Memoria 2014 Innovadores de América (Inglés)

MEMOIR 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTSFOREWORD 7

MESSAGES 9

INNOVADORES DE AMRICA 16

Who are we? 19

BRAINSTORMING 20

International Jury 22

Research Team 28

Categories 32

ICONS & LEGENDS 34

PRIZE 2014 43

Nominations 44

Finalists 46

Publics favorite 62

WINNERS 65

CONFERENCE CYCLE 78

AWARD CEREMONY 83

Dissemination 92

News and Coverage 98

TOUR 2014 105

Dissemination and Coverage 119

REGIONAL OUTLOOK, Local Approach 122

SPONSORS 126

FOREWORDThe pages of this Memoir narrate the path traveled in the second version of the prize Innovadores de Amrica; also the commitment to the sustainable development of the region of a group of individuals and institutions, which in this occasion had the positive precedent of the experience accumulated from the first edition of the prize.

We cannot speak of culmination, since this is merely the beginning. Rather we refer to many beginnings and only one end: to write new pages in the history of Latin America and to share experiences to serve as an incentive and reflection of the passion, constancy, and innovation of the talents that already became legend and those who are their followers.

We are convinced that Latin Americans can assert yes we can. And, confident about it, we repeat: we have done it before, and we have the capacity to continue to impact the world with our innovations.

MESSAGES

10 MEMOIR Innovadores de Amrica 2014 11Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMOIR

I am pleased to present the memoir of the second edition of the Prize Innovadores de Amrica, corresponding to the year 2014.

CAF Development Bank of Latin America has the mission to promote regional sustainable development and integration. It is decisive in its support of its 19 shareholder countries, seeking high, sustainable, and quality economic growth. That is, growth that generates productive employment, is efficient, shows respect for cultural diversity and the environment, and provides human beings inclusion and participation opportunities in the development process. To this end, there is no doubt that investment in all forms of capital human, physical, productive, social and environmental are key elements for countries to assume productive transformation, intelligent international insertion, and improvement of their institutional quality.

At this time Latin America faces many challenges, and one of them is that of innovation seen from the perspective of a common, long-term agenda, where the public, private and academic sectors work hand in hand in the generation of productive improvements that involve technological transfer processes; research and development; support of dynamic entrepreneurship; improvements of access and quality of infrastructure; development of training systems, and strengthening of regional innovation ecosystems.

At this time Latin America faces many challenges,

and one of them is that of innovation seen from the

perspective of a common, long-term agenda.

We are convinced that creativity and innovation in the world today are key elements for the achievement of these goals. We must support a productive transformation model that benefits from comparative advantages present in the region and turn them into competitive advantages. Only through a change of this nature, which includes improvements in the quality and levels of production through innovation, will we be able to promote a substantial increase of the economic growth rate of Latin American countries. Innovation and joint efforts play a fundamental role in this regard, as is evidenced by successful emerging economies, particularly in Asia, which have benefited from them.

In this context, we are especially pleased to be a part of the Prize Innovadores de Amrica, which endeavors to identify and encourage those Latin Americans who through their innovative ideas stand out in six areas: education; science and technology; design; sustainability and ecology; enterprise and industry; and social development. It has been an honor for CAF to be an integral part of this initiative, which now culminates with the award to six of the most outstanding ideas in the aforementioned areas. Behind this process is the work and dedication of a team of researchers, jurors, and newspapermen. But above all it is the incommensurable work of more than eight hundred Latin American nominees from 20 countries who, with a high and unusual motivation for the construction of a more promising future, submitted their ideas and contributions to the development of the region.

We wish to thank and reiterate our congratulations to Innovamerica for this effort towards Latin American projection.

L. Enrique Garca

Chief Executive Officer

CAF Development Bank of Latin America

13Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMOIR

The media in our region now understand more clearly the importance of turning their scientists, inventors, and innovators into media stars.

We continue to move forward in the creation of an innovation movement to which universities, entrepreneurial and inventors associations, the intellectual property network, governmental institutions, and social organizations continue to join. But perhaps one of the main achievements of Innovadores de America in this version of the Prize was the deployment and media coverage enjoyed by the six winners.

The media in our region now understand more clearly the importance of turning their scientists, inventors, and innovators into media stars. It was fascinating to see how our 2014 Innovators have appeared in the front pages of printed media and were the object of extensive reports in Latin Americas principal means of communication. This is how a cultural and social revolution is built: glorifying discipline, perseverance and inventiveness of those who create the future we build to inspire the younger generation in the same way our renowned sportsmen and artists do with their international successes.

The quality and quantity of the nominations submitted to the 2014 Innovadores de Amrica prize are a sample of the tremendous potential we have to fully participate in the society of knowledge and offer the world aggregate value in the productive chains. Only then can we compete in the globalization scene.

Thanks to our sponsors and allies for sharing this bet on the future in search of a more prosperous society.

Patricia Janiot

Director


One hundred million Latin Americans and other citizens of the world reached during the past ten months.

This was the impact achieved by Innovadores de Amrica in its second version and which accounts for the great efforts made by this team during the past six years of work.

To achieve this milestone in a period less than other similar initiatives in the region and other places of the planet has not been an easy task. Rather it is the chronicle of a constant struggle, focused on a growing target: the transformation of the Latin American paradigm in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.

One hundred million people impacted is the result of having worked shoulder to shoulder with all those involved in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the countries of the region: the so called triple helix made of the academy, the public sector and the private sector.

One hundred million people impacted is the result of

having worked shoulder to shoulder with all those involved

in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in the

countries of the region.

Today we collect the fruits of hard work in which we received the recognition of several Latin American universities, entrepreneurship centers, local and national governments, and the media in general, without whose support this would not have been possible.

We are firm believers that Innovadores de Amrica is a movement intimately linked to the mass media throughout the region and beyond.

We must then acknowledge the support we have received from the media partners and many others who believed in the importance of being a sound box for the Latin American talent and have disseminated everything related to this second edition of the Prize.

But we cannot leave out the innovators, because it is precisely for them that we work. The quality of the nominations submitted in this second edition of the prize, so applauded by the researchers and jury, speak of the growth achieved, and which we hope will continue rising.

Innovadores de Amrica has won its place of honor as the main Latin American award in matters of innovation and entrepreneurship. But we do not plan to rest on our laurels, we will continue in our path to be the future we build, with a movement that includes many more actions beyond the prize and its dissemination.

Since nothing is truly ours until we have given thanks, our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, CAF development bank of Latin America and Grupo Ezentis, for believing in and trusting this Movement.

Felipe Pags

Director


INNOVADORES DE AMRICA

Innovadores de Amrica is a communications and regional integration platform for the promotion of innovation and creative ideas to be used as development tools, and to promote new paradigms and values based on research, democratic principles, and dedication to work.

One of its tools is an award that identifies and acknowledges the most outstanding Latin

Americans for their innovations in six categories: science and technology, sustainability and ecology, enterprise and industry, education, social development, and design.

Innovadores de Amrica aims to demonstrate to Latin Americans and the world its value and talents beyond arts, sports, and music, transforming the negative paradigms that, as Latin Americans, keep us from moving forward.

The winners of each one of the categories of the prize receive a diploma, a crystal trophy with a bronze medal and the amount of $50,000 U.S. dollars.

Other tools created by Innovadores de America are the mass dissemination of the activities related to the prize, supported by a network of media partners, local and regional.

OBJECTIVES Promote new role models and values, through examples, to serve as reference to strengthen

the development of Latin American culture.

Wide dissemination of the achievements of outstanding Latin Americans in the categories

of the prize.

Creation of meeting places to share efforts and results, and to promote new development ideas.

Create a new education and motivation tool of massive regional scope.


Felipe Pags Studied Publicity at the Universidad Profesional del Pacfico, Santiago, Chile. He has a Major in Advertising Management of ADEN Business School, Argentina, and a Senior Management Program Degree from Omnicom University, Babson. His expertise is mainly in the area of strategic planning and communications. In 2007, under his direction, Pags BBDO became the first advertising agency of Central America and the Caribbean to receive two Lions, gold and silver, at Cannes, the most prestigious advertising tournament in the world. Pags BBDO is the most awarded agency in the Caribbean and Central America in the most important international tournaments, considered one of the 20 best advertising agencies of Iberoamerica by two of the leader publications of the industry Latin Spots and AdLatina.

