StartGate, the startup campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), has opened applications for the Start track of the Moroccan Retail Tech Builder (MRTB) 2026, the first Moroccan and African platform dedicated to incubating and accelerating digital retail-tech startups.
The program pairs tailored support and mentorship with access to key ecosystem players. Applications close September 30, 2026.
MRTB 2026 at a glance
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Applications open for the MRTB Start track; deadline September 30, 2026 |
| Track | Start, StartGate’s track for startups moving from a working product toward the market |
| Sector focus | Retail and commerce technology |
| Cost / equity | Not stated in StartGate’s current call; confirm terms on the application dashboard |
| Geography | Morocco |
| How to apply | StartGate’s MRTB Start application dashboard |
| Organizer | StartGate (UM6P), with Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the OCP Foundation |
Who’s eligible
StartGate’s own call targets what it describes as “high-potential retail tech startups,” per its announcement:
- Startups building digital solutions for Morocco’s retail and commerce sector
- Applying to the Start track, which StartGate has historically reserved for startups with a working MVP moving toward becoming an operating business, per the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s coverage of a prior Start-track call
- Full 2026 eligibility criteria are set out on StartGate’s own application dashboard
What you get
StartGate structures MRTB around:
- Tailored support and personalized mentoring
- Connections with key players across Morocco’s retail ecosystem
- Access to StartGate’s campus network, based in Ben Guerir with a second campus recently opened in Rabat
- Backing from Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, UM6P, and the OCP Foundation
- No funding amount is stated in the current call; StartGate’s materials do not specify a grant or investment figure for this round
How to apply
Applications for the Start track are open now and close September 30, 2026. Apply directly through StartGate’s MRTB Start dashboard, or read more on the official MRTB program page.
Key dates
Applications for this Start track cohort close September 30, 2026, per StartGate’s own announcement. MRTB launched in April 2022 in Rabat, backed by Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, UM6P, and the OCP Foundation.
By April 2024, the program had supported more than 100 startups, per the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Submit your application before the deadline through the official dashboard.
FAQ
What is the Moroccan Retail Tech Builder (MRTB)?
MRTB is StartGate’s platform for incubating and accelerating digital startups focused on Morocco’s retail sector. StartGate, UM6P’s startup campus, runs it with backing from Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the OCP Foundation.
Which MRTB track is open for applications now?
The Start track, based on StartGate’s own application link for this call.
What is the application deadline?
September 30, 2026, per StartGate’s announcement.
Does MRTB charge fees or take equity?
StartGate’s materials for this round don’t state fee or equity terms. Confirm current terms directly on the application dashboard before applying.
Has MRTB run before?
Yes. MRTB launched in April 2022 and had supported more than 100 startups by April 2024, per Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Moroccan founders tracking startup programs may also want to check Morocco Accelerator Cohort 3, a separate call for tech startups covered on Moroccopreneur.
