The Copec-UC Foundation awarded the selected projects in the 2024 “R&D for Innovation” and “Apply your Idea” contests at a ceremony attended by its president, Roberto Angelini, and representatives of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Empresas Copec.

Four initiatives obtained funding of up to 4,000 UF (Chile’s inflation-indexed currency) to promote solutions in areas such as agricultural biosafety, energy, fire control and aquaculture health. At the same time, three teams of students were awarded Ch$3 million for proposals focused on agricultural biotechnology.

The winning proposals in the R&D for Innovation Contest include a bioleather manufacturing system using corn waste (Chalko Textiles Biotech SPA); a thermal module using copper slag (PUC); an environmentally-friendly foam for firefighting (Iquique Fire Department), and an oral antiparasitic additive for salmon (Consorcio Tecnológico de Sanidad Acuícola S.A).

Meanwhile, “Apply your Idea” featured student solutions that address challenges in viticulture, strawberry production and cherries using fungi, natural extracts and nanotechnology.

“It is worthwhile to reward projects that embody an innovative spirit and promote a more sustainable future,” said Roberto Angelini.