First edition of the 24-hour Innovation in Guinea

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Relations entreprises | 24 h de l'Innovation

For the first time, the 24-Hour Innovation Challenge is taking place in Guinea, at the University of Kindia. Over the course of 24 hours, students, lecturers, businesses and committed stakeholders will work together to devise practical solutions to the region’s challenges. This initiative is led by ESTIA and its partners, at the intersection of innovation, international cooperation and social impact.

An engineering school with a global outlook

At ESTIA, innovation is shared and developed across borders.

This week, the ESTIA engineering school is in Guinea, at the University of Kindia, to support the launch of the 24-hour Innovation Challenge in the region. This inaugural event marks an important milestone in the development of collaborative innovation in West Africa.

On the ground, two representatives from the school, Juhane and Tania, are actively participating in this event in close collaboration with local stakeholders: students, academic staff, businesses and institutions.

The 24-Hour Innovation Challenge: an intensive format delivering concrete solutions

Held on 22 and 23 April 2026 at the University of Kindia, the 24 Hours of Innovation is based on a simple principle: bringing together multidisciplinary teams for 24 hours to tackle real-world challenges.

This intensive format encourages:

  • creativity
  • collaboration
  • rapid prototyping

Participants work on key issues for the development of Guinea:
energy, agriculture, industry, sustainable cities and climate solutions.

The objective is clear: to develop practical solutions that meet the real needs on the ground.

International cooperation at the heart of the project

This event is jointly organised by the University of Kindia and ESTIA, with the support of the French Embassy in Guinea and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation.

Beyond the event itself, this initiative is part of a broader drive for international cooperation between higher education institutions, aimed at:

  • share expertise
  • strengthen local capacities
  • promote innovation for development

For ESTIA, this is a concrete illustration of its commitment: to train engineers capable of operating in international contexts and contributing to high-impact projects.

ESTIA, a key player in collaborative innovation on a global scale

A general engineering school based on the Basque coast, ESTIA has been developing international initiatives for several years, in collaboration with its academic and industrial partners.

Its participation in the 24-hour Innovation Challenge in Guinea demonstrates its commitment to:

  • disseminate its innovative teaching methods
  • support emerging ecosystems
  • contribute to concrete projects with a significant societal impact

This approach is based on a firm conviction:
👉 innovation is a driver of transformation when it is collective, open and connected to the realities on the ground.

Follow the event up close

To get a behind-the-scenes look at this first edition in Guinea, ESTIA is offering a real-time immersion on its social media channels.

For 24 hours, Juhane and Tania will be sharing their experience from Kindia University, right at the heart of the event.

👉 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estia_officiel/

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