The INVAP Foundation has opened the call for the 7th edition of Emprendé ConCiencia, a program that promotes scientific and technological projects with social and environmental impact throughout the country. The goal is to support entrepreneurs who use science and technology to solve real problems in key areas such as health, environment, socioeconomic inclusion, and social habitat.
The initiative is aimed at individuals over 18 years old, residing in Argentina, who are developing or researching innovative solutions based on science and technology. Individual entrepreneurs, research groups, or consolidated or forming teams can apply.
The call is open to ideas or ventures focused on improving people’s quality of life and the environment. Those in need of technical assistance and in the process of developing or improving their business model with an impact will be especially valued.
**A week of intensive work in Bariloche**
The selected projects will participate in a face-to-face week in San Carlos de Bariloche, where they will receive technical and strategic support. The experience includes:
– Specialized mentoring from experts in the city’s scientific and technological ecosystem.
– Workshops on impact businesses, focused on strengthening the economic and social model of the venture.
– Networking opportunities through meetings with local entrepreneurial ecosystem organizations.
**Key dates and how to apply**
The call is already open, and applications will be accepted until May 20. Interested parties must go to [www.emprendeconciencia.org.ar](http://www.emprendeconciencia.org.ar) to complete the form.
Projects will be evaluated based on their impact potential, team strength, and technical and economic viability. For more information or inquiries, the organizers have provided the email [email protected].
Emprendé ConCiencia aims to connect knowledge with territorial needs, promoting sustainable and collaborative solutions. The INVAP Foundation reaffirms its commitment to innovation in service of social and environmental transformation.
**Innovative technology accelerates coral reef restoration**
A group of researchers from Ohio State University has developed a revolutionary technology designed to enhance the conservation and restoration of coral reefs.
This device, called Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA), uses a special type of light to attract zooplankton, the microscopic organisms that are the coral’s food base. In collaboration with the Coral Restoration Foundation in Tavernier, Florida, this autonomous and programmable underwater light has already undergone initial tests with promising results.
After six months of experiments with native Hawaiian corals, scientists confirmed that UZELA significantly increases zooplankton density in the area. This enhances coral feeding, whether healthy or bleached, making them more resistant to environmental challenges such as thermal stress or ocean acidification.
According to Dr. Andrea Grottoli, the study’s lead, coral reefs are crucial for marine biodiversity: even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean, they host a third of marine species.
Source: INVAP Foundation.
