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Benidorm students reach national finals with AI project tackling food waste

Benidorm / 1st May 2026

Students from Lope de Vega International School in Benidorm have been named national finalists in Spain’s prestigious CICAE Entrepreneurship Club, after developing an innovative artificial intelligence project designed to reduce food waste and support vulnerable communities.

The achievement places the group among the top 15 teams in the country, selected from a total of 188 entries, highlighting the growing role of student-led innovation in Spain’s education system.

‘Fresh Guard’: technology with social impact

The students’ project, Fresh Guard, is an AI-powered application that connects supermarkets with charities and families in need.

The platform allows retailers to:

Monitor stock in real time
Identify products close to expiration
Share surplus food with nearby organisations

By redistributing food that would otherwise be discarded, the system aims to cut waste while addressing food insecurity—two major challenges across Europe.

How the system works

The app is designed to be simple and practical for everyday use.

Supermarkets can upload inventory data, which is then:

Analysed using AI to detect surplus or soon-to-expire items
Shared across a network of participating stores
Allocated to NGOs and social groups for distribution

The result is a coordinated system that transforms excess stock into direct support for families in vulnerable situations.

Skills beyond the classroom

The project was developed by students from a Higher Vocational Training programme in Administration and Finance, combining:

Programming and digital design
Business planning and logistics
Presentation and pitching skills

Teachers say the initiative reflects a broader shift towards practical, real-world learning, where students apply knowledge to solve current social and environmental issues.

Growing focus on innovation and sustainability

Competitions like the CICAE Entrepreneurship Club are increasingly promoting projects aligned with global sustainability goals, particularly:

Reducing food waste
Supporting local communities
Using technology for social good

Across Spain, schools are placing greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital skills and sustainability—areas seen as critical for future careers.

Recognition for Benidorm’s education sector

Reaching the national final is being seen as a major success for both the students and their school, reinforcing Benidorm’s reputation not only as a tourism hub but also as a centre for educational innovation.

School representatives say projects like Fresh Guard demonstrate how young people are already developing solutions with real-world impact and future potential.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Benidorm students reach national finals with AI project tackling food waste

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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