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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 Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.