Barcelona students from two local schools will present innovative projects for Rodalies de Catalunya at the iFest Challenge Competition final on Tuesday, May 11, 2026. These projects aim to transform daily train journeys into more engaging and productive experiences for commuters.
Rodalies de Catalunya launched a challenge to young people, asking for ideas to use train travel time for learning, entertainment, and interaction. According to a statement released on Monday, 18 teams responded to this call. The rail operator selected two projects to advance to the final round of the competition.
The iFest Challenge Competition is an initiative by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It targets young individuals interested in science, innovation, and technology. The competition seeks to generate creative solutions with social impact.
Innovative Projects for Commuters
In the senior category, Centre d'Estudis Roca in Barcelona will compete with its "App Renfe" project. This proposal involves an interactive digital platform for Renfe. Passengers can scan QR codes from their mobile phones to make daily commutes more entertaining and productive.
For the junior category, Col·legi Claret, also in Barcelona, reached the final with "Railmotion". This project suggests integrating pedals under train seats. Travellers can pedal during their journey, generating energy and earning points through challenges and rewards. This makes the trip more active, fun, and sustainable.
Fostering Young Talent
Renfe participated in the iFest Challenge Competition alongside other leading innovation companies. These organisations presented real-world challenges. Their goal is to foster emerging talent and develop solutions applicable to professional environments. This initiative helps connect young innovators with practical industry needs.
The competition highlights a commitment to improving public transport and encouraging youth engagement in technological solutions. Such projects could significantly enhance the daily travel experience for thousands of Rodalies passengers across Catalonia.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