Patricia Janiot Colombian, journalism and communications graduate from the Universidad de la Sabana, Bogot. She is the main anchorwoman and iconic journalist of CNN en Espaol and one of the best known television newsperson in Latin American television. Patricia Janiot has been a privileged witness of contemporary history. During her years as television and radio journalist she has traveled extensively throughout Latin America to report on important events, among them, numerous and historic presidential elections, summits and presidential tours, regional crises and papal tours. In 1990, Janiot was awarded the Golden Mike to the Best Newscast, granted by the Radio and Television Association of the south of California. She won the 2014 Emmy award for the program Panorama Mundial.

Gustavo SorzanoCreator of the PrizeGraduate from the College of Architecture of Cornell University. He is an artist, a multidisciplinary designer, and humanist, inspiratory of important projects for architecture, design and advertising in his native country, Colombia. He was Creative Director of Leo Burnett and Toro/DMB&B in Colombia and ARS/DMB&B Venezuela; communications and creative development adviser for several organizations such as USAID, Checci & Co. and Louis Berger Group, among others. He is widely known in the field of plastic arts with numerous exhibitions, individual and collective. Creator of the Institute for Creativity Development, founding member of Fundacin Civitas, Human Tissue Association, co-founder of the Universidad Ecuatorial, and founding partner of Innovamerica.

Aldo EspinosaStudied law at the Universidad Rosario, Bogot, specializing in Administrative Law. He worked as consultant in legal areas and institutional strengthening in projects for the reform and modernization of justice in Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, and Venezuela. In the Dominican Republic he was consultant for USAID, the World Bank, UNDP and BID. He is the CEO of Lexgeo, a company providing technical assistance in legal matters related to land management, and provided advice to the Real Estate Control Unit of the Vicini Group, in the Dominican Republic.

Directors Who are we?

It should be pointed out that Innovamerica guarantees the independence and transparency of its operations and the award procedure under ethical principles in all activities it carries out. Also, a group

of researchers is chosen to validate nominations and a jury body of renowned prestige and professional

trajectory which is responsible for the selection of finalists and winners with absolute autonomy guided

by a rigorous regulation.

The Prize Innovadores de Amrica is organized by the firm INNOVAMRICA, INC.

Innovamerica, Inc. is a profit organization incorporated in the United States of America under the

current of Social Enterprise. Our main objective is to create social value and regional development

through a self-sustaining innovation movement that generates resources to multiply and increase its scope and impact.

The movement includes: private and public sectors, academy, media, and NGOs, with the intent of popularizing innovation in order for countries to increase their innovation budgets, especially to benefit

the population with less resources and little access to knowledge.

In this regard, the model is supported through various contributions:

1. Private sponsors of commercial brands interested in associating their image to development

and innovation in Latin America.

2. Contributions from multilateral organizations whose funds are restricted and destined

exclusively to technical cooperation.

3. In-kind contributions from public and private entities which sponsor events held in various

Latin American cities, such as the award ceremony, the winners tour and press conferences.

4. Country franchise acquired by associations, guilds, institutions or foundations interested in

promoting innovation in their respective countries.

5. Media partners which provide space for editorial and publicity contents to promote the prize

Innovadores de Amrica and innovation as a development tool.

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MEMOIR Innovadores de Amrica 2014 21Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMOIR

BRAINSTORMINGOn February 21, 2013, a Brainstorming session was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, voith the objective of sharing the lessons learned, to reflect on the positive aspects and those which needed improvement

on the Innovadores de Amrica prize first edition, the conference cycle, and the innovators tour.

Present at the Brainstorming were executives from Innovamerica, CAF - development bank of Latin America -, advisers and members of the jury, and the researchers team, as wellas to special guests experts

in legal and educational matters. Evaluation was made of the categories, the legal basis, the jury regulation,

communications, nominations, and financial viability of the innovations nominated, among others.

21Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMORIA

As a result of the brainstorm session, the Community Development category was renamed Social Development. another decision taken was to modify the nomination form, making it simpler and turning

it into only one form for all categories.

During the session, the city of Medelln was selected as the venue for the award ceremony of 2014.

From left to right: Csar Cuello, Miriam Abramovay, Anbal Fussatti, Osvaldo Oller, Aln Garca, Aldo Espinosa, Gustavo Sorzano, M. Ins Carazo, Hctor Rodrguez, Josefina Bruni-Celli, Patricia Janiot, Dinorah Singer, Felipe Pags, Ana Magdalena Canals, Fernando Jordan, Adolfo Castejn, Clementina Giraldo, Josas Rodriguez, Marisol Pags, Olga Estrella.


Jury

Miriam AbramovayBrazilEducationMasters degree in Education, Sao Paulo Catholic University; Sociologist graduated from Paris University; doctoral studies at the Victor Segalen University at Bordeaux. She is an expert in

social science research and project design in the fields of education, school violence, and public

policies for youth. At present she is the Coordinator of Youth and Public Policies at FLACSO.

Contracted by Innovamerica, Inc., and coordinated by an expert, the Jury is formed by 18

professionals from Latin America and other regions of the world. Each one of the six categories

has a jury formed by two Latin American professionals and a third from a different region; all

experts in the field of expertise of each category.

Csar CuelloDominican RepublicHe holds a PhD in Urban Affairs and Public Policy with emphasis on sustainable development

and environmental management, University of Delaware, USA; M.Sc. in History of Science and

Technology, with emphasis on technological transfer, Polytechnic University, N. Y.; B.A. in Philosophy,

major on sociological theory, State University Lomonosov, Moscow. He speaks Spanish, English

and Russian. Author of several publications related to technology and sustainability.

Jos Ramn Pin ArboledasSpainEducationHe is a Professor of Leadership and Management in Public Administration at the IESE Business

School and a human resources adviser to numerous companies. Is a member of the Humanism

and Democracy Foundation. Was part of Madrids City Hall (1995-1997); was a Deputy before

the Madrid Assembly, a Deputy at the Valencia Congress. Provincial Secretary of the UCD-

Valencia (1976-1981). He has published numerous works and research in books and academic

magazines in the fields of sociology, economics, education, and human resources management.


Judith Sutz UruguayScience and technologyShe has a PhD in Socio-Economics of Development, from the Universite de Paris, France; a Masters Degree on Development Planning, major in Science and Technology, and Electrical Engineering

degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela. She has published numerous articles in Spanish,

English, and French. Her professional career has developed in the fields of science, technology,

society and development through research and teaching in high learning centers.

Jorge Mora AlfaroCosta RicaEducacinHe is Magister in Social Sciences with a major in Development Studies, FLACSO; holds a degree

in Sociology from the University of Costa Rica. He is the Director of FLACSO in Costa Rica,

member of the Consultative Council of the Department of Education of Costa Rica. Has ample

experience in teaching in the field of community development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Has been a consultant and has participated in numerous activities academic and professional in

education and social development throughout the Latin American region; author of numerous publications and articles especially on social and agricultural development of the region.

Alejandro Miguel San MartnArgentinaScience and technologyAeronautics and astronautics engineer at NASA expert on guidance, navigation, and control of interplanetary spatial ships. Chief of the guidance, navigation, and control system design of

several NASA spatial missions to Mars.

Arnzazu Toribio RodrguezDominican RepublicDesignMaster in Industrial Design and Creation of New Products, Universidad Politcnica de Catalua;

Bachelor in Industrial Design, Technological Institute of Santo Domingo. Postgraduate studies in

interior design. Has worked in the public and private sectors teaching in the Dominican Republic,

Spain, and Puerto Rico.

Wolfgang EberhagenGermanyDesignIndustrial designer. He is an expert in planning and development of consumer products and

capital equipment such as trucks and agricultural machinery. He teaches experts from national

and international organizations. His work has taken him to Asia, Africa, and South America.

Rodrigo WalkerChileDesignHe is the Director and manager of Walker Design & Associates and the Director of the School

of Design of the Universidad San Sebastian of Chile; winner of numerous design prizes and acknowledgements.

