Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), in collaboration with Andalucía Emprende, a foundation attached to the Regional Ministry of University, Research and Innovation; and the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training of Andalusia (IFAPA); has organised the ‘Express Ideas Competition: Let’s undertake in the olive grove!’.

The event, held as part of the European SCALE-UP project, brought together more than 80 agricultural vocational training students from the Federico García Lorca secondary school in Churriana de la Vega, who were able to work on creating innovative ideas to make use of olive residues or by-products.

According to data from the 2024 Andalusian Olive Production Survey (Aforo de Producción de Olivar de Andalucía), the Andalusian region has more than 1.65 million hectares of olive groves. In addition to its important olive production, this crop generates by-products such as leaves or olive pits, which can be valorised and used by different industries. Thus, this competition has sought to educate young people on issues related to the circular economy while simultaneously boosting their entrepreneurial spirit.

During the day, students of the intermediate cycle of Gardening and Floristry and the higher cycle of Forestry and Natural Environment Management have deepened in the relevance of the olive grove and have known the Andalusian Circular Economy Strategy. They also worked in group dynamics to develop a business idea, product or innovative service that gives a second life to olive grove waste. The day concluded with a pitch session, where each of the 13 participating teams defended their proposals before a jury of experts in the agricultural sector and entrepreneurship.

The winners of the ‘Express Ideas Competition: Let’s undertake in the olive grove!’ were the members of the Hojiblanca team, who created a bioplastic from olive grove waste.

In addition to the collaboration of leading entities in the competition, such as Andalucía Emprende, the IFAPA Camino de Purchil centre, the General Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Andalusian Regional Government, and the Regulatory Council of the Designation of Origin Poniente de Granada, the event was opened by the Mayor of Churriana de la Vega, Antonio Narváez, and the prizes were presented by the Councillor for Education and Sports, María Roda Marcos.

Narváez congratulated the participants in this initiative which, he said, ‘brings our young people closer to the bioeconomy and technology through a participatory and highly innovative format’. He also stated that ‘from the City Council we would like to thank the Andalusian Technological Corporation and the Andalusian Regional Government for allowing us to host this event, which is so attractive for those who are currently in training and who will have access to employment opportunities when they enter the job market’.

About SCALE-UP

The European SCALE-UP project, of which CTA is a partner, is an initiative funded with nearly 3 million euros by the Horizon Europe programme. The aim of SCALE-UP is to promote the development and scaling up of innovative solutions based on the use of biomass in six European regions, including Andalusia with its olive groves.