Bioban wins Côte d’Ivoire circular economy hackathon with agricultural waste solution

Yamoussoukro — In a major push for sustainable innovation, the Bioban project claimed top honors at Côte d’Ivoire’s national hackathon on circular economy, held from June 17 to 19, 2026, at the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) in Yamoussoukro.

The competition, themed “Technological innovation and circular economy: zero waste, maximum impact”, brought together 10 teams of three participants each. Over three intensive days, they underwent hands-on training, mentorship, and prototyping before pitching their solutions to a panel of industry experts.

The event aimed to foster breakthrough solutions in waste management, sustainable product design, natural resource efficiency, and circular economy models. Speaking at the closing ceremony, a senior official from INP-HB emphasized the urgency of circular economy adoption, calling technological innovation a critical driver for achieving waste reduction goals across industries.

A representative from the organizing team highlighted the broader mission: empowering local enterprises through green, digital, and social innovation. This initiative falls under a joint program with the German development agency, designed to boost competitiveness among small and medium-sized businesses while advancing sustainable practices.

The Incubateur Central of INP-HB, led by Guy Corée, praised the high caliber of submissions, noting that six projects—including the top three winners—will now receive structured incubation support. This includes technical guidance, financial backing, and access to market opportunities to scale their solutions.

Bioban’s founder, Ndiessa Kwaku Boris, an agricultural engineer specializing in renewable energy, expressed pride in the win. His project converts agricultural residues into clean cooking biogas and organic fertilizers, directly addressing soil degradation and energy access challenges in rural communities.

The six-month incubation program will help the winning teams refine their business models, secure funding, and accelerate market entry—reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to a greener, more circular economy.