The students who chose to see menstruation as a source of knowledge
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The students who chose to see menstruation as a source of knowledge

Some discomforts have been considered normal for far too long. Pain that is accepted as an unavoidable part of the cycle, warning signs that are downplayed, and conversations about menstruation that are still surrounded by silence. This reflection gave rise to SISNA, the project developed by the Institut Escola del Treball de Barcelona and awarded the second of the two third prizes in the 5th edition of the VET Knowledge Transfer Awards, promoted by FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet.

The proposal begins with an everyday situation: a young woman experiences pain during menstruation, tries different products and wonders whether what she is experiencing should really be considered normal. From there, the team puts forward a central idea: women’s health still does not always receive the attention it deserves, and menstruation, far from being something to ignore or minimise, can provide useful information about the body.

“Something as natural as menstruation, an experience we all share, should not be ignored or minimised,” the team states in the project presentation video.

From this perspective, SISNA proposes a reusable menstrual cup with a sensory ring integrated into its base. Its purpose is not to provide a diagnosis, but to offer an early warning of possible alterations. The team explains it clearly: “SISNA does not replace a medical diagnosis; it simply enables prevention before a problem develops.”

From product design to prevention

The project began with an analysis of different menstrual cup models already available on the market. The students examined aspects such as sealing, anatomical adaptability and ease of removal, with the aim of designing an ergonomic and functional solution.

The cup was designed using SolidWorks, selecting a shape intended to be comfortable and adaptable. However, the project’s main innovation lies in the sensory ring integrated into its base, an additional element that does not interfere with the positioning or use of the cup but makes it possible to monitor menstrual pH.

The idea is based on a statement that captures the essence of the project: “Menstrual blood is not waste; it is information.” Through this approach, SISNA turns a menstrual hygiene product into a preventive monitoring tool.

The team explains that vaginal pH is usually between 3.8 and 4.5, an acidic environment that acts as a barrier against infections. During menstruation, this level may rise, but if it does not return to its usual values after the period, the change could act as a warning sign of a possible infection or irregularity.

To detect these variations, the project uses anthocyanins, a pigment found in red cabbage that changes colour depending on acidity levels. The outer layer of the ring allows menstrual plasma to pass through, while the inner hydrogel filters out solid components. When the plasma comes into contact with the indicator, a colour change occurs.

This colour variation works as a visual warning: intense red for a highly acidic environment, purple or violet for a more neutral level, and blue or green for greater alkalinity. In this way, the cup can provide a simple indication of possible changes in the body’s balance.

A reusable, accessible and sustainable solution

SISNA also incorporates environmental and social dimensions. The cup is designed to be made from medical-grade silicone, selected for its flexibility, durability and compatibility with the body. It can also be reused for years and withstand sterilisation processes, making it a long-lasting alternative to other menstrual products.

The sensory ring is designed to be renewed with each cycle. According to the team, washing the cup and ring with water and neutral soap restores the indicator to its original colour, allowing one ring to be used throughout a menstrual period and replaced with a new one the following month.

This long service life also connects the project with another objective: improving access to menstrual health solutions for women with fewer resources. As the team explains, “its long lifespan makes it accessible to women with limited financial resources.”

However, SISNA goes beyond proposing a product. It also opens up a conversation about how women’s health is researched and the need to pay greater attention to signs that have historically been understudied. The project highlights menstruation as a potential source of information and explores how technology can help interpret it in a simple, visual and non-invasive way.

“Because VET does not only create; it researches and transforms. And women are here to lead this change,” the team states at the end of its presentation.

FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet celebrate innovative talent at the 5th VET Knowledge Transfer Awards ceremony
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FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet celebrate innovative talent at the 5th VET Knowledge Transfer Awards ceremony

The Association of Vocational Education and Training Centres FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet held the awards ceremony for the 5th edition of the VET Knowledge Transfer Awards on Tuesday, 9 June, at V-Valley Academy. The event once again highlighted the ability of Vocational Education and Training students to identify challenges in their surroundings and transform them into technical solutions with a real impact.

The event brought together representatives from FPEmpresa, Grupo Esprinet and the award-winning centres, from La Rioja, Valencia, Murcia and Catalonia. They all shared the same starting point: using the knowledge acquired in the classroom to respond to specific social challenges, ranging from health and accessibility to digital violence and sustainability.

