Regional finals of the C’Génial competition

On Tuesday 25 March this year, Europe's spaceport played host to the regional finals of the C’Génial competition; an annual event that showcases scientific and technological projects conducted by local school pupils. 

This year, some 230 pupils from primary and secondary schools and colleges in French Guiana took part in the competition with their projects combining technology, ecology and artificial intelligence. A total of 13 projects were entered, illustrating the creativity and innovative mindset of French Guiana’s talented youth.

The C’Génial competition was created in 2013 and aims to promote scientific and technical education within secondary schools and colleges. Pupils enter the competition in teams and put forward an innovative scientific project. After a phase of preliminary selections, the regional finalists qualify for the national finals.

From among the competing projects, that of Lise Ophion de Matoury secondary school captured the interest of the jury in particular. Their bright idea was for a smart lighting system to reduce light pollution, an issue that disrupts turtle reproduction. Excessive artificial light can disorientate these creatures as they make their way to beach to lay their eggs. The pupils’ project therefore aims to preserve ecological balance while addressing a major environmental concern.
 

This innovative project saw the team from Matoury win first place, sending them to the C'Génial competition national finals, which will take place on 21 May in Paris.