This achievement positions the educational center in Tenerife as the only one in the Canary Islands to reach this stage, competing against over a hundred proposals from 35 centers across Spain. This marks the second consecutive year that the institute from La Laguna has managed to place two projects in the semifinals, solidifying its leadership in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education in the archipelago.

The projects presented by the students address crucial environmental challenges for the Canary Islands and the global marine ecosystem. One focuses on early forest fire detection, developing an autonomous system with environmental sensors and renewable energies to identify fire outbreaks in their initial stages and prevent catastrophes.

The second proposal consists of a low-cost platform for monitoring microplastics in coastal areas. This initiative, through integrated sensors, aims to promote citizen science and protect the marine biodiversity of the islands. Both projects were selected from 102 national applications, involving over 3,000 students, and the jury valued their real-world applicability and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year's Efigy Contest final will be held for the first time outside Madrid, moving to the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia on May 26. This change of venue is part of the “Sumando Energías por Valencia” program, which supports the recovery of areas affected by the DANA of 2024.

To support IES Profesor Martín Miranda, the public can participate in a popular vote. From May 7 to 15, videos of the projects will be available on Naturgy's YouTube channel. The project with the most views and support will advance directly to the grand final, where winners will be decided in the categories of “Most Feasible,” “Best Communicated,” and “Most Innovative.”