Young people from Fundautónoma discovered the innovative projects of Fusióni3 Valle

Questions related to the functioning of technologies and innovative proposals to add a social focus to innovation projects were some of the comments from the young people who are part of the Fundautónoma Entrepreneurship School, who participated in the presentation of the alliances benefiting from the Fusióni3 Valle Maturation Fund.

In a dynamic afternoon, which took place at the Design Factory of the Pontifical Javeriana University Cali, about 40 students, between 15 and 19 years old, from the communes 13 and 14 of Cali, learned, through videos, the objectives of the ten projects and the expectations of their members, as well as some details about the beginning of their collaborative work.

Subsequently, they had the opportunity to expand their knowledge, guided by the managers of Fusióni3 Valle, and to ask their questions, demonstrating enthusiasm and interest in learning about technological innovation, guided by research professors and entrepreneurs.

“With this space we sought to present the characteristics of our projects, their objectives and work teams, since, in their process of developing technological innovation capabilities, young people will have the opportunity to connect with the project that attracts them the most and get to know it more closely ,” explained Jonathan Sandoval, coordinator of University-SME Connection at Fusióni3 Valle.

According to Claudia Uribe, executive director of the Autonomous Foundation of the West, the presentation of the projects allowed for the recognition of the innovative power of young people and enabled them to focus their personal and educational efforts in areas related to technology-based entrepreneurship.

“With this activity, Fusióni3 Valle gave us the opportunity to break down barriers and stereotypes that we must set aside when we talk about innovation and co-creation processes, because our young people showed their abilities and the potential they have. It was an important event for us, in which we saw them very happy, satisfied, and ready to believe in the great possibilities they have.”

This is how the young participants felt

“The activity with Fusióni3 Valle seemed very interesting and dynamic to me, since they presented each of the projects to us, something very significant because many young people want to try to start a business but don’t dare, and seeing that these people are succeeding can be motivating for everyone,” said Sara Murillo Casas, a student at the Santa Rosa Educational Institution.

“The activity was very special because it showed us how a simple idea can generate profits, help communities, and the environment. For me, it’s important to learn and acquire new skills because with this knowledge I’ll be able to face the working world in the best way possible,” said Alejandro Carvajal Díaz, a student at the San Marcos de León Technical and Commercial College.

What does the Fusióni3 Valle – Fundautónoma alliance consist of?

The Fusióni3 Valle project aims to strengthen the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem from a community perspective. To achieve this, it partnered with the Fundación Autónoma de Occidente, jointly coordinating the involvement of young people from its Entrepreneurship School in innovation processes between higher education institutions and the project’s beneficiary MSMEs.

Additionally, young people will receive guidance to develop knowledge and job skills related to innovation and technology-based entrepreneurship processes.