A total of 64 projects from 44 educational centres across Spain took part in this fifth edition, a figure that consolidates the growth of a call aimed at connecting VET with the productive sector and with today’s social challenges. In addition, the videos submitted by the teams exceeded 84,000 views and 22,000 likes, also reflecting the interest generated among the educational community and the general public.

The VET Knowledge Transfer Awards, promoted by FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet, seek to foster technical and transversal skills among students, as well as to promote gender equality in professional fields where female presence remains a minority. Since their creation, the awards have encouraged projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, with special attention to SDG 5, focused on gender equality.

Solutions from the classroom to real life

The first prize, worth 5,000 euros, went to Centro Sagrado Corazón – Jesuitas Logroño, in La Rioja, for a project addressing the recovery of women who have overcome breast cancer after a mastectomy. The students designed a low-cost functional exoskeleton, manufactured using 3D printing, with the aim of facilitating arm rehabilitation and helping to improve patients’ quality of life.

The second prize, worth 3,300 euros, recognised CIPFP Misericordia, in Valencia, for a proposal focused on the rise of cyberbullying, sextortion and other forms of digital violence. Their project proposes an interactive device located in private spaces to offer immediate and confidential support, information and guidance to those who may need it.

The two third prizes, worth 1,850 euros each, went to IES Gerardo Molina, in Torre-Pacheco, and Institut Escola del Treball, in Barcelona. The centre from Murcia developed a solution to improve the accessibility of domestic electrical panels for women with visual impairments or reduced mobility, through tactile Braille labelling and mobile phone alerts. For its part, the Catalan centre designed a reusable menstrual cup with a sensory ring capable of indicating changes in pH through colour variations, as a more sustainable alternative to traditional menstrual hygiene products.

Beyond the financial recognition, the awards highlight the joint work of students, teachers and educational centres. The prizes are distributed among the centre, the teaching team and the participating students, thus reinforcing the importance of collaboration and educational support in the development of innovative projects.

The awards ceremony also served to showcase how Vocational Education and Training can become a space from which to think, create and test useful solutions for society. Each of the award-winning projects combines a technical approach with a human concern: improving medical recovery, offering support in situations of digital violence, promoting autonomy at home or seeking more sustainable alternatives for female intimate health.

With this fifth edition, the VET Knowledge Transfer Awards continue to consolidate themselves as an initiative that brings companies closer to the classroom and demonstrates the potential of VET to generate applied innovation, young talent and concrete responses to today’s challenges.

The 10th Dualiza Call for Proposals breaks records: one in ten VET centres in Spain submits projects
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The 10th Dualiza Call for Proposals breaks records: one in ten VET centres in Spain submits projects

  • 560 Vocational Education and Training centres have taken part in this edition, leading 357 innovative initiatives in collaboration with 729 entities
  • Andalusia, the Valencian Community and the Canary Islands are among the regions with the highest number of projects submitted
  • The call consolidates its role as a driver of innovation, collaboration and transfer in VET

The Dualiza Call for Proposals, promoted by CaixaBank Dualiza and FPEmpresa in collaboration with Fundación Deloitte, has once again reached a milestone in its trajectory after recording record participation figures in its tenth edition. A total of 560 Vocational Education and Training centres, out of the 4,099 across Spain, have submitted projects, 91% more than in the previous edition. This means that one in ten centres in the country has submitted initiatives to take part in this call, aimed at promoting educational innovation and collaboration with the productive sector.

In total, 357 projects led by VET centres have been submitted, with the involvement of 729 collaborating entities — including companies, public administrations, universities and technology centres — reinforcing the collaborative nature of the call as a key element in bringing training closer to the real needs of the labour market.

Strong presence of collaborative and networked projects

Of the projects submitted, 261 correspond to local initiatives, while 96 have been developed in networks between centres from different autonomous communities, a modality that continues to gain importance by fostering interterritorial cooperation and knowledge exchange.

By type of centre, participation is once again led mainly by public centres (286), followed by state-funded private centres (56) and private centres (15), reflecting the reach of the call within the Vocational Education and Training system.

Presence across the whole country

The call has recorded participation in almost the entire national territory. The autonomous communities with the highest number of projects submitted were the Valencian Community (41), the Canary Islands (39) and Catalonia (39), followed by Andalusia (35), Castilla-La Mancha (30), the Community of Madrid (29) and the Basque Country (28).

