20 Nov 2025
GB Vertical | Gardens of Babylon, an Algerian Switcher, has been named the winner of the prestigious 2025 ARLEM Award for Young Local Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean. Founder Mokhtar Bouazza was honored at the ceremony in Palermo, Italy, for establishing a pioneering business that tackles environmental challenges through smart, sustainable technology.
Gardens of Babylon leverages an AI-driven vertical farming system to maximize crop yields while drastically cutting its environmental footprint. This technology is a game-changer for water-scarce regions, reportedly saving 90% of the water required by traditional agriculture and enabling high-density food production in small spaces. The innovation was also praised for its positive impact on the local rural community, which includes employing 12 people and training over 100 farmers and entrepreneurs.
The ARLEM Award, which is open to EU partner countries in the Mediterranean, specifically recognizes successful collaborations between young entrepreneurs and their local authorities. In this case, the vital support came from the business incubation team at Mascara University (Mustapha Stambouli), which helped transition a compelling idea into a viable, impactful company.
"Agriculture was once the source of life in my home state, Mascara, but environmental problems left many areas dry, including my family's land. Support from local institutions for emerging companies made us bold and we started asking: how can we bring life back to this land? This is where Babylon technology came in." Mokhtar Bouazza
This significant achievement is seen not only as a milestone for the company but also as a reflection of a national vision that positions innovation and entrepreneurship as key pillars for Algeria’s new economy, providing a powerful example for other young people across the Mediterranean region.
Read the full story of Gardens of Babylon here: https://theswitchers.eu/switchers/algerian-startup-gardens-of-babylon-blooms-hope-for-sustainable-food-security/