Mark HalleUnited StatesSustainability and ecologyHe holds a degree in history and French from Tufts University, USA, and a postgraduate degree

in history from the University of Cambridge, England; worked with the United Nations in its Environment Program. At present he is the global Director for Trade and Investment of the

International Institute for Sustainable Development. He speaks English, French and Spanish.

Pedro MoneoSpainScience and technologyIndustrial Engineer graduated from the Polytechnics University of Madrid and Nuclear Engineer by the Nuclear Commission of France. He is the president and founder of Opinno, an

international innovation network connecting entrepreneurs, investors and technological experts through innovation centers throughout the world to foster technological startups. He worked as a

researcher in the Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago and was advisor to the Strategy and Corporate Finances for Accenture. He is the director for Spain, Portugal and Latin America of

MITs magazine Technology Review.


Alejandro ImbachArgentinaSustainability and ecologyMasters degree in Science, University of Costa Rica; Agronomist graduated at University of Buenos Aires. He worked as rural extensionist and university professor in the subtropical region in

Argentina until 1984. He joined the International Monitoring and Evaluation Team of the IUCN

(International Union for Conservation of Nature) working in development of methodologies,

training and technical assistance in various aspects of planning, monitoring and project evaluation,

organizations, and sustainable development.

Claudio Valladares PaduaBrazilSustainability and ecologyPh.D. from the University of Gainesville, USA; he is a biologist, ecologist, and business administrator;

co-founder and Vice-President of the Board of the Institute for Ecological Research in Brazil. He

was a professor and rector of the University for Conservation and Sustainability ESCAS in Sao Paulo. He is an Associate Researcher at Columbia University; has received numerous awards for

his work in the protection of endangered species. He edited two books and has more than 30

articles published in national and international journals or book chapters.

Fernando Jordan FlorezColombiaSocial developmentHe is an expert in telecommunications; PhD in Legal Sociology and Public Institutions. Holds a

post graduate degree from the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Piloto of Colombia and a Legal Degree from the Universidad de los Andes. He is an expert in interdisciplinary work in the

frontier between legal and new technologies; politics and new technologies, and management and modernization of the State and Justice. Has worked as a consultant for the World Bank, the General

Controller of the Republic of Colombia, the United Nations, and USAID; has been keynote speaker in numerous conferences throughout the world. He has published numerous works in the fields of

information technology, politics, legislation, and others.

Jan TroensegaardDenmarkSocial developmentHe has M.Sc. in Forest Management from the Agricultural, Veterinary and Forests Royal Academy,

Copenhagen, Denmark; over thirty years of experience mainly in Central and South Latin America.

He has worked in tropical forest management, forestry, afforestation, integrated management of

buffer zones, agroforestry, and management of forest communities, mangrove management, project

formulation and evaluation and planning of environmental protection.

Mari Carmen MargelSpainEnterprise and industryShe is a Journalist, with a Masters Degree in International Relations and postgraduate studies in Entrepreneur Management. At present she is the Director of International Projects of the

Technological Center (CETEMMSA) responsible for coordinating international cooperation projects;

training of companies on how to participate in European projects; and teaching postgraduate studies.

Gonzalo Rivas GmezChileEnterprise and industryAt present works as consultant for institutions such as CEPALC, IDB, UNDP, ILO, and others.

He was Executive Vice President of the Corporacin de Fomento de Produccin (CORFO) in

Santiago, Chile, where he worked for six years. Other posts included Representative of the Chilean

Embassy before the United Nations; Consultant to the Ministry of Economics of Chile; Consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank in several projects developed in Latin America. He has

published numerous works in the fields of economics, finances, innovation, and development.

Mercedes Ins CarazoPerEnterprise and industryShe holds a Degree in Physics, Masters Degree in Economics, specializing in non-conventional energy; has teaching experience in pre and post graduate studies in the field of innovation management;

consultants work with small and medium industries, and technological development and innovation.

At present she is the Director of the Technical Office for Technological Innovation Centers of the

Small and Medium Industries Ministry in Peru.

Jos Rogelio Vargas CamachoCosta RicaSocial developmentMaster in Ecological Tourism, Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT), Costa

Rica; Bachelor in International Relations, National University of Costa Rica. Post graduate studies

in sustainable development and responsible tourism at Penn State University and Northern Arizona University. He is an International consultant in the fields of rural development, environmental education,

ecotourism and entrepreneurial processes at The Nature Conservancy, International Conservation, and AVINA Foundation. At present he is the Manager/owner of Green Route Nature Tours, www.

rutaverde.cr, a company expert in responsible tourism, with activities in Costa Rica and other Latin

American countries. He speaks Spanish, English, and French.


Research TeamRafael FigueroaDominican RepublicIndustrial designer, graduated from the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) and

the School of Architecture and Design of Latin America and the Caribbean Isthmus/Pontifical

Catholic University of Chile, where he obtained a Masters degree in Concurrent Design and

development of new products. He is a professor at INTEC in the field of design and products

development. He also teaches at the Technological Institute of Las Americas (ITLA), whose main

areas of expertise are products development and digital layout (CAD).

Innovadores de Amrica relies on a research team responsible for the verification and validation

of the data regarding the innovations nominated. It is presided by a Technical Coordinator,

responsible for ensuring its cohesion, functionality and effectiveness. The research team makes a

first review and evaluation of all nominations received to ascertain if they comply with the prizes

criteria and that of each category.

Jos ContrerasDominican RepublicHe has a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the Carl Schorlemmer Technical University of

Germany; graduate of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD). He is a chemistry

professor at three Dominican universities, and Director of the Environmental Management Center of the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo. Has published several research studies

on subjects related to his field of knowledge.

Agnete TroensegaardDenmarkGraduate in Biology and Geology from the Copenhagen University, Denmark; has a Masters degree in Spanish from the University of Aarhus. She is a professor at the Skive Bachelor Institute and

inspector of the recently graduated candidates from universities within the Danish Education ministry.


Patricio SuttonArgentinaVisual communicator graduated from the University of Belgrano. He studied biological science and

carried out research for the conservation of natural areas. Post graduate studies in Environmental

Management at the Catholic University of Argentina. He was director of the Institutional

Development of Argentina Wild Life Foundation and Patagonia Crusade Foundation, member of the academic body of the Commitment Foundation and adviser for its Economic Strengthening Program for Social Organizations. Since 1992 has participated as assistant, panelist and speaker

in several workshops and conferences on development, environment, education and institutional strengthening in Argentina, Holland, Great Britain, Ireland, the U.S.A., Mexico and Australia.

Rodrigo Jaramillo RoldnColombiaHe has a PhD in Science and Education Catholic University of Cordoba; a master degree in

sociology and education University of Antioquia, Medellin. Has ample experience in teaching

and administration in social and education fields at the Pascual Bravo Technological Institute in

Medellin; has published numerous books and articles on education.

Josefina Fabiana Bruni-Celli

VenezuelaHolds a PhD from New York University in Public Administration, Masters degrees in Philosophy

and Business Administration; graduate of Yale University in Political Sciences and Music. She is

professor of post graduate studies at the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administracin (IESA)

and of executive education. She has written numerous publications in the field of politics of

education, and social entrepreneurship; has acted as consultant for organizations such as the World Bank, IDB, CAF and the Education Ministry of Venezuela.

Rodolfo EcharriArgentinaHe has a PhD in Physics University of Buenos Aires. He has ample experience as a researcher

and professor at the National Sarmiento University; professor at the engineering faculty of the Buenos Aires University; author of numerous publications in English and Spanish in the field

of physics.

Alan Garca LiraMxicoHe is a Chemical-industrial engineer, expert in technology management; was awarded the national

prize for technology 2002 in the field of chemical engineering at the Autonomous University of

Yucatan. He is a board member of the Mexican institute of chemical engineers, the national

branch of the CTED-RESIRDES network, and the national branch of the research and teaching network for technological innovation (RIDIT). He is a member of the National Chamber of

Consulting Companies and secretary of the Chemical Engineers Association of Yucatan.

