26-28 February 2025, Fes, Morocco. The Mediterranean Youth Water Hackathon concluded on 28 February 2025, bringing together young innovators from across the region to tackle critical challenges within the Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus. Organised by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Sida, HLD pour la Méditerranée, and Young Water Solutions, the event was implemented by Cewas, MedYWat, and the EuroMed University of Fes (UEMF). The three-day hackathon provided a dynamic and interactive platform for 15 outstanding teams, composed of 28 young participants, selected from a highly competitive pool of over 500 applicants (more than 1,200 youth). Throughout the event, participants engaged in intensive workshops, received mentorship from industry experts, and collaborated in teams to develop innovative solutions that address pressing issues within the WEFE Nexus.

Participants benefited from a range of capacity-building activities, including crash courses designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial and technical skills. Expert-led sessions covered sustainable resource management, innovative business models, and investment strategies, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to transform their ideas into viable solutions. Additionally, team-building exercises and social activities fostered collaboration and networking among the diverse group of young entrepreneurs. On the final day, a panel of jurors evaluated the proposed solutions based on innovation, feasibility, and impact. Three outstanding teams emerged as winners and will receive financial and technical support to further develop their projects.