Our publication ‘MIT Technology Review, Spanish Edition’ has recognized eight young Central Americans for the potential of their proyects to contribute to a better future through innovation and technology
Contributing to improving the economy and quality of life, but most of all creating a better future for everyone was the central theme of Innovators Under 35 Central America 2015. The awards bestowed by our publication MIT Technology Review en español have recognized eight young talents that form the second generation of Innovators Under 35 in the region. They were all selected thanks to the potential of their projects to contribute to a better future through innovation and technology.
This was certainly the case with the special mention of Innovator of the Year, Luis Zea, who aims to improve the development of new drugs with a project that sends bacteria into space. The special mention of Social Innovator, Jorge Garcia, developed a collaborative platform to validate electoral results.
These are two examples of the eight winning projects – selected from a total of almost 200 candidatures – that focus on relevant topics like housing, the lack of clean water and the prevention of natural disasters. All of their ideas could have an important impact on daily life, and were analyzed and selected by an international panel of expert judges. According to the director of Innovators Under 35 in Latin America, Marcela Valencia, "These young people are genuinely interested in positively contributing to society and they demonstrate the talent present in the region."
In order to recognize the talent and ingenuity of these young, future leaders, we celebrated the awards ceremony on November 4th at the University of Valle in Guatemala. The event was aligned with our philosophy and included panels and experts on innovative topics like technology and social inclusion, big data or lifelonghackers. The close to 160 people who attended this event to witness the talent of our young innovators had the unique opportunity to meet the innovators and learn first-hand about the latest trends in innovation and technology.
This second edition, with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank, Tigo, Seguros Universales and the University of Valle, gives new impetus to Central America in the international landscape of technology. Firm in our commitment, we continue to expand our international network of experts and innovators and to bet on talent capable of defining our future with one clear objective in mind: to make it the best possible future.
Learn more about the Innovators Under 35 Central America 2015 and their projects:
Innovator of the Year: Luis Zea, 34 (Guatemala). He sends bacteria to outer space and later uses them in experiments designed to create new drugs. BioServe Space Technologies.
Social Innovator: Jorge García, 34 (Honduras). The population can verify electoral results through his collaborative platform. VotoSocial.
-Antonio Aguilar, 32 (Guatemala). Developed a model for self-sufficient, sustainable and low-cost social housing. CASSA.
-Alberto Arrendondo, 25 (Nicaragua). Created a sustainable, water treatment system based on traditional knowledge. Green Energy Technologies.
-Sergio Ballester, 28 (Costa Rica). He uses drones and machine learning to improve Costa Rica´s agricultural production. Índigo Drones.
-Marie André Destarac, 34 (Guatemala). Her open software system improves diagnostics and the design for therapies to treat muscular injuries. Center for Automization and Robotics at the Technical University of Madrid (Spain).
-Rolando Gittens, 32 (Panama). His techniques for modifying titanium implants accelerates bone regeneration.Panamanian Research Institute for Advanced Sciences and High Tech Services.
-Emilio Velis, 29 (El Salvador). Allows rural communities to communicate with each other to prevent natural disasters. Red de Acción Comunitaria.
