The WomenEntrepreneurs4Good program concluded its latest edition in Paris after a seven-month incubation process designed to support women innovators solving global challenges. The initiative brought together 10 selected laureates from more than 450 applicants worldwide, each offering practical solutions to pressing environmental and social issues. During the final pitch session, held at the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, two winners were announced, including PigmentOCO from Tunisia. For the founder, (Amal Chebbi)the experience was a defining moment. She reflected on the significance of the achievement by saying it was “proof that Tunisian textile excellence belongs on the global stage.” This recognition places an African country among the leading contributors to sustainable innovation and highlights how women-led enterprises are shaping new pathways for responsible industry transformation.
A Global Program That Celebrates Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs
Over the course of three intensive days in Paris, the 10 laureates of the WomenEntrepreneurs4Good program met in person after months of virtual training through the Incubateur HEC Paris. Their journey included preparation sessions at STATION F followed by the final pitch in front of a jury made up of representatives from Bank of America Business, Bredin Prat and Rexel. Each entrepreneur presented solutions addressing issues such as environmental degradation, inclusive education and sustainable industry practices. As Amal described the feeling of presenting her work on such a platform, she said “after seven months of incubation and training with the Incubateur HEC Paris, I pitched at the 2025 Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society for the finale of WomenEntrepreneurs4Good program. And we won.”
Out of all finalists, two companies were selected as this year’s global winners:
Cognitii of India, which is developing an affordable AI platform to support children with special needs.
PigmentOCO of Tunisia, offering sustainable, waterless and chemical-free dyes for the textile industry.
PigmentOCO’s achievement is particularly significant because it positions Tunisia and by extension Africa, at the forefront of innovation in clean technology. Being one of only two winners worldwide demonstrates the strength of African women-led ventures in industries that urgently need sustainable solutions. Amal described hearing repeated doubts from others throughout her journey, noting that people often said “don’t go there, the textile supply chain is so hard to change” and “you’re dreaming way too big.” Her win demonstrates that African women-led ventures continue to break through barriers in industries that urgently need sustainable solutions.
This year’s finalists were chosen from more than 450 candidates around the world, making PigmentOCO’s win not only a personal milestone for the founder but also an important recognition for the continent’s growing innovation ecosystem. As she put it, “this wasn’t just a prize. This was proof.” The program highlights how women entrepreneurs are contributing fresh ideas capable of reducing waste, protecting the environment and improving industry standards.
PigmentOCO: A Tunisian Innovation Shaping the Future of Sustainable Textiles
PigmentOCO is driven by a mission to transform the textile industry through clean, responsible and scalable dyeing technologies. The company uses supercritical CO₂ dyeing, a method that eliminates the need for water and sharply reduces harmful chemicals. In an industry known for heavy pollution and excessive water consumption, this technological shift represents a major step toward environmental protection.
The Tunisian startup was born from a deep awareness of the environmental damage caused by traditional dyeing techniques. These conventional methods release chemicals and waste into oceans, leading to widespread coral bleaching and serious harm to marine ecosystems. PigmentOCO’s approach directly addresses this problem by offering a cleaner alternative that keeps oceans free from dye pollution while producing vibrant, high-quality colors for fashion and textiles.
The company’s symbol, coral, captures its vision. Corals can regain their color when their environment is restored and PigmentOCO aims to achieve a similar outcome for the planet by encouraging industries to adopt cleaner production methods. Its technology demonstrates that fashion can remain creative and expressive while still respecting natural ecosystems.
PigmentOCO sees itself not just as a textile technology company but as a movement that brings fashion and environmental responsibility together. Its work appeals to global fashion brands looking to reduce their environmental footprint as well as consumers who want their choices to reflect sustainable values. As the world shifts toward greener solutions, PigmentOCO’s technology gives manufacturers a practical way to reduce water consumption, cut carbon emissions and eliminate toxic chemicals.
The company’s success was strengthened by its experience within the Incubateur HEC Paris. The program provides a tailored and highly flexible support system that allows entrepreneurs to accomplish in four months what might otherwise take a full year. It brings together experts, mentors and resources from across the HEC ecosystem to help businesses grow faster and more strategically. For PigmentOCO, this support contributed to refining its product, strengthening its strategy and preparing for the global stage.
Amal expressed her gratitude by saying “I dedicate this moment to my daughters, my family, my country, and to every woman who feels the fire to innovate.” For PigmentOCO, the support contributed to refining its product, strengthening its strategy and preparing for the global stage. “Finally, to my team back home, thank you. You’re the heart of it all. To my co-founder and CTO, Dr. Ayoub Lassoued, to all the scientists behind this journey, and to our socio-economic partners, this recognition is yours too.”
