DIA, the inclusive innovation lab, will present the results of its first year of implementation in Mexico

The DIA (Inclusive Innovation Lab), through which over 1,700 youths of Santa Catarina have benefitted, will present the three best innovation projects to representatives from the public and private sector. These projects stood out for contributing in the search for a better future for the community.  

Through the use of tools such as 3D printers and laser microprocessors and cutters, the objective of these projects is to encourage more youths to become agents of change and develop their professional skills in the area of advanced technologies, generating disruptive ideas that improve their social environment. 

CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, in alliance with the Organization of American States (OAS), Microsoft, Western Union, Seattle International Foundation, and The Trust for the Americas, supported the Universidad Tecnológica de Santa Catarina so that, through this program, it could provide training to young beneficiaries in the areas of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, strengthening their leadership skills and project management. 

During the event, a recognition will be awarded to the winners of the Inclusive Innovation Fund. This incentive will not only strengthen the work of the young beneficiaries, but will also strengthen their professional and personal skills, contributing to improve their social environment. 

The presentation of results will include the participation of the President of the Universidad Tecnología Santa Catarina,Dr. José Cárdenas Cavazos; The Assistant Director of The Trust for the Americas, Darío Soto Abril; the Institutional Development Director of CAF,  Christian Asinelli; CAF's Director Representative in Mexico, Moira Paz Estensoro; the General Coordinator of the Universidades Tecnológicas y Politécnicas of the Ministry of Public Education of Mexico, Héctor Arreola Soria; and the Constitutional Governor of the State of Nuevo León, Engineer Jaime Rodríguez, among others. 

Democratizing Innovation in the Americas was created under the framework of an innovation lab, to provide support to creative processes, with financial resources to inspire a new generation of innovators who will promote social and economic development in their communities, providing equitable prosperity for vulnerable populations. 

In the future, the Innovation Lab expects to continue training young entrepreneurs and to generate initiatives that promote the development of the State of Nuevo León and of the country. Thus, CAF continues expanding and deepening its institutional strengthening agenda with the strategic vision of generating knowledge, increase he institution's visibility regarding these issues, and promote innovation opportunities.