Students from Universidad Galileo presented innovative projects at the closing event of ILAN – Israel Latin American Network, held at the university. The event brought together students from various faculties to showcase their work in innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship with the aim of creating social impact.
ILAN aims to connect students, businesspeople, and social leaders across Latin America to improve quality of life through innovation, inspired by Israel’s technological ecosystem. This year’s edition at Universidad Galileo provided a platform for students to propose solutions integrating sustainability, health, technology, and social development.
“These activities encourage students to put into practice what they are learning—not just on paper but in real life,” said Diego García, a marketing student and member of the organizing committee.
Projects addressed current challenges from multiple fields. Some notable proposals included chemical-free deodorants, sanitary product dispensers for women, and new tourism applications. “The objective is that the project is innovative and can help society. It doesn’t have to be only ecological or technological; the idea is that it adds value and generates real impact,” said Diego García.
ILAN connects universities and young leaders in Latin America with Israel’s innovation ecosystem. Winners from each university have the opportunity to travel to Israel to present their projects and expand their professional networks internationally. “The first place travels with all expenses paid, while second place can also go but covers their own ticket,” explained Diego García. “It’s a unique experience for networking with people from other countries and building connections for future business.”
One highlighted project was Ziengo, an application developed by Jairo García and his multidisciplinary team from Universidad Galileo’s Faculty of Systems Engineering. “Ziengo connects shopping centers, plazas, and local businesses with customers by centralizing promotions, discounts, and benefits in one place,” said Jairo García. “We seek to close the gap between the digital and physical worlds by helping businesses better understand consumers.” The app provides small- and medium-sized enterprises access to digital tools often reserved for larger companies by offering an affordable infrastructure.
Ziengo analyzes consumption data in real time to provide valuable information for entrepreneurs while stimulating local economies. The team prioritizes hiring university students seeking their first experience in technology fields. “Our value lies in young talent that changes paradigms,” stated Jairo García.
For Jairo García, participating in Universidad Galileo’s competition was both a personal and professional growth opportunity: “Presenting the project before a jury and audience was enriching; it allowed us to strengthen our confidence and understand how best to communicate our ideas.” He added that Universidad Galileo offers a safe environment where students can develop soft skills and demonstrate real-world impact.
Ziengo aspires to represent Guatemala at the international stage of ILAN Awards in Israel. “It would be an important milestone in my career—a chance to show a 100% Guatemalan project born at Universidad Galileo,” said Jairo García.
Another notable initiative was GuateLiving, created by business administration students at Universidad Galileo. The platform aims to connect foreigners, students, and professionals with safe housing options in Guatemala. Josè Ràmos explained that they wanted a local version of platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com but tailored for Guatemala with an emphasis on community support.
GuateLiving promotes positive social and environmental impacts by formalizing rental markets and encouraging responsible use of existing spaces through property validation systems and smart recommendation algorithms.
Pouchalito was another featured project—an espresso brand created by Sebastián Secaira Blanco from Universidad Galileo’s Faculty of Administration—which offers ready-to-drink premium coffee focused on convenience and sustainability using recyclable packaging under a farm-to-consumer model benefiting coffee-growing communities directly.
Sebastián Secaira Blanco described presenting Pouchalito as invaluable: “It was incredible being able to present our project before others and receive valuable feedback.”
From the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry & Pharmacy came another proposal: flour made from freeze-dried amaranth leaves as a nutritious alternative aimed at combating malnutrition in vulnerable populations within Guatemala. Daniel Mejcianos emphasized its nutritional advantages over traditional maize-based products.
Throughout these presentations participants expressed gratitude for opportunities provided by Universidad Galileo which fosters environments supporting creativity combined with practical application toward societal benefit.
“Athough it can be stressful—it is very rewarding seeing satisfaction either winning or simply participating because you learn so much during process,” concluded Diego García.
Events like ILAN reflect Universidad Galileo's commitment to comprehensive education—promoting creativity alongside technology—and entrepreneurship among its student body while aiming for positive change locally as well as globally.
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