Yamoussoukro, 22 June 2026 — The Bioban project, which focuses on transforming agricultural waste into biogas and organic fertilizers, has taken first place at Côte d’Ivoire’s national hackathon on circular economy. The event ran from 17 to 19 June 2026 at the Institut national polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) in Yamoussoukro, organized by the institution’s central incubator with technical support from GIZ.
Circular economy meets technological innovation
The hackathon, themed « Technological innovation and circular economy: zero waste, maximum impact », brought together ten teams of three members each. These teams underwent an intensive three-day programme featuring training, mentoring, and prototyping before presenting their solutions to a panel of industry experts.
Driving sustainable solutions in waste management
The competition aimed to foster technological innovation in circular economy practices, encouraging the development of practical solutions in key areas such as smart waste sorting, biodegradable product design, natural resource management, and waste valorization. Organizers emphasized the importance of these innovations in addressing pressing environmental challenges while promoting economic sustainability.
A call for circular economy as a necessity
The Deputy Director-General of Research, Innovation, and Technopole for INP-HB, speaking on behalf of the institution’s Director-General, highlighted the urgent need for circular economy models. He noted that technological innovation remains a critical driver in achieving zero waste and transitioning toward more sustainable economic practices.
Representing GIZ, a spokesperson underscored that this initiative aligns with the Promotion des réformes économiques et des investissements (ProREI) project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project collaborates with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Crafts to boost green, social, and digital innovation while strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Recognizing excellence in green innovation
The head of INP-HB’s central incubator, Guy Corée, praised the high caliber of the projects submitted. He announced that six projects—including the top three winners—will receive technical and financial support through the incubator’s incubation programme. These selected teams will benefit from a six-month mentorship focusing on legal structuring, solution industrialization, market access, and funding mobilization.
Ndiessa Kwaku Boris, an agronomist specializing in renewable energy and the founder of Bioban, expressed his enthusiasm upon receiving the top prize. He explained that his project converts agricultural waste into biogas for household cooking and organic fertilizers to restore soil fertility and enhance agricultural productivity.
More Stories
Electric vehicles gaining ground in ivory coast’s vtc sector
Gabon adopts high-tech excise stamps to combat fraud and boost revenue
Gabon leads digital transformation with MIT’s international tech forum in Libreville