Especially in the final years of their academic training, it is essential to encourage students to be creative in the development of innovative ideas that advance their profession and improve their employability prospects. To achieve this, in addition to the independent work of the student, it is essential to have academic and professional support tools.

This project seeks to encourage creativity and innovation in students to improve their employability. It proposes meaningful learning by bringing external professionals into the classroom, overcoming the limitations of pre-conferences, due to the lack of affinity between professionals and students, as well as follow-up after the presentations. To this end, graduate professionals (aged 25-35, less than 8 years since graduation) are selected to foster affinity. In addition, a support mechanism is established to ensure follow-up.

The project proposal focuses on the acquisition of skills related to business innovation in the development of new materials, through activities carried out by graduates of the University of Jaén. It is divided into two phases: seminars taught by graduates currently employed by Jaén companies, challenges, business reality, and professional mentoring that includes company visits to learn about innovative advancements in situ.

The expected outcomes include: student motivation and commitment, the development of professional networks, a positive disposition toward innovation, knowledge of the properties and fundamentals of technological and industrial materials, and the acquisition of basic knowledge of environmental technologies.

Keywords: Education, professional skills, motivation of students.