2023/08/21
La Vega, Dominican Republic – August 18, 2023. The Trust for the Americas, in collaboration with its local partner ADASEC RD and with the financial support of Citi Foundation, celebrated the Innovative Projects Pitch Competition delete DIA Lab RD – La Vega. On this occasion, a total of 10 projects were presented to a multidisciplinary jury, which evaluated criteria such as the business model, social and environmental impact, economic viability, and degree of innovation. The most outstanding projects were awarded USD 1,000 in seed funding to strengthen their structures and catalyze their impacts.
In his opening remarks, Eng. Rafael Lorenzo, president of ADASEC, said: “With gratitude to The Trust for The Americas and the Citi Foundation, DIA Labs, in collaboration with ADASEC, held the third Innovative Projects Pitch Competition. Young people from various fields presented impactful projects designed to address local challenges. Their brilliant presentations highlight the potential of our youth. We continue to promote the DIA Innovation Labs to build a better future for our young people.”
Furthermore, Allen Feliz, Coordinator of the DIA Lab RD Project, ADASEC, emphasized: “At DIA Lab RD, we recognize the vital importance of equipping young Dominicans with practical knowledge in technology, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We are committed to supporting and guiding them in turning their aspirations into reality, so that they become agents of change.”
The young people participated in groups or individually, having previously developed and refined their entrepreneurial proposals during the “Virtual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ideathon”, held from July 10 to 24. Out of the submitted projects, the following seven were selected as winners:
- SelfCare by Chris Gómez: an innovative health solution that combines monitoring modules into a smart central console, ranging from vital signs to key indicators. Its versatility and 3D printing capability make it accessible and sustainable, revolutionizing healthcare.
- Elementals by Kevin Antonio and Melvin Ramón Durán Mesa: addresses shortcomings of the Dominican educational system. Through soft skills workshops, they equip students with the necessary tools to face their transition into adulthood with confidence and success.
- AskTuto by Geury Tolentino Carela and Kimberlin Rodriguez: it addresses the gap between the demand for university tutors and the limited supply. Its digital platform connects students with qualified tutors, facilitating the resolution of doubts and tutoring in challenging subjects. Through digital appointments, it allows coordinating topics, duration, cost, and location.
- PanSolar by José Ortiz, Anthony Peralta, and Karlos Kingsley: It seeks to meet the need to monitor solar plants with precision. The all-in-one device optimizes performance by measuring radiation and energy generated by panels. It offers real-time data on an LCD screen and remote access via the Internet.
- Brandor E. Brete S. Eco-Project: addresses the improper management of organic waste and the excess of chemical fertilizers. It proposes composting to convert waste into organic fertilizer, benefiting agriculture and reducing pollution. It highlights Earthworm Humus as a natural fertilizer and, in addition, offers collection services and education on waste separation.
- D'JACQUE NAILS AND SPA by Jacqueline Benites: It responds to the growing demand for personal care and appearance. This nail salon and SPA stands out for its eco-friendly and health-conscious approach, offering specialized hand and foot services, along with relaxing massages and a line of natural products that are neither harmful to people nor the environment.
- CleanHorizon Power by Giordano Brito Rodríguez and Miguel Mercado: Through the installation of a solar system with storage, the project seeks to provide electricity and communication access to 49 families. In addition, it offers maintenance training, educational opportunities, and community development, all with the goal of meeting SDG 7 and improving the quality of life in marginalized areas.
Rodrigo Iriani, Senior Manager of the DIA Program, concluded: “In this competition, we celebrate the dedication and potential of Dominican youth to face challenges through innovation. We thank our partners and the young people for trusting us. Let us continue investing in youth and building a more equitable future.”
The DIA Labs in the Dominican Republic are part of a unique ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. These laboratories offer a favorable environment for the growth of young people from the communities of Baní, La Vega, and Bonao. Through access to technology, collaborative spaces, training, and financing opportunities via seed funds, these young individuals receive the necessary tools to bring their business ideas to life or catalyze social projects aimed at addressing local challenges.
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About The Trust for the Americas:
The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as government accountability and transparency. Our unique partnership with the OAS gives us access to decision-makers throughout the region. This vital partnership is the foundation through which we build strong networks across all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to help overcome challenges through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results.
The Trust for the Americas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Facebook: The Trust for the Americas Twitter: @Trust4Americas
Republica Dominicana