Empowering Students for Climate Action: Xignux Challenge Initiative, Developing Sustainable Competences Fostering Educational Innovation

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of student engagement in a higher education initiative centered on challenge-based learning for sustainable innovation. Throughout the history of the initiative (2018 – 2023), 738 projects were submitted, categorized into themes such as Carbon Capture, Alternative Energies, Citizen Monitoring, and Sustainable Mobility, all of which substantiate their innovation in addressing Climate Action (SDG 13). The study explores the distribution of projects across these thematic areas and emphasizes the inclusive representation from diverse academic disciplines, including Engineering and Sciences, Business, Architecture, Art, Design, Humanities, Education, Social Sciences, Government, and Medicine. Additionally, the research examines the growth trends in student participation over the years, taking into account external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on student engagement. Furthermore, the paper highlights the remarkable achievements of the winning teams in the categories of Carbon Capture and Sustainable Mobility, showcasing the innovative spirit and dedication demonstrated by students at various academic stages. The findings underscore the transformative potential of challenge-based learning as an educational innovation, fostering sustainable leadership across interdisciplinary domains and driving impactful contributions toward a more sustainable future.