Yamoussoukro — A groundbreaking initiative that converts agricultural waste into biogas and organic fertilizers has taken the top honor at the national circular economy hackathon, held from June 17 to 19, 2026, at the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB). The competition was organized by the institution’s central incubator with technical support from GIZ.

Innovation in focus: turning waste into resources

The event, themed « Technological innovation and circular economy: zero waste, maximum impact », brought together 10 teams of three participants each. After an intensive regimen of training, coaching, and prototyping, each team presented their solutions to a panel of judges.

The hackathon aimed to spark cutting-edge solutions in waste management, biodegradable product design, natural resource stewardship, and waste-to-value conversion. The competition underscored the urgent need for technological breakthroughs to address environmental challenges and drive a sustainable transition toward waste reduction.

Strengthening green innovation and business competitiveness

The initiative is part of the Promotion of Economic Reforms and Investments (ProREI) project, a joint effort funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Ivorian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts. The program seeks to foster green, social, and digital innovation while boosting the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

The Deputy General Director of Research, Innovation, and Technopole at INP-HB emphasized that circular economy principles are no longer optional—they are essential to meeting today’s environmental challenges. He highlighted technology as a key driver in achieving zero-waste goals and ensuring resource efficiency.

A showcase of excellence and next steps for winners

Guy Corée, head of INP-HB’s central incubator, praised the high caliber of submissions, noting that the quality of projects was exceptionally strong. Six finalists—including the top three—will receive six months of incubation support, including technical guidance, financial backing, legal structuring, industrial scaling, market access strategies, and fundraising assistance.

Ndiessa Kwaku Boris, an agronomist specializing in renewable energy and founder of Bioban, expressed pride in the award. His project converts agricultural byproducts into clean cooking fuel and organic fertilizers, helping restore soil fertility and boost crop yields for local farmers.