The companies that were selected as the most innovative in Latin America to participate in the Forum were Duto S.A., from Colombia; Alsec, also from Colombia; and Unima, from Mexico.

Duto S.A. won the Social Entrepreneurship Award in TIC Americas 2007 for the development of Iris, a device which enables visually impaired children to see colors and shapes of educational material through a code system that can be interpreted with their hands. In 2008 they also were awarded with the TIC Americas Young Entrepreneur Superstar Award. Alsec S.A. is a technology-based company that produces innovative raw materials and offers drying services for the food industry. The company produces powder flavored eggs, powder honey, wine and vinegar, sliced or granulated fruit, among other products. The company won the New Markets award in TIC Americas 2008.

Members of Duto, authorities of YABT and Octantis, and Members of Unima and Alsec

Unima Integral Biosecurity is a company specialized in the development of biotechnological products for the control of diseases, using the natural defense system of plants, animals, and bacteria. The company won the Business Process award TIC Americas 2007.

The Latinnovators Venture Forum is a program for the whole continent that connects the most innovative enterprises from Latin America with business contacts from the United States. It was created by Octantis, a business accelerator from the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, in Chile.

The agenda of the Latinnovators Forum included meetings with investors, potential partners, and other important business contacts. Thanks to YABT’s collaboration, the three enterprises were able to participate in the Gold Coast Venture Capital Forum in Boca Raton and received technical assistance. YABT also connected the enterprises with important partners. Duto is currently having conversations with Microsoft and Alsec will have the opportunity to meet with Pepsi next October, which proves the important role of YABT as a connector and the quality of its networking capacities.

The Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC Americas) presents annual awards in an international business competition and works as an accelerator for young entrepreneurs. TIC Americas goes beyond business plans to incorporate extended training, mentoring, product testing and global networking opportunities. For further information go to http://www.ticamericas.net/

For further information please contact
Yeruti Mendez – Director, Training and Technology – YABT
E-mail: ymendez@oas.org
Phone: +1 (202) 458 3512

Maite Fernandez – Communications – YABT – maite.fernandez@myybiz.net