On November 6, the “ILAN University Innovation Awards 2024” were presented at the auditorium of Universidad Francisco Marroquín. The awards, given by the Israel Latin American Network (ILAN), recognize university projects that demonstrate innovation and social impact.
Two projects from students at Universidad Panamericana (UPANA) received awards in this year’s competition. The students competed in two categories: Prototype and Idea.
In the Prototype category, Mateo Juangaspar and Michael Alexander Martín Martínez won with their project titled “Analysis of Obstetric Ultrasounds with Artificial Intelligence.” Both are graduates in Systems Engineering from UPANA’s Barillas campus and hold a master’s degree in Technological Control and Cybersecurity from ENAN, the business school of Universidad Panamericana. Their project aims to use artificial intelligence to analyze obstetric ultrasounds, which can lead to more precise and accessible diagnoses, especially in areas with limited access to specialized medical services.
In the Idea category, Valery Raquel Nitch Rodríguez from Campus Retalhuleu was recognized for her project “Eco Bin: Intelligent Waste for a Sustainable Future.” The goal of Eco Bin is to develop an intelligent system for waste management that helps separate trash and promotes sustainable habits in both urban and rural communities.
According to ILAN, "The ILAN University Innovation Awards were created with the purpose of recognizing and promoting the development of innovative university projects in any area with high social impact that improve people's lives." The evaluation criteria include significance of the problem addressed, innovation (the project must be unique), technical merit and feasibility, economic viability and sustainability, relevance for target markets, and social impact related to Sustainable Development Goals.
Winners will have an opportunity to visit innovation centers in Israel as part of an exchange program designed to strengthen connections between Latin America and Israel through creativity and development initiatives.
Universidad Panamericana stated that these achievements show its commitment to training students who generate transformative solutions with significant societal impact. The institution said these awards reinforce its mission "to contribute to comprehensive sustainable development by training competent professionals with Christian principles and values."
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