This territorial reach highlights the consolidation of the Dualiza Call for Proposals as a key tool for promoting educational innovation projects adapted to the needs of each environment.

What is the Dualiza Call for Proposals?

The Dualiza Call for Proposals is an initiative promoted by CaixaBank Dualiza and the Association of Vocational Education and Training Centres FPEmpresa, in collaboration with Fundación Deloitte, to fund and promote innovative Vocational Education and Training projects developed in collaboration between educational centres and companies or other entities.

Its aim is to promote real collaboration between VET centres and the business sector, encouraging work-based learning, educational innovation and knowledge transfer.

Next steps

Following the closure of the application period, the projects will be assessed by a specialised committee, which will analyse aspects such as the quality of the work plan, the level of collaboration, innovation and the expected impact of each initiative.

The SiT International Bootcamp brings together the European textile ecosystem in Greece to promote sustainable solutions
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The SiT International Bootcamp brings together the European textile ecosystem in Greece to promote sustainable solutions

The European SiT – Sustainability in TCLF project held its international bootcamp on 26 and 27 May in Thessaloniki, Greece. This activity marked the closing stage of the pilot programme developed in Spain within the work package led by FPEmpresa and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona. The event brought together around 80 participants from the different countries involved in the project partnership, including companies, clusters, associations, Vocational Education and Training teachers, students, entrepreneurs and sector representatives.

The activity took place at WEHub in Thessaloniki, with organisational support from OECON Group, and revolved around three main themes: sustainability, digitalisation and entrepreneurship applied to the TCLF ecosystem, which includes the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors. The bootcamp combined collaborative work, idea development, proposal presentations and professional networking spaces among participants.

The first day began with a hybrid session broadcast via streaming, during which the work agenda, the SiT project and the composition of the international teams were presented. The hackathon then began, with five teams working on previously defined case studies through different stages: challenge definition, ideation, solution design, business model development and preparation of the final pitch.

Real challenges to transform the textile sector

During the hackathon, the teams addressed challenges linked to textile circularity and the reduction of environmental impact in different areas of the sector. One of the cases involved designing a circular system for sports kits, with the aim of reducing textile waste while maintaining brand identity, performance and commercial viability.

Another challenge focused on the sustainable management of hotel textiles, proposing solutions to reduce environmental footprint, comply with European regulations on textile waste and move towards models based on reuse, traceability, recycling and material recovery.

After the team work, participants presented their proposals to a jury in a hybrid session. Each team had a limited amount of time to defend its idea, explain the value of the proposed solution and receive the corresponding assessment, in a dynamic aimed at strengthening both entrepreneurial skills and the communication of sustainable projects.

The bootcamp continued on 27 May with a Patchwork Workshop, a practical activity in which participants worked with reused textiles and other available materials, using sewing machines and with the support of expert technicians. In parallel, a professional speed-dating session was held, linked to the fields of textiles, clothing, leather and footwear, with the aim of facilitating mutual knowledge and the creation of new connections among participants.

A winning proposal to respond to the sector’s challenges

The event also included the selection of the winning project, a proposal from Centro Integrado Donibane focused on the circular management of hotel textiles. The team presented a solution aimed at reducing the environmental impact generated by bed linen and other textile waste from the sector, combining the classification and monitoring of garments through artificial intelligence, the reuse and recycling of materials, and the development of a new sustainable fibre with a lower environmental impact.

According to Emilia María García Vera, representative of the winning team, “the project has allowed us to work on a real problem. We are not talking about distant ideas, but about solutions that are already necessary, because European regulations are moving towards models in which everything must be more recyclable and sustainable. For students, it is very important to discover new fibres and new textures, and to understand from the outset where the textile sector is heading.”

With this activity, the SiT project closes the Spanish pilot by strengthening the connection between Vocational Education and Training, companies and real challenges in the TCLF sector. The bootcamp made it possible to transfer the learning developed during the previous phases to an international collaborative working environment, consolidating an experience aimed at promoting more innovative and sustainable VET, closely connected to the green and digital transition.