Anbal Fossatti CarrilloPanamHe is coordinator of innovation and copyright projects at the Technological University of Panama;

promoter of innovative projects and technical adviser of intellectual property and copyrights. He is

an agronomist engineer with a master degree in Economics with emphasis in project formulation,

evaluation and implementation; presently studying at the Technological University of Panama and Universidad de Leon-Spain to obtain a PhD in project engineering. He is Secretary of

professional excellence at the Agronomist Engineers Association of Panama and founder of the Latin American Network of Intellectual Property and Copyrights.

Jorgen KorningDenmarkHe has a PhD in tropical ecology with emphasis in rain forests and an MBA with emphasis in

leadership and organization from the University of Aarthus, Denmark. He has experience in

development and sustainable management of natural resources in Central and South America, eastern and South Africa, Asia and Europe. He speaks Danish, English and Spanish. At present he

is Manager of Rural Development at Knowledge Centre for Agriculture in Denmark.


CATEGORIES

EDUCATIONIncludes conceptual or methodological contributions to education and the implementation of innovative ideas that impact the education sector in favor of the community, social and economic development, and strengthen the levels of competitiveness of the sector where implemented. It encompasses projects focusing on education whose development has generated a true impact in benefit of the community, area or society.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYIncludes the creation of new methods, technologies, or technological processes that add value or facilitate comprehension or handling of existing problems in any field. Includes scientific research in the widest sense which results in contribution to present knowledge or implementation of new solutions.

ENTERPRISE AND INDUSTRYIncludes contributions to the productive sector of the community which provide creative and innovative solutions that result in increased production levels or their optimization through innovative and original tools. Also, the improvement/innovation of a product, or the creation of a new product, through innovative and original tools, and competitiveness of said production or entrepreneurial means.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTIncludes the generation of an innovative solution to a social need that allows for better results than those of traditional models, is efficient, sustainable and can be replicated while strengthening community participation. The innovation can be a process, legislation, a product, a service, among others.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOLOGYIncludes innovative projects that contribute and provide solutions to problems related to the preservation of the environment. Projects that contribute and in some way complement and increase sustainable development and adequate exploitation of resources, facilitating responsible and beneficial use of natural resources.

DESIGNIncludes the creation or improvement of designs that create impact and are considered true innovations in the market, as instruments that make a difference; also the design and implementation of products that represent an improvement in terms of comparative and competitive advantage. This category includes designs in manufacturing and services companies, from clients, engineering of materials, productive processes, the market, distributors, among others. Innovation in design may impact a company, culture, education, the environment or any other social activity.


ICONS & LEGENDS

The Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano says that utopias serve to walk like the stars. For others to follow in the path of innovation it is necessary for

others to open the paths and serve as inspiration.

At Innovadores de Amrica we have identified those individuals and have

publicized them in every edition of the prize as our Icons and Legends.

These are Latin Americans who stand out in science, technology, and other areas of knowledge in a constant effort to leave the planet in better shape than they found it.

In this second edition of the prize, three Mexicans, a Venezuelan, a Bolivian and a Costa Rican were acknowledged. Each one of them, in their field, is a

cause of pride for their compatriots and for all Latin Americans.


Bolivian

While being the chairperson and executive director of ACCIN International, she contributed to eradicate the myth that poor people are a credit risk, helping to create microfinance programs in 14 countries in Latin

America with a method of small, short-term loans which have benefited over 3.7 million

people. Dr. Otero became the first Latin

American woman in history to occupy the post of Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs in the United States.

Mara Otero

36 MEMORIA Innovadores de Amrica 2014

Jos Antonio AbreuVenezuelan

He created and developed The system,

an education method that employs music as a social and intelectual improvement tool, which involves over 400 thousand Venezuelan youngsters and has become a role model for other countries in Latin America. The Youthful Symphonic

Orchestra Simn Bolvar, which he

founded in 1975, is today considered one of the five best in the world.

39Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMOIR38 MEMORIA Innovadores de Amrica 2014

Mexican

In her studies about the rotavirus, she discovered its mode of action, which resulted in increased awareness of this agent for a better control of the illnesses it provokes and which causes the death of over half a million children each year due to dehidration. Her work made her

worthy of the Microbiology award Carlos J. Finlay in 2001 and the Lreal in 2012,

both granted by UNESCO.

Susana Lpez Charretn Franklin Chang-DazCosta Rican

He was choosen to join NASA in 1980.

He became the first Latin American to

travel to space in 1986, accumulating 1600 hours of flight at the time of his

retirement in 2005. At present Chang is

developing the VASIMR, a propulsion motor for space vehicles based on plasma, an invention of his which will increase up to ten times travel speed, benefiting future

human missions to Mars. NASA elected

him for its Hall of Fame.


Mexican

Her passion for science and innovation

make her a fervent broadcaster and promoter. Julieta is a firm believer that

the media are a vital tool to broadcast science. She has published 40 books,

given hundreds of lectures and written innumerable numbers of articles for important newspapers of her country of birth Mexico, in addition to hundreds of radio capsules on science.

Julieta Fierro Luis MiramontesMexican

When he was 26 years old he synthesized the base of the first oral contraceptive,

isolating the first norethisterone crystals

with the hope of finding an antiabortive,

resulting in an anovulatory. His scientific

work encompasses 40 patents in fields such

as organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, petrochemistry, and chemistry of air pollutants.

PRIZE 2014


The process of receiving nominations to qualify for the Innovadores de Amrica 2014 prize started on December 10, 2013, and ended on midnight of March 16, 2014, after an extension of the period of one month as was requested by the innovators community.

This phase was widely disseminated in traditional and digital media as well as social network, mainly Facebook and Twitter. This was done by our media partners and strategic allies as well as by institutions

interested in disseminating scientific, technological, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems initiatives.

On the 29th and 30th of January 2014 press conferences were held in Bogota and Medellin, Colombia, to announce that Innovadores de Amrica award ceremony would take place in the latter city on August 21, 2014.

A total of 846 nominations were received, which represented an increase of 4.5 per cent with respect to

the 2011 edition (809).

Organized by countries, the largest number received was from Colombia, with 379, followed by Venezuela (87), and Mexico (77).

It should be pointed out that at this time nine nominations were received from Puerto Rico, the only Latin American country which did not participate in 2011.

Social Development was the category with most nominations, with 175, followed by Science and Technology and Education with 171 and 170, respectively.

Sustainability and Ecology received 135, Enterprise and Industry 122, and Design 73.

Total number of nominations received by country

NOMINATION 2014

Colombia 379

Venezuela 87

Argentina 56

Mexico 77

Peru 43

Dominican Republic 33

Guatemala 11

Chile 23

Ecuador 18

Brazil 13

Costa Rica 19

El Salvador 10

Uruguay 13

Panama 7

Bolivia 31

Honduras 3

Nicaragua 3

Cuba 1

Paraguay 10

Puerto Rico 9

Total number of nominations received by Category

Education (170)

Science and Technology (171)

Design (73)

Sustainability and Ecology (135)

Social Development (175)

Enterprise and Industry (122)Nominations


Finalists

INNOVATION

The Other Microfinance is a model that transforms

old informal mechanisms of savings and loans, long used by poor communities throughout the world, to turn them into safe, profitable and educational tools,

without resorting to formal banking. In this way, a

different microfinance system was created, simpler,

capable of reaching the poorest sectors, without the costs and complexities of formal banking, giving the poorest sectors the opportunities to set up their own microfinance systems, safely, with transparency, and

financial education.

The model employs, as the only funding, that provided by the community itself. In this regard, we say that

Professor Yunus taught the world that the poor are financeable, and we that they are self-financeable.

With resources from the communities themselves in 14 countries more than 300 thousand loans, in excess of 100 million dollars, have been granted, using exclusively the funds from community members. This has generated

income in excess of 15 million dollars, which have been distributed among the members of those communities as capital owners.

Thousands of families have benefited from the use of these

credits for activities such as acquisition of raw materials for production, home and health improvements, by being able to access capital which has also allowed them to solve thousands of small medical conditions.

