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The Fractus-Deep Tech Hub celebrates a decade of innovation and creativity in the Challenge Based Innovation (CBI) programme

Apr 27, 2024. The Social Hub Barcelona has been the epicentre of an extraordinary celebration: the 10th anniversary of the Challenge Based Innovation (CBI) programme! Since its inception, this programme has been the catalyst for creativity and innovation among hundreds of students from UPC, Esade and the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED Barcelona), who have developed 68 innovative solutions to global challenges using CERN's technology and knowledge.

Some of these projects have been the seed of business initiatives or have awakened the entrepreneurial spirit of the participants. In this line, Fractus and the UPC, a year and a half ago, promoted the Fractus-UPC Deep Tech Hub, an ecosystem dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship by promoting the transfer to the market and society of the most transformative technologies and which works closely with the Emprèn programme and the University's teaching centres to support entrepreneurial talent. This commemorative event, sponsored by Fractus, not only celebrated a decade of achievements in innovation, but also marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and entrepreneurship in Barcelona's Deep Tech ecosystem.

Over the last decade, more than 400 students of more than 20 nationalities have participated in this unique experience, a journey towards innovation and creativity. CBI, powered by IdeaSquare and the CERN Innovation Department, has collaborated under the umbrella of the European project ATTRACT Academy, providing students from UPC, Esade and IED Barcelona with the opportunity to address social challenges in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From combating environmental pollution to responding to health needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, participants have worked on projects that address vital societal issues. At this commemorative gala, both organisers and students showcased some of the most outstanding projects. Alongside these, flagship projects such as INDE and MATE, which have emerged from the CBI programme and have inspired entrepreneurial initiatives, were showcased. INDE is a flexible skirt with airbags to prevent injuries from falls, while MATE is a food sensor to determine its optimal state of distribution and consumption.

In addition, the event held several debates with academic representatives from the participating institutions and the ATTRACT Academy, leading figures from companies and institutions linked to innovation and technology, including Rubén Bonet, CEO and co-founder of Fractus, and graduates of the CBI programme, now turned professionals.