by Alvyn Ulrish Shad Savrimuthu
Mauritius is entering a decisive moment in its innovation journey. On 11 November 2025, La Plage Factory and its partners gathered at Punch by MCB in Saint-Jean to celebrate the closing of the 2025 Growth & Innovation cohort, a year marked by experimentation, resilience, and bold progress. Supported by the National SME Incubator Scheme (NSIS) of the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), the programme has become one of the island’s foundational pillars for nurturing future-ready entrepreneurs. As the organisation launches its national call for applications for the 2026 cohort, La Plage Factory reaffirms its mission: building an ecosystem where smart, impact-driven entrepreneurs can thrive and reshape Mauritius’ future.
Innovation: A National Imperative, Not an Option
For Michel Cordani, Director of La Plage Factory, Mauritius cannot afford to delay investment in local innovation and entrepreneurship. In his words, “Investing in local innovation and entrepreneurship is not just important, it’s essential for Mauritius’ long-term resilience and relevance.” While tourism and financial services remain cornerstones of the economy, the next decade will be shaped by emergent sectors powered by creativity, technology, and new problem-solving models.
Mauritius has already begun this transition, backed by national initiatives like the NSIS and the MRIC, which have supported nearly 200 projects. The island’s recent presence at platforms such as the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit also signals a growing ambition to integrate into global innovation ecosystems. According to Michel Cordani, local entrepreneurs are already demonstrating enormous promise, whether through AI-based solutions, circular economy initiatives, or community-centred platforms. “These innovators may not yet rival the GDP contribution of legacy sectors,” he adds, “but they are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready economy.”
A Programme Rooted in Mauritian Realities
Unlike traditional incubators that replicate foreign models, La Plage Factory’s Growth & Innovation programme focuses on solutions adapted to the Mauritian context. Michel emphasises that “we don’t believe in importing startup models wholesale from Silicon Valley.” Instead, the programme blends hands-on mentorship with the internationally recognised Vianeo business design methodology.
Entrepreneurs benefit from tailored guidance, coworking space, expert workshops, masterclasses, and access to institutional and corporate partners. The model is collaborative: founders refine their product-market fit, strengthen operational readiness, and gain visibility through events and ecosystem engagements. The diversity of supported ventures from digital education to sustainability projects highlights the programme’s success in connecting local needs with global potential.
Challenging the Myths That Hold Innovators Back
As part of a new video campaign, La Plage Factory seeks to dismantle persistent misconceptions that often discourage Mauritians from pursuing entrepreneurship. Michel identifies several damaging myths, including the belief that “entrepreneurship isn’t a real career” or that startups must always be tech-driven to be legitimate. The reality, as he notes, is more human and inclusive.
“Entreprendre, c’est refuser le défaitisme ambiant,” he says. “C’est oser construire des solutions face aux défis du quotidien.”
Many Mauritians still fear failure a hesitation amplified by the island’s close-knit social fabric. But La Plage Factory’s narrative reframes failure as learning, evolution, and capacity-building. Their campaign highlights that entrepreneurship is not solitary nor exclusive; it is collaborative, accessible, and grounded in relevance, not hype.
Why the 2026 Cohort Matters
The upcoming 2026 cohort represents an enhanced chapter in La Plage Factory’s incubation journey. With a cooptation model, founders are invited into a trusted community that combines mentorship, expert guidance, and peer support. Participants will gain access to proven tools such as the Vianeo methodology, operational support, networking events, and direct pathways to funding partners like Mo Angels and SME Equity Fund.
Crucially, the programme helps early-stage founders build legitimacy a decisive factor in the Mauritian market. “Being investment-worthy is about more than having a good idea,” Michel stresses. “It’s about demonstrating commitment, clarity, and impact.”
Applications for the first round are open until 30 November, followed by final submissions until 12 December. The call targets entrepreneurs across sectors including Blue & Green Innovation, FinTech, health, education, emerging technologies, and sustainability. Women founders are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Long-Term Impact of a New Entrepreneurial Generation
Mauritius’ next wave of entrepreneurs will play a defining role in shaping the country’s economic resilience and diversification. Michel highlights five key areas of long-term impact: economic diversification, job creation, regional leadership, resilience through adaptability, and a cultural shift in how society perceives entrepreneurship.
“These founders don’t just create products,” he explains. “They reshape mindsets, open new markets, and strengthen Mauritius’ capacity to respond to global uncertainty.” For La Plage Factory, building this new generation of innovators is not simply about entrepreneurship, it is about nation-building.
About La Plage Factory
Founded in 2018 and supported by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council, La Plage Factory has become a leading incubator dedicated to Tech for Good ventures. Its impact speaks for itself: over 50 startups incubated, $16M+ raised, 428 jobs created, 3.2 million beneficiaries reached, and multiple international achievements including participation in the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit. With the support of partners like MCB Punch, Vianeo, Mo Angels, French Tech Mauritius and AfriLabs, the organisation continues to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
