Mauritian youth are already designing tomorrow’s solutions through innovation

On Saturday 18 July, CentrePoint Trianon was transformed into a true innovation hub during the JA Company Program Expo Vente 2026, organised by JA Mascareignes.

Bringing together more than 200 secondary school students, representing over 30 student companies, the event showcased projects that participants had imagined, developed and commercialised over the past several months under this year’s theme: “AI – Augmenting Innovation.”

As technology continues to reshape the way we work, learn and live, an important question emerges: How can young people use innovation to address the challenges facing their generation?

Through their student companies, participants demonstrated that they are already developing practical solutions.

More than 200 young entrepreneurs presented projects tackling real-world challenges, such as supporting older persons, reducing waste, simplifying mobility, improving waste management, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing the security of personal belongings.

Among the innovations showcased were a smart health assistant for senior citizens, an intelligent waste bin capable of recognising and sorting waste automatically, a smart plant pot that optimises watering, an AI-powered travel platform, a savings application, and several connected devices designed to improve everyday life.

Beyond the technology itself, all these projects shared one common objective: using innovation to solve real societal challenges.

This approach reflects the philosophy of the JA Company Program, which enables young people each year to create and manage a real business—from identifying a market opportunity to developing and commercialising a product or service. Over several months, participants experience every aspect of entrepreneurship, including market research, product development, financial management, marketing, sales, communication and teamwork.

“Beyond the products they are showcasing today, these young people have developed essential skills such as creativity, collaboration, initiative and the ability to transform an idea into a viable project. It is this experience that truly prepares them for the world of tomorrow,” said Anousha Duva Pentiah Hurkhoo, Executive Director of JA Mascareignes.

The Expo Vente also marked the official launch of a partnership between JA Mascareignes and AI4GOOD Mauritius, two organisations that share a common ambition: preparing young people for the jobs and skills of the future.

This collaboration will begin with the implementation of an Open Badges recognition pathway, designed to validate and showcase competencies such as creativity, leadership, communication, collaboration, project management and initiative.

Beyond student participants, this recognition framework will gradually be extended to teachers, mentors, judges, volunteers and partners who contribute to the success of JA Mascareignes’ programmes.

According to Catherine Paya, Director of AI4GOOD Mauritius:

“Open Badges give visibility to skills that go far beyond academic knowledge. They recognise what young people are truly capable of doing and highlight their commitment throughout their learning journey.”

Since its creation in 2009, JA Mascareignes has empowered more than 120,000 young people through its entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work-readiness programmes.

Following the Expo Vente, the best-performing student companies will advance to the JA Company Program 2026 National Finals, where they will compete for the opportunity to represent Mauritius at the JA Africa Company of the Year Competition.

At the JA Company Program Expo Vente 2026, Anousha Duva Pentiah Hurkhoo (Executive Director, JA Mascareignes), Catherine Paya (Director, AI4GOOD Mauritius) and Jayvind Bissonauth (Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator, JA Mascareignes) officially launched the partnership between the two organisations, aimed at strengthening youth skills development and recognition through Open Badges.

Throughout the day, young entrepreneurs presented their innovations to the public, gathered feedback from potential customers and tested their products in real market conditions.

Members of the judging panel engaged with participating teams and assessed the student companies based on several criteria, including innovation, business viability, presentation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Roshan Ramoly, President of JA Mascareignes, met with participants during his visit to the different exhibition stands at the JA Company Program Expo Vente 2026.