SiT concludes Phase 3 in Spain with a training experience in the Italian fashion ecosystem
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SiT concludes Phase 3 in Spain with a training experience in the Italian fashion ecosystem

The European SiT project (Sustainability in TCLF) has completed Phase 3 in Spain, focused on Work-Based Learning, through the organisation of an international agenda in Italy aimed at Vocational Education and Training students and teachers from the professional field of Textiles, Clothing and Leather. This stage was once again coordinated by FPEmpresa and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona (CCIB), with the support and organisation of the Politecnico Calzaturiero in Vigonza, a leading institution in specialised technical training for the textile, footwear and leather goods sectors.

Following the completion of Phase 2 of the pilot programme in Spain, which focused on specialised training and the development of sustainable business plans, this third phase has made it possible to take a further step in connecting education and industry. The student mobility took place from 3 to 16 May 2026 and included a two-week face-to-face training programme in Italy.

During the first week, students worked on content related to knitwear, such as trends, materials, weaving techniques, machinery, printing, finishing and knitwear pattern-making. The second week focused on footwear and leather goods, covering aspects such as footwear construction, materials, prototyping, hand stitching, the manufacture of leather goods products and applied digitalisation.

In parallel, 12 teachers took part in a job shadowing stay from 3 to 9 May, aimed at gaining first-hand insight into the Italian Vocational Education and Training model and the relationship between training centres, companies and the industrial district. The programme included observation activities in knitwear, footwear and leather goods workshops, as well as content related to sustainability, transversal skills, 2D and 3D digital design tools — used to create and develop patterns, prototypes and products before manufacturing — and artificial intelligence applied to creativity.

An immersion in the Italian value chain

The experience combined training sessions, company visits and cultural activities linked to the productive identity of the region. During the first week, 15 students and 12 teachers took part in activities at the Politecnico Calzaturiero, visits to the Villa Foscarini Museum, Tessitura Bevilacqua and Mocenigo Palace, as well as to companies such as Henderson and OTS. The programme also included an event at Villa Pisani focused on the Riviera del Brenta and its relationship with design, beauty, culture and identity.

The second week, aimed at students, explored technical and sustainability-related content in greater depth through sessions on eco-design, sustainability, knitwear processes, footwear design and garment making. In addition, Villa Foscarini Rossi hosted a meeting on corporate sustainability, focused on eco-design, quality and durability as values within the Italian supply chain (ESG).

Thanks to this third phase of the project, students have been able to gain insight into real production processes, learn about different specialisations within the sector and understand how sustainability, digitalisation and innovation are transforming the textile, clothing, leather and footwear industries. For teachers, the mobility represented an opportunity to observe applied training methodologies and explore possible transfers to the Spanish educational context.

Although Phase 3 has now concluded in Spain, the SiT project remains active in other participating countries. In the Spanish case, this stage strengthens the pathway initiated through online training and the projects developed in previous phases, consolidating an approach that connects learning, business and the green and digital transition.

Finally, the Spanish pilot of Work Package 4 of the SiT project will culminate with the international bootcamp in Greece, linked to Phase 2 and held during the week of 25 May. This final activity will bring together the people selected within the pathway developed in Spain and will serve as the closing stage of the process promoted by FPEmpresa and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Barcelona.

FPEmpresa and CCIB complete Phase 2 of the Erasmus+ SiT Project
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FPEmpresa and CCIB complete Phase 2 of the Erasmus+ SiT Project

The Association of Vocational Education and Training Centres FPEmpresa has completed in Spain Phase 2 of the Erasmus+ SiT (Sustainability in TCLF) pilot programme, a new stage aimed at transferring the knowledge acquired during the initial online learning phase into real-life contexts.

This second phase has combined specialised training, active methodologies and project development linked to sustainability in the textile sector, consolidating the progress of the programme in Spain.

The SiT project is part of the Erasmus+ Alliances for Innovation programme and brings together partners from different European countries with the aim of promoting new green, digital, functional and transversal skills in the TCLF sectors (textiles, clothing, leather and footwear). In Spain, FPEmpresa leads Work Package 4, focused on the design and development of the training pilot.

Following an initial phase centred on online learning through a specialised MOOC, Phase 2 was developed under the Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodology, encouraging the practical application of knowledge through activities connected to the current challenges of the sector. The programme included three training seminars, one online and two face-to-face sessions held in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a specific stage devoted to the development of sustainable business plans.

