The Softys Water Challenge , an initiative organized by Softys (a CMPC company), the Anacleto Angelini Innovation Center of the Catholic University and the Amulén Foundation , presented its 10 finalist projects that seek to improve access to drinking water in vulnerable communities in Latin America.
Six months after their launch, the finalist projects will be evaluated during August, and three winners will be selected to receive a cash prize to further their plans. In addition, the first-place winner will receive further funding from Softys to implement their solution .
The jury that will choose the three winners is composed of Cristóbal Somarriva, legal manager of Softys Latam; Jorge Matte, president of Fundación Amulén; Conrad Von Igel, executive director of the UC Innovation Center; Ignacio Lira, deputy manager of public affairs at CMPC companies; Marcello Basani, water and sanitation specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Maria de los Ángeles Romo, executive director of Startup Chile; Hiroshi Wald, executive director of Austral Capital Partners and Zoraida Sánchez, director of Fundación Avina Perú.
From the UC Innovation Center, its Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship, Francisca Rojas , explained that “it is very exciting to select the 10 best entrepreneurs in the program, especially after working with them for four months on technical, financial, and regulatory aspects to get the most out of their projects. We promote a culture and environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Softys Water Challenge contributes to strengthening our commitment to comprehensive and sustainable development by providing technologies for access to clean drinking water.”
On the other hand, the Amulén Foundation stated that “we are convinced that innovation is the most powerful tool for achieving substantial changes that benefit the people and families suffering the severe effects of drought . We are proud to be part of this initiative, as it is urgent to explore and implement new solutions and technologies to ensure water access in communities with severe water scarcity, respecting ecosystems and collaboratively seeking the best alternatives,” according to Verónica Puga, the organization's executive director .
The Softys Water Challenge received over 80 applications from 31 countries. Now, the initiative is preparing for its final stage on August 20th, when the winning project of this first edition of the competition will be announced through a virtual awards ceremony streamed online.
