The consolidated Ideas Competition of the Port Authority of Huelva has its winners
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The winning proposals focus on draft optimization, internal communication, RFID technology, and process automation.
Huelva, July 10th, 2026 - The last 9th of July the final phase of the Innovative Ideas Competition of the Port Authority of Huelva and La Lonja de la Innovación was held. This initiative aims to foster creativity, talent and commitment of its staff with the search for solutions to improve port operations.
Just like in its first and second editions, the competition has once again been very well received. Numerous entries of a high standard,vision and commitment have been received. This fact reaffirms the high level of talent existing within the Port Authority of Huelva.
The event was held at the facilities of La Lonja de la Innovación, where the 14 proposals selected as finalists were presented before a jury composed of Mafran Martínez, CTO of the Port of Huelva; Rocío Díaz, Director of La Lonja de la Innovación; José Ignacio Morales, Innovation and Strategy Consultant at Telefónica; Rocío Blanco, Applications and Professional Services at Telefónica; and César Cepas, winner of the previous edition.The Award-Winning Ideas
The award-winning ideas
After the presentation of the different proposals and subsequent deliberation, the jury agreed to grant the following awards:
The first prize was awarded to Víctor Carlos Rubio Faure for his proposal to maintain drafts at the berthing line without the need for dredging. A solution that reduces the cost of maintenance dredging of drafts at the docks and minimizes the occupancy of filling ponds.
The second prize was received by Elisabet Toronjo Martín, who proposed the implementation of an internal public recognition mailbox where employees can acknowledge the help of their colleagues. A proposal that helps give visibility to efforts that may go unnoticed and reinforces positive behaviors, improving the work environment.
Additionally, the jury awarded a shared third prize to David Pardo Garrido and Manuel Joaquín Márquez García following a tie. David Pardo Garrido proposed the use of RFID tags for inventory and maintenance, enabling each asset to become a smart control point, streamlining inventory management and eliminating errors. Manuel Joaquín Márquez García, meanwhile, presented an automated system inspired by port cranes to reduce the dispersion of solid bulk particles caused by wind and cargo handling.
Finally, there was a special recognition for Antonio Cordón Hidalgo for his proposal APPuerto, a platform that connects the Port of Huelva with citizens and visitors through routes, content, and digital visit management. Antonio stood out for the clarity and quality of his presentation, as well as the defense provided during the final phase.
The assessment of the day was very positive, both due to the quality of the proposals presented and the involvement of the participants. In addition to the finalists and winners, other ideas with potential for continued internal evaluation have been identified as possible operational improvements, innovation initiatives, or development projects within the Port Authority of Huelva.
With this competition and its resolution, the Port Authority of Huelva once again consolidates a dynamic in which the human team becomes the engine of internal transformation, reinforcing a modern, efficient port ecosystem that is open to the challenges of the future.
You can learn about all the initiatives of La Lonja de la Innovación, our acceleration program, FIWARE Tech, and much more, on our website.
