Biotechnology students Francisco Cappone, Martina Gualco, and Paulina Alonso took home first prize in Argentina's largest young entrepreneurship competition.
The project presented by the UNR students is called "Ekilibra" and consists of the design of a cereal bar-shaped snack with bioactive and natural compounds that help regulate blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Its composition is based on a high fiber content and functional compounds, which have been scientifically proven to reduce blood sugar spikes after a high-carbohydrate meal.
For this 11th edition of Emprende U, held in the city of Córdoba on September 4 and 5, more than 400 teams from Córdoba, Mendoza, Santa Fe, Chaco, and Corrientes participated. Of these, 39 teams were selected as semifinalists, participating in a bootcamp with great creative potential and an innovative approach.
After two days of intense work, including training, mentoring, pitching coaching, and a prototype fair, three university teams and three secondary groups won the top prizes in this competition, created by the National University of Cuyo. This competition became the most significant training experience in the country in the field of entrepreneurship for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
The jury's evaluation criteria considered effective communication, creativity, social impact, innovation, and project profitability. Each finalist received financial recognition. First place received three million pesos, second place received 1,5 million pesos, and third place received 500 pesos. The idea is for them to leverage these funds to advance the implementation of their innovative projects and generate a positive impact in their communities.
It's worth noting that the UNR School of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences provided support to the selected students to help them continue the project. Francisco Cappone says the idea for developing "Ekilibra" arose from identifying a problem he himself experiences as a type 1 diabetic. His classmates also experience it when they lack access to food options.
The team explains that the snack is shaped like a cereal bar and is made with natural ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, and blueberries, which, according to scientific evidence, help regulate blood sugar. "We combined these ingredients into a single product and conducted some tests to assess its effectiveness in people with diabetes, with positive results," they state.
An intensive training
Throughout the competition, the groups accessed virtual training sessions on idea generation and validation; business model development; prototyping; and pitching. They also received personalized mentoring and support from leaders in the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The first day of the bootcamp focused on developing and deepening effective communication skills. These sessions were designed to provide young people with tools to present and explain their projects to potential investors. There was also a workshop on finance, a discussion on including a gender perspective in entrepreneurship, and a presentation of successful startup experiences.
The second day saw the prototype fair, where each team presented their project and from which the 12 finalists were selected. After a workshop, the pitch round began. Each team had three minutes to present their project to the jury. After a half-hour deliberation, the winners were announced.
The UNR team affirms that the Biotechnology program provided them with excellent academic and research training, as well as work experience through internships. Participating in this competition also allowed them to acquire a knowledge base in business, finance, and marketing to develop a project.
“This is an example of the importance of the Public University, which motivated us to participate in a competition and provided us with tools we couldn't have acquired otherwise,” Francisco stated. “I'm grateful to the Public University, which is training us as professionals and now supporting us in this entrepreneurial project,” Martina added. Meanwhile, Paulina emphasizes the value of public education for providing access to so many people.
Emprende U is a federal competition created in 2014 by the National University of Cuyo through its Business Incubator. It is an event designed to foster creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in new generations. In 2024, the National University of Córdoba joined as a co-organizer of this initiative. And in 2025, the Universidad Nacional de Rosario, the Universidad Nacional del Litoral and the National University of the Northeast. It has the support of the Ministries of Education of the provinces of Córdoba, Mendoza, Santa Fe, Corrientes, and Chaco, the Young E3 Foundation, and is sponsored by Wayfarer and the Mendoza Innovation, Science, and Technology Agency.
Journalist: Victoria Arrabal