad Muzzammil Panchoo, Muhammad Ahsan Raza Panchoo & Mungroo Irshaad
A WhatsApp-based career guidance chatbot helping secondary and tertiary students explore career pathways and opportunities.
Study Hive – by Yukta Ranjeet Emrith & Arokium Sheikh Waajid Hussein
An intelligent education ecosystem connecting students, teachers and parents through smart automation and real-time collaboration.
Vidante – by Kevin Ikuzwe, Olivier Ishimwe & Keza Rukundo Stephy
An assessment platform designed to reduce teachers’ administrative workload while enhancing the quality of student feedback.
ZilNutri Ltd – NutriRoute – by Bhavna Seedam & Ejaz Allymamode
A nutrition and meal-planning platform helping users better manage their health and dietary needs.
Click here to download the official press release.
Click here to download the speech of the Executive Director.
Click here to download the brochure.
