The Universidad Espiritu Santo (UEES) was the venue for one of the most important social innovation events in the country: the Hult Prize, a global competition that challenges university students to create for-profit enterprises that have a measurable social or environmental impact. With the slogan «Create the change you want to see», The initiative seeks to align youth entrepreneurship with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting real solutions to urgent problems in our society.
The competition brought together representatives from 13 Ecuadorian universities, such as PUCE, USFQ, ESPOL, Yachay Tech, among others. Of the 25 teams that reached the final stage, only 8 were selected to advance to the decisive round. In this space of inspiration, mentoring and collaboration, students from different cities such as Quito, Guayaquil, Ambato, Ibarra and Riobamba shared their proposals to address social, economic and environmental challenges through entrepreneurship. The active and committed participation of Ecuadorian youth reflects the growing importance of entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable development.
The day culminated with the recognition of the most outstanding teams: Prosense Tech y Phagen Tech, both from Yachay Tech, took first and second place, respectively. Third place went to NovaGreen, UEES representative team, demonstrating the high level of preparation and commitment of our students to social innovation. This victory not only exalts the university community, but also reaffirms the role of UEES as a platform for transformative ideas with local impact and global projection.
