Prix de recherche FORUM MED IA 2026: EUR 5,000 for AI research from North Africa

What is the prize?

The Prix de recherche FORUM MED IA 2026 is run by the IRD with Expertise France and ANIMA Investment Network as part of the third Mediterranean Forum on Artificial Intelligence. It highlights research projects that use artificial intelligence to answer social, environmental or economic challenges in the Mediterranean region.

Who can apply?

Researchers, doctoral and postdoctoral candidates, research teams and laboratories, higher education institutions and research spin-offs can apply. The applicant or the organisation they belong to must be established in Algeria, Egypt, Morocco or Tunisia, and the project must rest on a concrete AI application, whether finished or still in development. No particular level of technological maturity is required, and projects led or co-led by women are especially encouraged.

What do winners receive?

Six shortlisted projects join an online preparation workshop and then pitch at the forum in France on 5 November 2026. Two prizes of EUR 5,000 each are awarded, one for social innovation and one for economic innovation. Finalists based outside the host country have their flights and accommodation covered, with help on visa formalities.

How and when to apply

Submit a single application through the form linked from the official page; the jury assigns each project to a category. The deadline is 21 September 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.