The Universidad Industrial de Santander experienced a vibrant day of innovation and commitment to regional development, thanks to the 257 projects presented by 430 exhibitors at the traditional UIS Academic and Scientific Entrepreneurship Fair.
With the participation of IPRED UIS students, from the Business Technology, Business Management, Pharmacy Regency and Agroindustrial Administration programs, the 42nd edition of the event: ‘Gestando Iniciativas Académicas’, evidenced the transformative potential of entrepreneurship from the classroom.
“This event is fundamental because it allows entrepreneurs to make themselves visible to a community as important as the UIS community,” said Professor Luz Amalia Gámez, who leads the process from the Business Technology program. “Additionally, they take advantage of this space to, in one way or another, be evaluated and see what aspects they can improve,” she added.
One of the outstanding projects was that of Aldemar Santana and Wilmar García, tenth semester students of Agroindustrial Administration, who presented a comprehensive system for the production and marketing of avocado has in San Gil, Santander. “We are looking for a business model where we can associate small producers, provide them with training, help them obtain certifications and bring their products to the international market,” explained Santana. In addition to the fruit in its natural state, his initiative includes derivatives such as avocado yogurt, with a view to boosting the rural economy and positioning the product globally.
Another of the ventures that caught the attention of the attendees was the one led by inmates of the Bucaramanga Model Prison, who, under the coordination of the prison guard Diego Pradilla, presented handicraft products made in the prison workshops. “These activities are developed as part of the redemption and allow to show the talent that exists within the establishment. The idea is to open up spaces and new opportunities, which is what they are most looking for,” said the prison guard. Currently, about 250 inmates participate in these productive activities.
During the event, visitors were able to learn about projects in different stages of development, from early-stage ideas to consolidated ventures with prototypes and defined business models. The fair was once again consolidated as a platform for training, visibility and projection for the university entrepreneurial ecosystem, and as a space that intertwines knowledge with the social and productive realities of the country.
