The closing event for the fourth edition of the Retos de Innovación 2025–2026 took place, recognizing student initiatives with productive and social impact from across Ecuador. The program aims to strengthen a culture of innovation in education through the purposeful use of emerging technologies. It is led by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society (MINTEL), the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MINEDEC), and Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), in collaboration with strategic partners.
In this cycle, 115 proposals were submitted in the Ideation category, which targets high school students. Of these, 11 were selected as finalists and presented on February 24, 2026. The projects addressed environmental, social, productive, and institutional issues using tools such as artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics, and other emerging technologies.
Ariana Ortega, a student at Unidad Educativa ISM Quito, together with her classmates, presented “Alerta Vial 360,” a project based on poles equipped with scanners for road monitoring aimed at improving safety and traffic management. Ortega stated: “I am pleased to be part of these spaces that promote innovation with real impact.”
Daniel Reátegui from Unidad Educativa La Dolorosa in Loja showcased his project focused on classifying and transforming organic waste. His initiative offers a sustainable alternative for Loja by adding value to waste while generating environmental and productive benefits.
After jury deliberation, first place was awarded to Unidad Educativa Sudamericano from Cuenca for their project “Chuya Chuya.” Second place went to Unidad Educativa La Dolorosa for their proposal “Planta de clasificación y transformación de residuos orgánicos en la ciudad de Loja.” Third place was shared by Unidad Educativa Isabel Tobar with “Guardianes del Ecosistema Ecuatoriano” and Unidad Educativa ISM Quito with “Alerta Vial 360.”
The event highlighted an ongoing commitment to education focused on innovation, technology, and sustainable development. Organizers emphasized the role of students as key contributors to technological and social progress in Ecuador.
