University students participated in an entrepreneurship and innovation competition
University students from Ecuador took part in the first edition of the Impulso Ecotec & Hult Prize: Pitch Day, where they showcased innovative startup ideas.
At the Impulso Ecotec & Hult Prize: Pitch Day held at the Samborondón campus, university students presented their entrepreneurial projects in front of an external jury. The competition aimed at fostering innovation among students, with the winners showcasing viable solutions to contemporary issues. Among the participants were Fernando Chóez, Elkin Sánchez, Axel Velásquez, and Angélica Piedra, whose team Off Menú won first place for creating a platform that connects restaurants with surplus food to consumers seeking quality meals at lower prices. The second place went to team Vita, formed by Favio Mosquera and Alessandro Machuca, and the third place was awarded to Alloy, consisting of Diego Reyes, Kelly Ramos, and Louis Silvers. This event not only highlighted the students' creativity but also their commitment to addressing food waste and social entrepreneurship. By winning this local competition, Off Menú has qualified for the national contest, which will select Ecuador's representative for the Hult Prize, known as the world's largest social entrepreneurship competition for university students. The implications of this event are significant as they emphasize the role of young innovators in driving change within their communities and beyond. Such competitions serve as platforms for students to transform ideas into actionable business models that can potentially create a positive social impact. By competing on a national scale, these students have the opportunity to gain exposure and resources that can help them scale their entrepreneurial ventures, ultimately contributing to economic development in Ecuador.