CategorySocial Development

The Other Microfinance

Venezuela

Salomn Raydn

Graduate of the Catholic University Andrs Bello with a degree in Philosophy. Has a Masters degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Social entrepreneur of the social network Ashoka, expert in popular finances, and president of the Rural Financing Foundation (Fundefir).

Member of BK at her stall.

Member of BK at her shop.


CategorySocial Development

Nutritional supplement: NUTRIAMOR

Colombia

Fundacin Nutriamor Juan G. Villa Gaviria

Graduate of EAFIT University, Medellin. Expert in social relations and leadership. Since 2011 has been the Director of the Fundacin NUTRIAMOR which was incorporated to contribute to the fight against malnutrition in Colombia and neighboring countries.

INNOVATION

NUTRIAMOR is a nutritional supplement in powder form which is the product of transforming green plantains with its peel into flour. The flour is then fortified with

animal and vegetal proteins and a premix of an exclusive development which provides 16 of the most essential micronutrients for human life: eight vitamins and eight minerals, of which four are amino acid chelated: Iron (Fe); Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca).

In this case, it means that the mentioned minerals are covered by amino acid chelated chains and in the intestinal lumen are all recognized as proteins; that is the reason why they do not compete for its absorption and, in this regard, have greater bioavailability and generate reserves in the body which does not happen with other sources of nutrients.

Micronutrients counteract what in science is known as hidden hunger or a deficit of micronutrients.

Scientifically the product NUTRIAMOR - Nutritional Supplement is developed to reduce the various

stages of malnutrition of the vulnerable population of Colombia and neighboring Latin American regions. One of the main objectives of the Nutritional Supplement is: To improve the nutritional status

of children, pregnant mothers and senior citizens through the production and supply of the Nutritional Supplement NUTRIAMOR.

NUTRIAMOR is a unique product, made with green plantain flour which comes from discarded

plantains of the Urab region, which were it not used to produce NUTRIAMOR would turn into an environmental pollutant. The premix and formula of the NUTRIAMORs supplements are especially

designed for our product.

Technology associated to the use of Selective Inverted Sinkholes (SIS)

Uruguay

Rafael Andrs Guarga Ferro

He is an industrial engineer, graduate of Universidad de la Repblica Oriental del Uruguay and Masters and PHD in Hydraulic Engineering from the Autonomous National University of Mexico. In 1998 was rector of his Alma Mater and has acted as adviser to several international institutions in the field of water resources.

INNOVATIONThe technology associated to the use of Selective Inverted Sinkholes refers to the creation of a new technology and two mechanical devices directly linked to it (SIS and JET-SIS). Said technology, denominated TSIS, allows a

radically new form of acting under the peculiar conditions which take place in the atmosphere during cloudless nights (clear nights) and windless (calm nights) and the control of problems which arise under these atmospheric

conditions, thus avoiding negative effects associated to them.

CategoryScience and Technology


The originality of the TSIS arises from having linked for the first time and with a practical

purpose (initially the purpose was to control de frost produced by radiation) the above-

mentioned three fields of the fluids mechanics. This original theoretical linkage resulted in

TSIS whose original idea were linked only to the control of radiation mists but later, the practice itself helped to widen said frontiers incorporating control of odors and dust as well as the radiation mists.

The problems and negative effects are the following:

1. Radiation frost (HR). The problem lies in episodes of extreme cold on crops during clear and

calm nights. The negative effects are the losses associated to those episodes occurring to agriculture

in temperate zones of the planet. The TSIS allowed conception of the Selective Inverted Sinkhole

(SIS) and allows determination of the number, type and location of these devices in the field. SIS uses

the peculiar conditions of the atmosphere during the HR episodes, selectively extracts the coldest air,

thus avoiding its accumulation on the crops, and throws it up spreading it in the highest strata existing tens of meters over the crop.

2. Spread of odors. The problem lies in the spread of odors (associated to clear and calm nights)

from a source (for example: wastewater treatment plants) towards inhabited zones located several

kilometers from said source. The associated negative effect is the perception of unpleasant odors

in those zones. TSIS allows the diagnosis of the type of odor propagation mode and takes action

through SIS and Jet-SIS to block the spread.

3. Dust spread. The problem lies in the spread of dust (associated to clear and calm nights) from a

source (for example: pit of an opencast mine) towards an inhabited zone distant several kilometers

of said source. The negative effect of the dust (MP10) on peoples health can be very serious, and

the corresponding regulations are increasingly more demanding. The TSIS allows the diagnosis of

dust propagation mechanism, distinguishing between daytime propagation dust of short range and nighttime propagation capable of travelling, in the above-mentioned nights, over tens of kilometers from the pits to the towns near the mines or workers sleeping quarters within the mines grounds.

4. Mists of radiation (NR). The problem lies in the loss of visibility associated to such mists which

occurs in the clear and calm nights on roads and airports. The negative effect is the loss of visibility

within a few tens of meters which results in car crashes and closing of airports affected by the phenomenon. In these situations the TSIS allows examination of the formation, development and

propagation process and the NR that will cover the road or airport and determine the number of SIS and/or Jet-SIS, its model, number required and location in the field to keep the area free of mists

in the protected zone.

INNOVATION

Industrial process to produce Quitiven 50; Quitoven 85; Quitoven 95; Venagro, and Agroquitin from shrimp and crab industries waste.

Crab and shrimp waste provoke a serious environmental problem by being organic matter in degradation, which generates a large quantity of microorganisms (decomposers) and bad odors, resulting

in viral illnesses in the region, especially in places close to where the waste is dumped.

Chitin is one of the polymers commonly found in nature, are repetitive units of poly-B (1-4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. It is a natural

polysaccharide which has D-glucosamine as its active ingredient.

Chitin is widely distributed in nature forming part of crustaceans shells (shrimp, crab, and lobster), insects, yeast and fungi.

Chitin and its deacetylated derivative, chitosan, has many medical applications to cure wounds, formation of artificial skin to cure wounds

caused by burns and diabetics, to strengthen seeds for agriculture, to fumigate against bacteria, fungi and non-toxic pests in plantains, bananas, vegetables and fruits, flowers, etc., treatment of raw water

and wastewater, for recovery of spilt oil, oil pipe antifouling, antioxidant to prolong post-harvesting life of flowers, fruits and greens, tissue

regeneration, among others.

This is the first time that chitin and chitosan are used to fight fungus

produced by plantains and bananas black Sigatoka, crops which are very common in Latin America and of great importance for its nourishment.

Industrial plant for the preparation of chitin and chitosan from shrimp and crab industries waste

Venezuela

Marinela Colina Rincn

She is a Chemical Engineer, holds a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering and PhD in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from Sheffield Hallam University of the United Kingdom. She was Professor at Zulia University since 1980, Director of the Chemistry Department until 2007; president of the company Innovacin Ambiental Quitosana CA since 2011.

CategoryScience and Technology

53Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMOIR52 MEMOIR Innovadores de Amrica 2014

INNOVATION

To understand the true innovation of the Wirethreading technique, both in terms of orthodontics and medicine, emphasis must be made in understanding the stomatognathic system, a system of which teeth are only a tiny, but influential,

part, and which we will try to define in a simple manner: the

stomatognathic system is a complex set of skeletal, muscular structures (suprahyoid, infrahyoid, mastication, face, neck,

cervical, head, ear, nose, and eye muscles), nervous, vascular, ear,

nose structures, sense and glandular organs (parasympathetic

ganglia, sympathetic, diffuse neuroendocrine system, etc.),

and dental structures all included in the superior part of the body from the neck.

Wirethreading consists of the different arrangement, configuration, and disposition of the brackets and wire

in the labial side for teeth in a good or better position and the opposite side or lingual for the tooth or teeth in a bad position in the conventional technique, with only one wire interdentally threaded below the point of contact, which exercises a continuous and perpendicular force to the resistance of the tooth to move exactly where space is needed or in interproximal. Its application is as follows: all labial brackets

are glued or placed in the teeth in good or better position and the glued bracket only goes in the opposite side or lingual in

Wirethreading: healing orthodontic treatment which balances the stomatognathic system without dental extractions and heals dysfunctional illnesses such as: Mnire syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine and tensional headaches, tinnitus, bruxism, extremities numbness, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, loss of balance, vertigo, and others.

