Fuerteventura caps the 202

Youth, the driving force behind innovation, experiment with AI, aerospace, precision agriculture, astronomy, and sustainability

This Tuesday, Fuerteventura capped off the 2026 Canary Islands Science and Innovation Miniferias with a day where young people took center stage, experimenting with aerospace, artificial intelligence, astronomy, precision agriculture, sustainability, and applied scientific innovation.

Framed within the Canary Islands Month and promoted by the Canary Government’s Department of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture, through the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI), and in collaboration with the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, the Miniferias were held at the Fuerteventura Technology Park. The event attracted 400 participants, including students from 4th grade onward, secondary education, baccalaureate, vocational training, teachers, and visitors from other island schools.

Gambuesa Científica

A highlight of the day was the Gambuesa Científica, now in its 11th edition, showcasing nearly two hundred projects created and defended by students from about fifteen island schools. Under the motto “We learn science by doing science”, the space fosters scientific vocations, promotes active learning, and strengthens critical thinking, placing students at the heart of the innovation process while building collaborative networks among educators.

• Biology Department, IES Corralejo presented “Would You Survive on Mars?”, a four‑station experimental setup prompting reflection on the main challenges of human life beyond Earth.
• IES Santo Tomás de Aquino displayed projects titled “Maintaining Life” and “Rare Earths.”
• The Vegetation in Space Research Center (CEO Antigua’s Technology Department) contributed with space‑plant studies.
• Robotics experiences from CIFP Majada Marcial and IES Vigán simulated the Artemis II mission orbit and showcased drones in action.
• Lunar structure challenges and a “Space Chicken Coop” were presented by IES Puerto del Rosario.
• IES San Diego de Alcalá took part with the ESTALMAT mathematical talent project, alongside physics‑chemistry and biology‑geology experiments from the Science Club of IES La Oliva and IES Vigán.
• CEIP San José de Calasanz, Francisca Pérez, and Antoñito el Farero demonstrated early steps in physical computing.
• CEIP Puerto del Rosario and Poeta Domingo Velázquez exhibited models linked to Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities) and 14 (Life Below Water), focusing on sustainable urban environments and marine life.
• The Fuerteventura School of Art offered a 3‑D printing workshop and a stop‑motion activity with Playmobil ESA figures, a nod to the European Space Agency.

The CEIP Agustín Millares Carló of Puerto del Rosario handled event promotion through its school radio.

Drones, Precision Agriculture, and AI

A bustling zone was dedicated to drones and their professional applications—agriculture, security, industrial inspection, and emergency management—through technology outreach and hands‑on exhibitions (NovaDronia).

• The APBYTE Precision Agriculture project demonstrated how drones, multispectral cameras, and software tools can detect early crop diseases and enable more sustainable, environmentally friendly treatments. (CSIC‑Institute of Natural Products and Agro‑biology IPNA‑CSIC & ULPGC‑Institute of Advanced Microelectronics IUMA‑ULPGC).

Astronomy and astrophysics featured a public talk on the Sun, eclipses, and the European Solar Telescope (EST), bringing cutting‑edge solar observations to attendees (Canary Foundation European Solar Telescope & Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands, IAC).

An interactive AI‑driven experience explored the archaeological heritage of Fuerteventura, allowing students to discover the island’s majos culture via the digital assistant D.A.R.Y.L. and virtual resources from the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura (Scientific Society El Museo Canario).

A session by MaxoCrearte addressed artificial intelligence, its impact, and responsible use in professional and everyday contexts. Participants learned how AI truly works, its possibilities, limitations, common errors, and best practices for integrating the technology responsibly while preserving human judgment.

Additional drone demonstrations included simulators, a control‑room tour, and real‑aircraft displays at the Stratoport of the Fuerteventura Technology Park.

Workshops on Law, Rockets, and STEAM

The upcoming Canary Science Law was introduced to students through a dynamic, participatory theatrical workshop designed to highlight the importance of science and innovation as drivers of regional development (TicTac‑Crea).

The program concluded with an experimental workshop where participants launched small rockets built from recycled materials, complemented by activities inspired by Apollo missions to foster communication and teamwork (TEIDESAT, the first Canary university nanosatellite).

The Canary Islands as an Aerospace Innovation Laboratory

The entire day aligns with the archipelago’s technological diversification strategy, emphasizing aerospace and initiatives such as the Canary Geo Innovation Program 2030, which advances critical technologies like satellites, high‑altitude pseudo‑satellites (HAPS), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and autonomous surface vessels (USVs‑ROB). These projects support strategic missions in Earth observation, emergency management, smart logistics, and data analytics for public‑service improvement. Engaging youth in these emerging fields is crucial for nurturing scientific vocations and showcasing professional opportunities in a rapidly expanding sector.

“Through hands‑on experiences under the ‘experiment, create, discover’ approach, students participate in interactive workshops that connect science with cutting‑edge technology, cementing the Miniferias as a catalyst for STEAM vocations in the Canary Islands.”
— Javier Franco Hormiga, Director of ACIISI

“The new generations must learn about the opportunities offered by scientific vocations and future professions, which have great potential in Fuerteventura, especially in spaces like the Technology Park, which is already a European reference in aerospace.”
— Lola García, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura

“For the ITC it is a pleasure to be in Fuerteventura, once again bringing science closer to youth. Since its inception we have always participated in the Miniferias because they attract innovation and convey a love for science to the youngest.”
— Guayarmina Peña, Deputy Minister of the Canary Technological Institute

Other officials present included Carmen Alonso, Minister of New Technologies; Rayco León, Minister of Innovation; outgoing Technology Park manager Eduardo Pereira and his successor Sergio David Martínez.

A Month to Celebrate “We Are the Heritage of the Canary Islands”

These activities are part of the Canary Islands Month program, featuring over 110 events across the archipelago under the slogan “We Are the Heritage of the Canary Islands.” Extending the traditional Canary Day into a full month invites residents to recognize, share, and preserve the cultural and natural legacy that unites the islands, bringing traditions, history, and identity to every corner and beyond.

All program details are available on the Canary Government’s website and its social media channels, where information is updated daily.