Today, the awards ceremony for the 18th edition of the "Ana M. Aroca Mengual" Business Project Competition took place at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Valencia. This competition is aimed at students enrolled in Higher Level Vocational Training Cycles and Baccalaureate programs throughout the Valencian Community, with the objective of promoting entrepreneurial culture, creativity and teamwork from an early age.
The Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo program at the University of Valencia has had the pleasure of participating once again in this initiative. In this edition, Tomás González Cruz, director of the Chair, was part of the judging panel.
Innovation with purpose
This edition received a total of 54 projects, of which 10 were selected as finalists, all sharing a common denominator: social impact and a commitment to offering real solutions to real problems. The diversity of themes reflects the broad perspective of the new generations, who move naturally between environmental sustainability, inclusion, technology, and human well-being.
Among the finalist projects in the field of technology and health, the project of Implementation of AI in Radiological Diagnosis It proposes the use of Artificial Intelligence to support medical professionals in optimizing healthcare resources, while Re-Style It aims to give clothes a second life through AI and a user-friendly application.
Inclusion and functional diversity have also been the focus of several initiatives. AMIA, which reflects on excessive consumption in classrooms, combines social impact and circular economy, incorporating people with disabilities in the making of fans. Casa Festa It proposes a truly inclusive event organization service, where people with disabilities are not only welcome, but an active part of the process. Papallona It stems from a very specific need: to design seamless and label-free underwear and loungewear for people with dermatological problems, with the conviction that dressing should not be an obstacle.
Loneliness and dependency have also found an answer in this edition. Near You It proposes a system of hourly companionship for elderly people or people with reduced mobility, connecting them with someone close by with a simple gesture. Cures Maestrat It proposes a model of care for dependent people that combines a day center, a 24-hour home support service and an application for families, with the aim of ensuring dignified aging.
From a sustainability and environmental perspective, Hadal Solution It focuses on the use of dehydrated algae as a source of protein, vitamins and antioxidants with multiple applications. Clòfics It proposes sustainable furniture made from rice grains, following the principles of the circular economy, affordable and customizable. NestUp It responds to a daily need of university students: a community platform that centralizes accommodation, employment and leisure in a single collaborative space.
Awards of the 18th edition
The day concluded with the presentation of awards and special mentions in recognition of the effort and quality of all the finalist projects. The runner-up prizes went to Casa Festa, AMIA, Hadal Solution, Implementation of AI in Radiological Diagnosis, NestUp, Cures Maestrat and Clòfics.
The three main prizes of this edition went to:
- Faculty of Economics Award: Near You
- International Finance Award: Re-Style
- UV Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo Award: Papallona
UV Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo Award
The Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo Award has been given to the project PapallonaA brand of seamless, tagless underwear, pajamas, and t-shirts designed specifically for people with dermatological conditions. This initiative demonstrates that entrepreneurship with empathy and purpose is not incompatible with building a solid business model that has a real impact on people's lives.
Tomás González Cruz highlighted the exceptional quality of the submitted works during the ceremony: "The level of the work has been extraordinary, both technically and in terms of its human element." He also emphasized the importance of these awards and the legacy of the person after whom they are named: Ana María Aroca Mengual, a highly skilled professional whose humanity continues to serve as a benchmark and inspiration for those who participate in this competition year after year.
From Cátedra de Empresa y Humanismo, we congratulate all participants for their work, commitment, and courage in bringing an idea to life. We firmly believe that purpose-driven youth entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful drivers for building a more humane, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