Panam

Pablo Rojas Pardini

Expert in orthodontics graduate from Columbia University Presbyterian Medical & Dental Center, New York. Thirty-six years of experience.

CategoryEnterprise and Industry

the tooth in a bad position, to create continued, directed and opposite force in the direction of the four cardinal points.

The joint use of a modulator device of the functions of the

stomatognathic system has as its main function to allow the mastication muscles and in general all the muscles of the stomatognathic system (tongue, ears, suprahyoid, infrahyoid,

mastication, neck, etc.) to find and preserve with its use a

special and functional position and of correct tonic repose guided by the functions of the stomatognathic system such as deglutition, phonation, and especially upper respiration.

The modulating device of the stomatognathic system allows the muscles to function properly creating a balance in its controlling nerves, normalizing its function and improving almost immediately the patients symtoms, optimizing the treatment with the Wirethreading technique.

The Wirethreading treatment is the first curative treatment

without extractions applied in orthodontics which proposes a system of interdental alignment with bracket and threaded wire, where the wire passes interdentally from labial to lingual in both sides of the tooth to be corrected.

Senacyt rewards entrepreneurial innovation

AET ELISA TEJERA C.

[email protected]

The Wirethreading dental treatment, which allows the correction of crowding without extraction, won the first place of the fourth

edition of the National Prize of Entrepreneurial Innovation 2010, an award granted by the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT).

This technique, which allows opening of dental spaces through interdental tissue, with a wire, has been developed by the Clnica Rojas Pardini.

The winner of the first place received $15 thousand.

Selection of the winners was based on the originality of the innovation.

55Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMOIR54 MEMOIR Innovadores de Amrica 2014

INNOVATION

Vro is a line of gastronomic clothing and customer service which combines cutting edge designs with Paraguayan crafted fabrics and embroidery.

All clothing with the Vro brand include embroidery Ao Poi and anduti, words

that in Guaran mean fine cloth, which

consists of a delicate but resistant cloth made with cotton threads. The embroidery is hand-

made in several colors, by the most renowned artisans of the field, following a traditional

process which arose in Paraguay in mid-nineteen century.

The company is committed to the highest standards of professional ethics and service, always acting with social responsibility, developing high quality, competitiveness and innovation of their products in order to provide customers with excellent clothing.

Eco Chefs Jackets with native hand-made lace

Paraguay

Vernica Pardo

Fashion designer. She studied Hospitality and Tourism at Columbia University with an MBA in E-Business in Barcelona; creator of the gastronomic costume Vro. In 2010 she exhibited her first collection within the Asuncin Fashion Week.

CategoryDesign

INNOVATION

The Gluten-Free Factory arose from the existing need in Latin America of gluten free products that are safe for celiac people, for whom the only treatment is to consume a gluten-free diet for life. Among the most severe gluten

dependent conditions are: Down syndrome, autism and attention deficit.

This was the initial motivation, to help these people that did not have an adequate option to overcome their condition by offering them specialized products that were safe, healthy, tasty and affordable. In 2008 he

formed a team of experts with his family; formed by his father (also a food engineer), his mother (pharmacist),

his sister (biotechnologist with a Masters degree in

human nutrition); initiating the laborious research

and development to produce gluten-free foods and the creation of the first line of products: gluten-free premixes

for bread and baking, certified by lab testing.

For the creation of the first line of products of The

Gluten-Free Factory, the team worked during three years, creating over one hundred formulae for each product in order to obtain the desired result and offer the best quality for celiac people (but food that was also healthy and tasty

for the whole population).

CategoryEnterprise and Industry

The Gluten-Free Factory: Foods free of gluten healthy and special for people with celiac disease and gluten-dependent illnesses

Costa Rica

Paulo Vargas Solano

Studied Food Engineering at the Universidad de Costa Rica. He is the CEO and founder of the Gluten-Free Factory. As a student and entrepreneur he has focused his career in the production of gluten-free foods. He has received several awards for entrepreneurship, professional management and excellence.


CategoryDesign

Polygon Cafe

Colombia

David Hernndez del Valle Tu Taller Design

He is an industrial designer graduated from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. Founder and manager of Tu Taller Design and designer of Rolformados, S.A. Expert in parametric creative processes and digital manufacturing CAM/CAD assisted. He is the conceptual creator of several productive typologies. At present he works as designer on line of bioclimatic facades, fences, urban furniture, and new metal products.

INNOVATION

Trademark of personalized interior and outdoor furniture called Polygon, focusing on the creation of furniture digitally manufactured and with a parametric design, which are technological processes based on mathematical logic which allow the creation of complex products with productive efficiency,

optimization of parts and resources, speed of manufacture and accuracy of design and production.

This product is built with 100% optimization of resources, without generating emissions, with no stock losses, created with millimeter accuracy. This has allowed incursion in the furniture

market and personalized production with style, efficiency and

innovation, being awarded projects based on these industrially

added value.

The process of digital design and manufacture starts with the customers need, which is determined after a virtual or personal contact in the companys premises or at the construction site. Once requirements are

expressed, an initial quotation is submitted which helps, if the project is approved, to

prepare the budget and our services, and once approved corrections are made if considered necessary.

The design team, formed by industrial and graphic design professionals, works on the idea to make a digital presentation of how the work would look once it is installed in the site, before it is created. This facilitates modifications if necessary

and prevents errors and misunderstandings with the customer. Once the design

and renders are approved, these vectors and flat lines are transferred to different

CAM software, meaning that the computer lines pass to a manufacturing system, where a numerical control machine (CNC) reads the lines and with mathematical

values given a code is generated.

The software optimizes the use of every sheet of material to reduce costs and waste. All parts of our products are cut with the same material to avoid relying

on a third party. This simplifies our chain of supply and delivery time. We do not

keep stock; therefore, we can design without limitations.

We propose a different type of company, which offers many possibilities, in addition to competing in prices with mass production.

58 MEMOIR Innovadores de Amrica 2014

CategorySustainability and Ecology

Best cycling

Colombia

Diego Ospina

He studied Marketing at the Politcnico Grancolombiano. Founder and partner of Better in a Bike and Gira Group.

INNOVATION

At Mejor en Bici (Best cycling) we contribute to solving

the mobility problems in a city by providing companies a bicycle rental system for employees to travel from their homes to the workplace and vice versa, and in addition, their travel to other company branches.

Our main service is the implementation of a SIBUC (System of Bicycles of Shared Use), which offers bicycles

to company employees to travel from home to work in the morning and return in the evening. The SIBUC is

a place where bicycles are stored, distributed, delivered and received from the people using the service. Also, we

provide the necessary services for the system to operate, such as the bicycles maintenance, purchase of spare parts, daily cleaning and advice to users.

We developed software that allows us to deliver and receive the bicycles in an interactive manner and have real-time indicators and benefits of each user and the companies

in terms of saving time, reduction of CO2 emissions, improvement of the peoples health, among others.

In addition, we are developing an application so that users can see the bikes routes throughout the city; the bikes repair shops, restaurants with parking for bikes, and everything that can facilitate the life of the cyclists.

Sustainability and Ecology

INNOVATION

The innovation was developed by the company SNP-Southern Natural Products, S.A., and its founders Vicente

Roldn and Marcelo Borgesen. They discovered a method that keeps garlic components stable with its properties

as miticide, bactericide and fungicide, and restorative of tissue with high standards of quality and duration with the exclusive Garlic Active Principle (PAA). They also discovered its pediculicide application in humans.

It is also applicable for elimination of bee louse; parasites and ticks in cattle; louse in salmon, trout and shrimp; healing and tissue reconstruction; as well as fruit plants miticide.

Garlic as a natural solution for various parasitic infections

Argentina

Marcelo Borgesen

He is an accountant with a Masters degree in Marketing from the Universidad Federal Ro Grande Do Sul and the Catholic University of Cordoba; adviser to international companies; president and cofounder of SNP- Southern Natural Products together with Vicente Roldn; former professor of Strategies and Corporate Finances of a Masters degree at the National Technological University.

