The WAVE BEAT project was born from a mix of experience, culture, and context of two engineers: Oussama Nour, who worked with Tanger Med Port concessionaires and observed the growing need for decarbonized energy, and Mohamed Taha El Ouaryachi, who worked on port and maritime projects and recognized the immense energy potential of the sea.

From the very first day, the two founders of ATAREC knew that the challenge would not be easily attainable. However, they believed that by expanding the circle of trust and involving stakeholders aware of the current energy challenges and the value of green energy diversification, the project could emerge as a leading solution in the marine energy sector globally.

This motivation was supported from day one by key individuals, initially at Tanger Med and later across broader domains, including environmental, technical, and port sectors.

The year 2020 marked the launch of the technical development of the solution and the beginning of effective support from Tanger Med:

• Filing of the WAVE BEAT patent

• Launch of numerical simulations and theoretical evaluation of the WAVE BEAT solution

• Access to Tanger Med's infrastructure

• Creation of the ATAREC startup

2021 was a year of reassuring achievements, particularly regarding the potential and financing of WAVE BEAT:

• Installation and deployment of the first full-scale prototype at Tanger Med

• ATAREC was chosen to represent Morocco at CES VEGAS 2022, the world's largest technology event

• 62% capacity factor proven at Tanger Med

• Proven prototype power of 4.5 KW

• Startup of the Year in Morocco by SNRST

• Support from UM6P Ventures, the investment arm of the OCP group, and ATAREC's first funding round out of three proposed offers

The year 2022 brought significant exposure for ATAREC, marked by the beginning of its international expansion:

• Design and construction of the WAVE BEAT demonstrator

• Integration into the Microsoft for Startups program

• Recognized as one of the top 5 climate initiatives by the United Nations

• Startup of the Year in Morocco by Industries du Maroc

• Represented Africa alongside ten other startups at the Climate Launch Pad competition in Amsterdam, one of the largest Cleantech competitions worldwide

• Wave Beat patented in nearly 70 countries

• Expansion to the Atlantic, Spain, Lebanon, Denmark, and the UK

• Signed the first wave energy contract in Africa

First Stable Green Energy Generated from Waves in Africa:

• In Q1 2024, WAVE BEAT was validated as the first technology capable of providing stable green energy from waves in Africa.

• Preparation of the ATAREC Roadmap 2027 began with world-class partners to conclude the R&D phase of WAVE BEAT and prepare for scalability.

• ATAREC was awarded Best Regenerative Blue Economy Startup globally by FII, WAVE, and the Saudi Ministry of Planning and Economy.

• ATAREC was also awarded by EDF in Paris under the EDF Pulse Africa program, initiating a three-year partnership to promote wave energy with WAVE BEAT.

• Hosted a delegation from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a Japanese giant, at Tanger Med Port to explore collaboration opportunities.

• Secured funding for Stages 1 and 2 of the SBIR program, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Selected as one of the top 7 candidates out of 230+ startups for Project 71 by TONOMUS/NEOM and WAVE, promoting marine life in Saudi Arabia.

• Highlighted at events including DeepTech Summit (DTS), Open Start-up (OST), Gitex Africa in Marrakech, the Zayed Sustainability Prize, Africa Tech Ventures, and the International Africa Development Forum.

• Initiated discussions with key stakeholders to promote wave energy in green hydrogen ecosystems and ship-to-shore power supplies.