This work, developed in the framework of the EELISA project, examines how the use of real cases can strengthen the critical thinking of engineering students. In collaboration with the organization Paradores de Turismo, an activity has been designed for students from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), specifically from the Degree in Industrial and Organizational Engineering (GIO). The proposal aims to improve the learning of sustainability concepts and enhance key skills such as analysis, evaluation and reasoning. Through real challenges related to the 2030 Agenda, students worked in teams to present viable and innovative solutions, covering topics such as the circular economy, natural resource management and resilience to climate change. The evaluation conducted by both Paradores and UPM confirms that the methodology promotes learning and the development of critical thinking, and highlights the most promising proposals for possible implementation. In short, this approach strengthens the link between the university and the business world and promotes the training of engineers capable of addressing today’s sustainability challenges.