• PL’Power takes first place for converting plastic waste into electricity.

• The winning team receives CFA4.5 million and entry into an international competition.

• Orange Summer Challenge highlights youth innovation and supports digital start-ups.

The fifth edition of Orange Summer Challenge CI, an annual innovation program led by Orange Digital Center, took place on December 5 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative brings together young digital talents to develop practical solutions.

This year’s theme was “What solutions can be created for the well-being of the population,” aimed at fostering creativity and promoting innovation. Four teams of students from Ivorian universities and major schools presented projects addressing issues related to sustainable development, sustainable agriculture, and the green transition.

PL’Power, an innovative Ivorian solution that converts plastic waste into electricity using an autonomous, connected pyrolysis system, won the first prize. The team, named StarTech, received CFA4.5 million (about $8,000) and will participate in an international competition. Three other teams received awards ranging from CFA1.7 million to CFA2.5 million.

“Our challenge today is sustainable development: how to recycle non-degradable materials, how to optimize the resources we have, in us or around us, to generate energy and help preserve our resources, protect the Earth, and build a healthier ecosystem for our well-being and for future generations,” said Latifa Diack, managing director of Orange Digital Center.

Orange Summer Challenge aligns with the Ivorian government’s efforts to promote and support start-ups and young people through a draft law focused on digital start-up development, access to financing, and the emergence of national champions.

Orange Digital Center has for several years supported young Ivorians and their projects by offering technical assistance to help them develop solutions and create their own start-ups.

Lydie Mobio