Category

CONTRIBUTION TO TECHNOLOGY

AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMANS

1. Varroa mite bees louse contributes to the

activity of thousands of beekeepers thus

avoiding losses of their honey production

which is destined to human consumption.

2. Cattle Anti-parasitic application allows the

elimination mainly of ticks which results in

avoiding loses of milk, meat and cowhide

(FAO: USA annually losses US$7.000 million

and Brazil (source Embapra) US$2.000

million because of this. In this regard, it is a

first contribution to food productivity and also

fundamental for environmental sustainability

(by the mere fact of increased productivity

with the same surface and cattle (FAO: 80%

of 1.450 million heads of cattle in the world

are infected with tick).

CLIMATE CHANGE

1. Varroa mite bees louse: has started to be considered a

vector (transmitter of virus and chemicals) of the bees

depopulation syndrome.

2. Cattle the reduction (experience in UK Jamie

Newboldt) of cattles methane emissions, affects, should

application of said testing with our PAA be verified, the

heart of the sustainability of the global meat food system,

questioned, precisely for its environmental costs.

3. Caligus salmon and trout lice: in particular for the

Chilean case, would contribute to lower the excessive

amount of antibiotics used to eliminate the parasite

and which, it is suspected, could be having effects in the

inhibition of bacteria and microorganisms necessary for

environmental balance.

59Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMORIA


CategoryEducation

Constanz System color language for the blind color interpretation for the blind

Colombia

Constanza Bonilla

She studied painting at the National University of Colombia and at David Manssurs paint shop. In 1974 she went to Spain to continue higher education on painting and artistic binding at the Massana School of Barcelona. In 2003 she created the Constanz System which is a color language for the blind.

INNOVATION

The Constanz System is a universal language because by being appreciated by touch, it can be understood and learnt independently of the language spoken. This color

language consists of three lineal codes in relief of various forms which correspond to the three primary colors, and two other codes, one for white and another for black, that is, five relief codes. The different options to join the five

codes, following the principles of its own logic, will lead us to the knowledge of the language to the extent that we study it.

Since it can be constructed with the hands, the color becomes a manipulative, visual, tactile tool easy to recognize and transcribe.

The Constanz System is innovative because color, despite being an abstract concept, under the guidelines of the Constanz System becomes something concrete and tangible.

Within the artistic context, the projects implemented

in schools with sighted children, contribute to foster a joint activity with blind students. It can also be

used as a guide and color reference in everyday surroundings, for example to recognize clothing color or being able to identify a key to open a door.

Education

INNOVATION

This is a new pedagogical model which has been applied successfully for 24 years, in an enabling environment of freedom, stimulation and comprehension, in order to develop and implement creative thinking and technological creativity, addressed mainly to children and adolescents from 6 to 16 years old. This pedagogical model has raised a new paradigm which challenges and questions many of the assumptions of existing educational model throughout the world, and which despite its simplicity and artisan scale has demonstrated its effectiveness. During classes specific technical problems are presented and the best strategies and options to solve them are discussed; sketches and models are made and results tested, where all participants contribute their opinions, objections or suggestions.

The main difference is that in our activities, we are more interested in listening to the students and facilitate their learning, than in teaching them specific contents. Also, we encourage their natural inclination and interest in asking questions, before offering them answers and information regarding subjects regarding which they do not have a genuine interest. In our classes we have found a significant relationship between the degree of manipulation of the objects and the quantity and quality of inventive proposals generated by the students. In order to favor inventive thinking, it is of great importance that children play with objects, words and new concepts, as freely and as much as possible; always within the limits of their personal and their classmates safety.

The basic impact of the EAI pedagogical model is a result measurable in the medium and long term, which starts with early encouragement and guidance which allows the full development of inventive thinking and technological creativity. All of which strengthens habits and attitudes that tend to create an open and sensitive perception of social problems, and with the necessary aptitudes to provide creative, efficient, and sustainable solutions.

Argentinian School of Inventors

Argentina

Eduardo R. Fernndez

He is a professional inventor, techno-entrepreneur and international consultant on Innovation Management and Applied Creativity. He studied at the Buenos Aires University, the Study Center for the Development of Chemical-Pharmaceutical Industry in Argentina and the World Intellectual Property Organization at Geneva, Switzerland.

Category


Vernica Pardo

Paraguay

With 8,162 votes

After the 18 finalists were announced, the Publics

Favorite phase was launched, for communities to choose their favorite innovator among the finalists

by voting at www.innovadoresdeamerica.org.

From June 30th to July 21st, finalists launched

a campaign to promote voting in the region.

This included wide dissemination in national and regional media, interviews, reports and social media.

This competition resulted in a wide dissemination of the winning innovations through traditional and digital media.

Franz Freudenthal Tichauer

Bolivia

With 9,773 votes

Marinela Colina Rincn

Venezuela

With 8,172 votes

Publics Favorite

WINNERS


WINNERSCategory

Science and Technology

Franz Freudenthal Tichauer

Bolivia

Dispositivos oclusores para cardio-patas congnitas.

Dr. Freudenthal is a physician graduated from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrs, Bolivia; he specialized in pediatric, cardiology and pediatric radiology at the Universities of Aachen and Nordrhein-Westfalen Friedrich-Whilhem, in Germany.

Dispositivos oclusores para cardiopatas congnitas.


INNOVATIONThe occluder devices for congenital heart disease are versatile

devices and safely released during the intervention process in patients, which allows physicians to implant and reposition

them as many times as necessary, until its perfect position is achieved.

They are made of Nitinol (nickel and titanium alloy),

which gives them the capacity of maintaining adequate memory, greater flexibility at the time of intervention

and, once implanted, gives them greater rigidity and biocompatibility.

The devices are made of only one piece knitted with Nitinol filaments, thus preventing the need for welding, unlike others

that resulted in serious complications by detachment of parts while functioning and subsequent deterioration. And precisely by

not being welded, these devices have the lowest levels of corrosion.

The devices manufactured by P.F.M.S.R.L. Bolivia, rely on the

most advanced European metallurgic technological processes and materials combined with the highest quality standards for medical devices based on quality certifications, both of the company as

well as its products.

Dr. Freudenthals devices have been developed to heal

the most frequent congenital heart diseases (f), such

as Interventricular Communication (CIV)(f=41.2%),

Interauricular Communication (CIA)(F=12%), Ductus

Arteriosus (PDA) (F=5.8%), among others.

The manufacturing process relies on important technological innovations that make them original and unique products. The most important

equipment used in the process has been invented and developed in Bolivia under direct advice by Dr. Freudenthal. Their cost is low, which allows these

devices to be implanted in low-income persons, which also translates in a social innovation, since is accesible to the poor.


WINNERCategory

Social DevelopmentMass Transportation Company for the Aburra Valley, Medelln, Colombia.

Metro Culture, in particular Metro Cable, as a model of social integration and social fabric.

Colombia

Representatives:

Ramiro Marques Ramrez

Carlos Ortiz Espinosa

Medellins Metro, in Colombia, manages public transportation of the city and its surroundings. The company was incorporated in order to build, manage, and operate a mass transportation system, generating development and trying to improve the quality of life of all inhabitants of the Aburr Valley, where Medellin is located.

-Carlos Ortiz Espinosa

INNOVATIONMetro Culture a model of social and education management that the Mass Transportation Company for the Aburra Valley, entity responsible for the operation and management of the Metro system of the city of Medellin, started works in 1988, seven years prior to the formal start of operations. The Aburr Valley is characterized by

high segregation of its inhabitants. In addition, during the

construction phase of the Metro (end of the decade of the

80) the region faced a high level of violence generated by

drug trafficking, with all its consequences of destruction of

the social fabric. In 1995, with the inauguration of the first

Metro line, generated a north south mobility which itself generated integration and social cohesion.

The company set out to build a way of life and space for social and cultural encounters, for which the so called Metro Culture was essential. Through programs such

as Metro Friends, Leaders Formation, Apprentices of Metro Culture, Communities Integration, as well as presentation of concerts, leaders meetings, educational

campaigns and other activities in the neighborhoods, the goal was achieved.


In the northeast zone of Medellin, of great economic hardship and located on one of the hillsides that surround the city, a system known as Metro cable was installed, a pioneer in using tele cabins which in the rest of the world were used mainly to transport tourists in ski resorts as a solution to mass transportation.

