• The initiative aims to fully utilize cocoa in the production of chocolate and distilled beverages, promoting the circular economy and environmental sustainability.
• Four innovative ideas with social impact corresponding to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 2, 6, 8, and 13 were awarded.

As part of the first PERUMIN Jóvenes meeting, the 2024 edition of PERUMIN Inspira awarded its prizes. This program focused on encouraging innovative ideas from students of technical institutes and universities to develop social-impact ventures in the highlands and jungle of Peru.

Mariana Abugattás, president of PERUMIN Inspira, noted that they received 92 applications from across the country, aimed at addressing four of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Eleven innovative ideas advanced to the final stage, held at the PERUMIN Jóvenes meeting. After a rigorous evaluation, one winning proposal was selected for each SDG, from which the PERUMIN Inspira Grand Prize winner was chosen.

The winners will receive seed capital to start implementing their projects, as well as digital technical support, specialized mentoring, project promotion on PERUMIN platforms and various media, and benefits from partner organizations.

Winners

The winner of the 2024 PERUMIN Inspira Grand Prize is Mikuykusi – El placer del cacao (The Pleasure of Cocoa), which also won in the SDG 8 category. Led by Cristian Huaytan from Huánuco, this initiative is a company focused on maximizing cocoa's potential by producing chocolates and distilled beverages while promoting a circular economy and environmental sustainability..

In the SDG 2 category, the winner was Nutrigenix, represented by Anthony López (Áncash). This idea aims to develop functional snacks enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve nutrition in the high jungle of Peru, using marine superfoods and exotic fruits while supporting local farmers and fishers.

For SDG 6, the winning project was Econiza, led by Josías Carhua (Cajamarca). This project neutralizes acidic water using ash made from cocoa by-products. It involves designing an automated system to treat acidic water with agricultural waste, improving water quality and promoting a circular economy.

For SDG 13, the winning idea was Agrobiofish, led by Daniela Mendoza (Arequipa). This project transforms fish waste into eco-friendly biofertilizers, combating environmental pollution and promoting sustainable, organic agriculture.