HPE CDS Tech Challenge: Driving the Technological Talent that will Transform the Future

The HPE CDS Tech Challenge has established itself as one of the most inspiring and ambitious initiatives for the development of young talent in Spain.

This technology competition challenges students to solve real challenges using Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, cloud computing and other emerging technologies, combining experiential learning, creativity and social purpose. Its rise as a national benchmark demonstrates that it is possible to connect new generations with global challenges, while boosting employability in leading sectors.

Objective and scope

A competition that transforms knowledge into impact.

The Tech Challenge is born with a clear mission: identify, prepare and connect the best young tech talent through a competitive experience that replicates real-world challenges.
It is aimed at students from 18 years of educational centers throughout Spain, who must overcome different phases to design innovative solutions with advanced technologies.
The initiative not only promotes technical excellence: It brings participants closer to the professional environment, allowing them to learn about real HPE projects and work with world-class infrastructures such as HPE GreenLake.

Strategic focus

Technology at the service of the Sustainable Development Goals

The competition is aligned with a strategic vision: using AI and advanced data analytics to contribute to the 2030 SDGs. The challenges raised include:

Revitalisation of rural areas
Efficient resource management
Business sustainability
Data-driven decision-making

The approach combines technology, social impact, and sustainability, reinforcing HPE's commitment to responsible digital transformation.

Qualitative impact

A real quarry of talent and innovative solutions

The Tech Challenge has managed to position itself as the technological challenge of reference among young people. Its impact goes beyond the hackathon experience:

Students design and implement complete technological solutions
They demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and technical mastery
20% of the finalists subsequently join HPE, either through scholarships or contracts

This makes the initiative a real driver of employability and recruitment of specialised talent.

Key components

What makes the Tech Challenge unique

The pillars of the program include:

Challenge-based methodology with real-world cases
Professional infrastructure provided by HPE GreenLake
Specialized mentoring of HPE engineers and experts
Academic-business collaboration, connecting schools with industry
25-hour final hackathon at HPE headquarters in Las Rozas, which tests endurance, technical skills and teamwork

Results and achievements

A growing community and measurable impact

Since its launch in 2021, the HPE CDS Tech Challenge has reached significant figures:

More than 1,000 participating students since its first edition.
325 students in the last edition, working for six months in different phases of the challenge.
25-hour in-person marathon hackathon as closure.
Direct labor integration of participants thanks to the program.

The growing volume of participants demonstrates their educational value and their attractiveness in the technological ecosystem.

Replicability and scalability

An exportable and adaptable model

The Tech Challenge format has been designed to grow.

It can be scaled up to regional, national, or international levels
It is adaptable to different profiles: high school students, university students, or young professionals
It can be oriented to new topics: automation, digital health, sustainability, ethical AI, etc.
It facilitates collaboration between schools, businesses, and administrations

The challenge-based methodology and collaboration model make it an easily replicable initiative in other sectors.

Why is it good practice?

The HPE CDS Tech Challenge stands out as good practice because:

It connects training and employability directly
It places young people in the face of real problems with social impact
It promotes technological vocations in critical areas for the digital economy
It generates tangible results for both students and the company
Promotes transversal skills: teamwork, leadership, creativity, resilience
It contributes to closing the technological talent gap affecting Spain and Europe

In short, it is a project that transforms potential into real opportunities, strengthening the digital ecosystem and promoting technological solutions with purpose.