The company, aware of the implications of implanting a public transportation system in a marginalized and relegated community, decided to send there a group of Metro social managers, long before the first concrete blocks were installed.

They submerged in the environment and learnt the social dynamics of the area, to understand the peculiarities where the public mass transportation system was to be installed.

That is why Metro Culture served also as a catalyst of profound social changes. Metro, as the backbone of mobility

development of the Aburra Valley, allowed for integration of the communities. Also, the pedestrian bridges over the Medellin

River, which were built by the company to have access to the stations, allowed mobility of the users, which cross it walking or riding a bicycle, creating cohesion between people, families and groups that were previously separated by the river.

The greatest challenge for Medellin and the Aburra Valley were not the physical barriers, but the social ones. To try to overcome

the stigmas, the sense of isolation of the inhabitants living in the periphery and its segregation, with a social and educational process associated to a mass transportation system, was unique in the world. The originality of this approach and its positive

effects were evidences in studies such as Reducing Violence by Transforming Neighborhoods: A Natural Experiment in Medellin, Colombia, published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, in its October 2011 edition. The article shows

how following initiation of operations of Metro Cable the homicide rate for every 100 thousands inhabitants, in the zone of influence of the System, went from 188 in 2003 to 30 in

2008; a reduction significantly higher than that registered in

similar neighborhoods of similar socioeconomic conditions but without Metrocable in its area of influence.

-Ramiro Marques Ramrez


WINNERCategory

Enterprise and Industry

Enrique Galindo Fentanes

Mxico

Fungifree AB: the first biofungicide developed and commercialized in Mexico

Dr. Galindo Fentanes is a chemical engineer, doctor in biotechnology and professor at the Biotechnological Institute of the Autonomous University of Mexico; researcher in the field of engineering and technology of bioprocesses.

INNOVATIONIn order to keep its economic viability, farmers constantly need to improve their cultivation processes, so as to achieve better yield and quality crops searching to reduce the application of chemical pesticides to satisfy markets which demand harmless products. Therefore, technologies were

evaluated for alternative methods to handle plagues, trying to cover demand in a sustainable manner.

Agro&Biotecnia S de RLMI is a spin-off of the Biotechnology Institute of the UNAM, created in 2008 by Enrique Galindo, Leobardo Serrano (IBT-UNAM) and

Carlos Roberto Gutierrez. Its mission and vision describe it

as a company of a technological base that has the objective

of providing high quality, innovative biotechnological products and services to support the agricultural sector of the country.

Fungifree AB, first biofungicide developed in Mexico, was

initially introduced to the market to control anthracnose in mangoes, and at present is also registered for control of anthracnose in papayas, avocados and citrus fruits, as well as control of powdery mildew in cucurbits and solanaceae.


Fungifree AB is the only product available commercially for foliar application which is effective to control anthracnosis, and in a general manner, fungal diseases that do not leave toxic residues on the fruits surface;

does not have negative impact on health or the environment; its biological effectiveness compares to that of traditional chemical products which it is trying to replace, and a shelf life of over two years without the need to refrigerate.

For safe introduction to the market, A&B registered the product before pertinent regulating authorities in Mexico. In the case of Fungifree AB, this meant the registration relative to the products efficacy, and that

related to the sanitary risks implied. The biological effectiveness tests were carried out in mango crops in

the north of Mexico during 2009. The Secretariat of Agriculture, Cattle, Rural Development, Fishing and

Nourishment (SAGARPA) issued a positive statement in June 2010. Also, quality and safety proofs of the

product were delivered to the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS),

carried out by certified labs, obtaining the lower level of sanitary risk. The health certification of the

product was obtained in April 2011 after three years of testing and regulating formalities.

Agro&Biotecnia signed a contract for its commercialization and exclusive distribution of the bio fungicide with a company leader in the commercialization of agro chemical products in Mexico and Latin America (FMC Agroquimica de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.),

which commercially launched the product at the Expo-Agroalimentaria Guanajuato, in November 2012.

The product has the COFREPIS registration for its use to control anthracnose in mangoes and during 2013 registration was granted for avocados, papaya and citric; as well as the registration to control powdery mildew in cucurbits and solanaceae.

For an academic project to result in commercialization

of the Fungifree AB, the researchers involved in the project had to break with habits acquired in

the academic sector, such as publications limited to scientific magazines, the main parameter of scientific

work evaluation. Had we followed only the academic

sectors guidelines, it is probable that we would not

have been able to commercialize the product. Another

critical factor in this process was to reach the decision to create a spin-off of UNAMs Biotechnological Institute,

in order to produce and commercialize the product.


WINNERCategory

Education

Oscar Amaya Montoya

House of Science Foundation

Colombia

Strategies to implement a culture of science and

research within a school environment

Oscar Amaya Montoya is a graduate in husbandry from Colombia National University, with specialization in agro ecology at the Technical Agricultural Institute, and holds a degree in Institutional Strengthening for Environmental Management from the Western Autonomous University.

INNOVATIONThe House of Science, where scientific learning environments are created to introduce children to science

within a school environment.

This approach started over nine years ago determined to break the paradigm that scientific research

is only for university centers and research institutions. Children and young people can also do it in a

school environment. In this regard, as strategies, three processes were developed in logical order: Scientific

experimentation, field research, and scientific creativity.

Regarding scientific creativity, which necessarily precedes Field Research, a lab practice has three phases:

Contextual Phase, where students work the title, objective, materials and theoretical support; then the

Proactive and Experimental Phase, then the hypothesis, experimentation, and answer to questions are worked out; and finally, a Deductive Phase, where a conclusion is reached. All three phases can be developed

by the students.

Field research is the second process; it has a clear premise and has been applied by us for approximately six years. Research at school and college must be the application of knowledge taught by a science teacher

Innovadores de Amrica 2014 MEMORIA

and demonstrated in the laboratory, in the diagnosis or solution to a problem posed. In this regard,

the following research projects have been carried out: Climatological Analysis, in Guadalajara de Buga;

Diagnosis of Atmospheric Pollution, in Guadalajara de Buga; Study of the Growth of Morrocoy Turtles

in Captivity, Analysis of the degree of alkalinity or acidity of food juices, Characterization of noise in the

periphery and the center of Guadalajara de Buga, and Characterization of pineapple, blackberry and

passion fruit distillate.

The final process, called Scientific Creativity, differs from the traditional concept, related to the construction

of tools, since in the case of youthful research we have considered that scientific creativity consists of the

repair or improvement of experimental models employed in field research.

The creation of Scientific Learning Environments becomes a great necessity to introduce children to

science. The House of Science Foundation, located in Buga, Valle, Colombia, while it is true that its design

is appealing to children, to young people and even to adults that enter the house to observe installations that move them to visit the place, have the peculiarity of being a stage where, each time a student enters, encounters several possibilities to carry out activities which go beyond the exhibits and take him to the experimental field, such as lab practices, and at a higher level, to carry out research of a scientific nature

performed by children and young people.

The strategy to promote science is done in two ways: first, the offer of natural sciences lab practices, with

an inventory of 130 activities in biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, and climatology. Second, Social

Responsibility programs are included, reaching a population of 750 students.

The programs:

SCIENCE CLUB: This is a permanent grouping of children that meet periodically to

experience activities related to natural sciences.

Bio-ecological Research Center (C.I.B.E) Student Social Service Program for students of 9,

10, and 11th grade, which provides the basis for carrying out basic research projects.

Social promotion of astronomy: Involves a series of activities that allow the perception that astronomy is an activity accessible to all.

Research projects counseling: Consists of counseling offered to children and adolescents that wish to carry out research. Three steps are followed in each counseling process: determining the subject to be researched, implementation of the project, and presentation of the project at a science fair.

Cultural benefactors of girls in charge of group homes: Look after girls from the Group Home in charge of the Colombian Institute of Family Wellbeing and those in charge of the Casa Hogar Madre Rosario Ruiz Pedraza, of the Philippians Mothers.

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Documents

Memoria 2014 Innovadores de América (Inglés)