Three seminars connecting training and sustainability

The first session took place on 17 February in an online format under the title Circular Economy in the Textile Sector. It brought together 46 participants, including teachers, students and representatives of associated centres. The lecture, delivered by Paloma G. López, explored the evolution of the circular economy applied to the textile sector, eco-design in fashion and European sustainability regulations, while also presenting real examples of business innovation.

The second event was held on 13 March at IES Leonardo Da Vinci in Madrid and was attended by 103 people. The session, Textile Waste Management with Social and Environmental Impact, was led by Ana Gómez, who analysed the main challenges and opportunities in textile waste management, highlighting the role of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and the importance of the social and solidarity economy as a generator of employment and inclusion.

The phase concluded on 14 April at Institut Anna Gironella de Mundet in Barcelona, also in a hybrid format, with the seminar The Textile Industry and the EU Green Transition: Regulation, Innovation and New Business Models. The event gathered 50 in-person attendees and 25 online participants, and provided an opportunity to explore issues such as the circular economy, eco-design, the new European regulatory framework and the opportunities arising from the sustainable transition.

Overall, the three seminars delivered during Phase 2 attracted a total of 224 participants, reflecting the strong interest generated by this specialised training initiative focused on sustainability in the TCLF sector.

In addition to the specialised training, Phase 2 also included an entrepreneurial dimension through the development of business plans linked to the TCLF sector. A total of seven proposals were submitted, allowing students and participants to work on skills such as creativity, market analysis, innovation, sustainability, problem-solving and business vision, applying the project content to ideas with real growth potential.

With the completion of this stage, the project now moves forward towards new international experiences. Selected participants will take part in a bootcamp in Greece, while the programme will later continue with a Phase 3 focused on Work-Based Learning (WBL), including mobility activities in Italy aimed at company placements and professional shadowing opportunities for teachers.

FPEmpresa and CCIB complete Phase 2 of the Erasmus+ SiT Project
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FPEmpresa and CCIB complete Phase 2 of the Erasmus+ SiT Project

The Association of Vocational Education and Training Centres FPEmpresa has completed in Spain Phase 2 of the Erasmus+ SiT (Sustainability in TCLF) pilot programme, a new stage aimed at transferring the knowledge acquired during the initial online learning phase into real-life contexts.

This second phase has combined specialised training, active methodologies and project development linked to sustainability in the textile sector, consolidating the progress of the programme in Spain.

The SiT project is part of the Erasmus+ Alliances for Innovation programme and brings together partners from different European countries with the aim of promoting new green, digital, functional and transversal skills in the TCLF sectors (textiles, clothing, leather and footwear). In Spain, FPEmpresa leads Work Package 4, focused on the design and development of the training pilot.

Following an initial phase centred on online learning through a specialised MOOC, Phase 2 was developed under the Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodology, encouraging the practical application of knowledge through activities connected to the current challenges of the sector. The programme included three training seminars, one online and two face-to-face sessions held in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a specific stage devoted to the development of sustainable business plans.

Three seminars connecting training and sustainability

The first session took place on 17 February in an online format under the title Circular Economy in the Textile Sector. It brought together 46 participants, including teachers, students and representatives of associated centres. The lecture, delivered by Paloma G. López, explored the evolution of the circular economy applied to the textile sector, eco-design in fashion and European sustainability regulations, while also presenting real examples of business innovation.

The second event was held on 13 March at IES Leonardo Da Vinci in Madrid and was attended by 103 people. The session, Textile Waste Management with Social and Environmental Impact, was led by Ana Gómez, who analysed the main challenges and opportunities in textile waste management, highlighting the role of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and the importance of the social and solidarity economy as a generator of employment and inclusion.

The phase concluded on 14 April at Institut Anna Gironella de Mundet in Barcelona, also in a hybrid format, with the seminar The Textile Industry and the EU Green Transition: Regulation, Innovation and New Business Models. The event gathered 50 in-person attendees and 25 online participants, and provided an opportunity to explore issues such as the circular economy, eco-design, the new European regulatory framework and the opportunities arising from the sustainable transition.

Overall, the three seminars delivered during Phase 2 attracted a total of 224 participants, reflecting the strong interest generated by this specialised training initiative focused on sustainability in the TCLF sector.

In addition to the specialised training, Phase 2 also included an entrepreneurial dimension through the development of business plans linked to the TCLF sector. A total of seven proposals were submitted, allowing students and participants to work on skills such as creativity, market analysis, innovation, sustainability, problem-solving and business vision, applying the project content to ideas with real growth potential.

