Cartagena, Colombia April 12th, 2012
TIC Americas Finals was held at Las Americas Convention Center from April 10th to 12th in conjunction to the III Young Americas Forum, prior to the VI Summit of the Americas. Thirty five (35) teams from 13 countries participated in the Sixth Version competing in three main categories: Talent and Innovation, Eco-Challenge and TIC Colombia National.
TALENT AND INNOVATION AWARDS
The Talent and Innovation category awarded four (4) Teams with US$5000 each, in addition, there was given a special recognition to the audiences favorite team. Prizes were given in the following categories:
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Social Entrepreneurship Conexion Adulto Mayor – Peru Is website that offers information, products, services and community resources for senior citizens people, their families and caregivers. |
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New Markets
IDra - Colombia Smart Dressing Rooms that offers information about the specific clothing one tries on, such as colors and sizes available in the store. |
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E-Entrepreneur Sparck – Chile Communication systems based on holography for education and online web services systems. |
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Tradition and Culture Turn Green Solutions - USA Patented technology that addresses and positively impacts environmental issues providing a substitute material made from recycled plastic and rice waste. |
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People´s Choice Nueva Oportunidad - Costa Rica Creation of a micro-business incubator adapted to penal institutions, supporting inmates' re-socialization |
ECO-CHALLENGE AWARDS
The Eco-Challenge Awards 2012, funded by PepsiCo, sought for viable and innovative solutions to existing environmental problems. Each of them were awarded with US$5000, in addition to the International recognition and visibility. Two (2) Teams were selected:
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Siphiwe Honey Gold Farm and Preserve - Bahamas This innovation promotes environmental education, natural resource conservation, and agronomy research through participation in ecotourist activities. |
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Reciclando Aceite - Argentina Reuse of vegetable oil waste from domestic sources for the production of organic soap. |
TIC COLOMBIA AWARDS
The national TIC Colombia Awards, worked in partnership with Camara de Comercio de Bogota and Colciencias, to identified ideas to contribute to improve the quality of life of Colombian youth. Each team received a check for US$3500 to develop their businesses. The winners of this category were:
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Intern Latin America - Medellin Provide opportunities for international students to come to Latam, facilitating scholarships, internships, volunteering and Spanish classes. |
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Meetrico - Cali Website that allows people to be aware of and reserved work-sharing spaces from a city when available. |
TIC Americas goes beyond the development of the business plan. YABT and its partners offers, to each participant opportunities to keep strengthening their business ideas through follow-up and mentorships in competitive areas such as networking, international visibility and market access.