Yamoussoukro — The Bioban project, dedicated to converting agricultural waste into biogas and organic fertilizers, has clinched top honors at Côte d’Ivoire’s 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 meets sustainability
Themed “Technological innovation and circular economy: zero waste, maximum impact,” the event brought together ten teams of three participants each. These teams underwent an intensive program of training, mentoring, and prototyping before presenting their solutions to a panel of experts.
The competition aimed to foster technological innovation in circular economy practices while encouraging sustainable solutions across key areas such as intelligent waste sorting, biodegradable product design, natural resource management, and waste valorization.
A call for green transition
The deputy director general of INP-HB, representing the institution’s leadership, emphasized that circular economy principles are no longer optional but essential in addressing today’s environmental challenges. He highlighted technology as a critical driver for achieving zero-waste goals and sustainable development.
The GIZ representative outlined how 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) in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Crafts. The project focuses on boosting green, social, and digital innovation while enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Celebrating excellence and future potential
Guy Corée, head of INP-HB’s central incubator, praised the high caliber of submissions, noting the exceptional quality of the projects presented. He announced that six projects, including the top three winners, will receive technical and financial support through the incubator’s incubation program.
The three winning teams will undergo a six-month incubation journey covering legal structuring, solution industrialization, market access, and fundraising strategies.
Bioban’s vision for a greener future
Upon receiving the award, Ndiessa Kwaku Boris, Bioban’s founder and an agronomist specializing in renewable energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition. He explained that Bioban transforms agricultural residues into biogas for household cooking and organic fertilizers to restore soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity.