With the completion of this stage, the project now moves forward towards new international experiences. Selected participants will take part in a bootcamp in Greece, while the programme will later continue with a Phase 3 focused on Work-Based Learning (WBL), including mobility activities in Italy aimed at company placements and professional shadowing opportunities for teachers.

FPEmpresa meets with ENNE+ members in Italy for SHU 2025
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FPEmpresa meets with ENNE+ members in Italy for SHU 2025

On July 3rd and 4th, the Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa joined the partners of the European project ENNE+ in Spello, Italy, due to the Social Hackathon Umbria 2025 (SHU 2025) event. Throughout these two days, ENNE+ members from Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Italy discussed matters related to the upcoming Eco-Digithon, which will take place in 2026. The participants shared their respective countries’ participation results and addressed organizational issues concerning the project’s agenda for the coming year, establishing key factors to consider.

A significant portion of the discussions focused on enhancing the experience of participants in the competition and implementing new tools within the ENNE+ Community of Practice (CoP), an educational resource platform that already boasts over 1,300 active users. As a result, various action strategies were defined to strengthen the competition, communication, and follow-up for each project during the social incubation process. Feedback from members and users was essential in identifying relevant parameters to shape and reinforce the project’s development lines.

Social Hackathon Umbria 2025

The ENNE+ meeting took place as the town of Spello hosted SHU 2025, organized by EGInA. As part of this event, activities related to art, technology, sustainability, and innovation were held. The goal of these sessions was to promote young people’s digital skills and foster the co-creation of innovative digital solutions that can generate social impact and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

The winning teams from each Eco-Digithon had the opportunity to present their projects to an international audience. Representing Spain, the team from IES Sierra la Calera attended with their project MuéveteX, a proposal aimed at improving mobility and connectivity in rural areas through a collaborative transportation app, supported by the Santa Marta de los Barros City Council. Additionally, the program enabled them to develop an independent project with the help of students from around the world.

FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet announce the winners of the 4th edition of the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento de la FP
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FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet announce the winners of the 4th edition of the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento de la FP

The Asociación de Centros de Formación Profesional FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet have announced the winners of the 4th edition of the Premios Transferencia de Conocimiento de la FP, a competition aimed at recognizing and promoting female talent within professional fields with lower female representation. This edition ran from February to May 2025 and received over 30 proposals from FPEmpresa-affiliated centres, whose videos have already accumulated more than 42,000 views and 13,000 likes on YouTube.

The winning teams received a first prize of €5,000, a second prize of €3,300, and two third prizes of €1,850 each, to be distributed among the school, the teacher, and the students. The winners of the fourth edition were:

Once again, FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet present these awards as part of their ongoing commitment to addressing the societal challenges tackled by Vocational Education. Thanks to the collective efforts of all participating centres to acknowledge and tackle the barriers faced by women, the goal of gender equality is becoming increasingly attainable.

Projects addressing female underrepresentation, chemical submission, and unemployment among women with disabilities

The jury assessed both technical and transversal aspects of the projects. These included: the proposed solution, its planning, required materials and resources, impact on the SDGs, reproducibility, critical thinking, innovation, teamwork, and the inclusion of women in STEAM disciplines.

CIFP Marítimo Zaporito, from the Maritime-Fishing professional field, won the first prize by addressing the underrepresentation of women in this sector. The centre proposed two solutions: to increase the current 16% female workforce in the sector, they developed a software application to act as a tool and networking hub for companies, educational centres, and professionals. Additionally, to prevent unsafe situations, they designed a bracelet with connectivity and geolocation features.

In second place was IES Miguel Herrero Pereda, which focused on chemical submission—a growing form of sexual assault. According to Spain’s National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF), one in three sexual assaults involves the use of some type of psychotropic substance. In response, the school proposed a compact adhesive device that attaches to a mobile phone case and contains color-indicator strips to detect chemical submission substances in drinks.

The two third prizes were awarded to CIPFP Canastell and IES Francisco Tomás y Valiente. The former addressed the high unemployment rate among women with disabilities and the challenges they face in mobility. Their solution was to design a prototype of an electric microcar with a ramp and support systems for safe driving. The latter focused on increasing girls’ representation in tech careers by creating tech toys designed to spark their interest from an early age, offering more early stimuli and role models.

Success of the 1st Eco-Digithon in Spain: Youth, Businesses, and Education Drive Innovation in Dual Vocational Training
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Success of the 1st Eco-Digithon in Spain: Youth, Businesses, and Education Drive Innovation in Dual Vocational Training

On April 25th, Badajoz hosted Spain’s first-ever ECO-DIGITHON, a pioneering event organized by FPEmpresa and Innogestiona Ambiental under the umbrella of the ENNE+ (Erasmus+) European project. The event exceeded all expectations in terms of participation and results, establishing itself as a space for collaboration and innovation among Vocational Education and Training students, businesses, public administration, and educational institutions.

“We wanted to create an inspiring space to connect innovation, sustainability, and vocational training—and we have more than achieved that,” the organizers emphasized.

This initiative, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, has promoted youth creativity and strengthened collaboration networks to build a more dynamic, innovative, Vocational Education and Training, aligned with the environmental and occupational challenges.

Team Rankings and Award Ceremony

After an intense day of collaborative work, the participating teams exposed innovative proposals that were assessed based on feasibility, sustainability impact, and digitalization level.

The jury’s decision was especially difficult due to the high quality of the proposals submitted in this edition of the Eco-Digithon. The evaluation panel, made up of Patricia Mora (Director of Innogestiona Ambiental), Elena Argudo (Director of FPEmpresa), Daniel Villa (Technical Advisor for Teaching at the Vocational Training Service of the General Directorate of Vocational Training, Innovation and Educational Inclusion of the Junta de Extremadura), and Carolina Romero (Project Technician at Fundecyt-PCTEX), carefully evaluated factors such as innovation, social impact, and project viability.

The jury announced its verdict virtually on April 28th, and although the competition was tight, Muévetex (IES Sierra La Calera) received the first prize thanks to an innovative digital platform designed to improve sustainable mobility in rural areas—tackling one of the region’s major connectivity challenges. The jury highlighted the project’s strong connection to real community needs, high social impact, and immediate applicability, which earned it the top spot in this edition of the Eco-Digithon. As a reward, the winning team will participate in the 9th Social Hackathon Umbria in Italy this July and will receive €1,000 in equipment and a €250 gift card for the coordinating teacher(s) and community representative.

Another three schools were also awarded for their proposals. The final clasification has been as follows:

 Rank Team Project School Award
🥇 1st Team 8 Muévetex: Digital platform to improve access to rural transport IES Sierra La Calera Participation in the 9th Social Hackathon Umbria (Italy, July 2025)
€1,000 in materials for the school
€250 gift card for coordinating teacher(s) and community representative
🥈 2nd Team 5 Little Big Friends: Connecting the elderly with the young IES Francisco de Orellana €750 in materials for the school
🥉 3rd Team 10 Sustainable garden made with recycled materials and low water consumption IES Javier García Téllez €500 in materials for the school
4th Team 9 Sustainable urban transport: Monitoring freight vehicles IES Ágora €300 in materials for the school

Note: To view the remaining projects, you can do so here.

Roundtable: Dual Vocational Training as a Driver of Employability

As part of the ECO-DIGITHON program, a roundtable discussion on Dual Vocational Education and Training was held, bringing together prominent figures from public administration, the business sector, and education to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Dual VET in Extremadura. During the session, participants addressed key issues in the education sector and shared potential solutions and strategies for tackling today’s challenges.

Key Participants:

  • Pedro Antonio Pérez Durán – Director General of Vocational Training, Innovation, and Educational Inclusion, Junta de Extremadura.

  • Juan Carlos Castaño Carpintero – Training Director, Cámara de Comercio de Cáceres.

  • Pilar Apolo – Regional Coordinator for FPEmpresa in Extremadura.

  • Moderator: Patricia Mora, Director of Innogestiona Ambiental.

During the debate, the strategic role of Dual Vocational Education and Training in boosting youth employability and aligning education with real labor market needs was highlighted. Participants also presented the main updates introduced by the Ley orgánica 3/2022, which has transformed the vocational training system in Spain. The new structure is organized into five progressive levels (A to E), offering a more flexible and adaptable model. This framework enables students to move from micro-credentials to high-level specialization courses equivalent to a master’s degree, creating more personalized and relevant learning pathways tailored to professional demands.