Difference between revisions of "School:Universidad Católica del Uruguay"

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The university also operates several specialized centers, such as:
 
The university also operates several specialized centers, such as:
  
* '''Íthaka Center''' (Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
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*'''Íthaka Center''' (Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
* '''Ludus Center''' (Educational Innovation).
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*'''Ludus Center''' (Educational Innovation).
* '''Agora Center''' (Leadership and Public Life).
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*'''Agora Center''' (Leadership and Public Life).
* '''Ignis Center''' (Research on Digital Culture and Communication).
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*'''Ignis Center''' (Research on Digital Culture and Communication).
* '''University Health Clinics''' (Primary Care and Community Health).
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*'''University Health Clinics''' (Primary Care and Community Health).
* '''Berit Center''' (Jewish Studies).
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*'''Berit Center''' (Jewish Studies).
  
 
UCU’s strategic orientation combines '''academic rigor, internationalization, sustainability, and innovation''', aligning with Jesuit values of service and leadership.
 
UCU’s strategic orientation combines '''academic rigor, internationalization, sustainability, and innovation''', aligning with Jesuit values of service and leadership.
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Main initiatives include:
 
Main initiatives include:
  
* '''Hackathon “Suma Innovación a tu Carrera”''', awarding scholarships to high school students through innovation challenges.
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*'''Hackathon “Suma Innovación a tu Carrera”''', awarding scholarships to high school students through innovation challenges.
* '''LOOP Innovation Week''' (2018–2019) → evolved into '''UCU Week''', held annually since 2021, where classes are suspended and students access entrepreneurial workshops, design sprints, and innovation bootcamps.
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*'''LOOP Innovation Week''' (2018–2019) → evolved into '''UCU Week''', held annually since 2021, where classes are suspended and students access entrepreneurial workshops, design sprints, and innovation bootcamps.
* '''Innovation Community''' (since 2020), a student-driven initiative to solve campus challenges.
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*'''Innovation Community''' (since 2020), a student-driven initiative to solve campus challenges.
* '''Podcast “Onda Emprendedora”''' and open sessions with local entrepreneurs.
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*'''Podcast “Onda Emprendedora”''' and open sessions with local entrepreneurs.
* '''“Intervalos” Project''', live student interviews with CEOs and business leaders.
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*'''“Intervalos” Project''', live student interviews with CEOs and business leaders.
  
 
Between 2023 and 2025, Íthaka launched additional programs:
 
Between 2023 and 2025, Íthaka launched additional programs:
  
* ''Potenciá Gastronomía'': training and networking for culinary entrepreneurs.
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*''Potenciá Gastronomía'': training and networking for culinary entrepreneurs.
* ''Mujeres que Construyen'': supporting women in construction and design industries.
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*''Mujeres que Construyen'': supporting women in construction and design industries.
* ''Capacitaciones EDMP'': training in entrepreneurial design and management practices.
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*''Capacitaciones EDMP'': training in entrepreneurial design and management practices.
* ''Emprendimiento que Quiere Crecer'': accelerator program for scaling startups.
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*''Emprendimiento que Quiere Crecer'': accelerator program for scaling startups.
  
 
In 2025, UCU students joined the '''University Innovation Fellows (UIF)''' global network, consolidating UCU’s role in fostering entrepreneurship aligned with Stanford d.school and Twente University frameworks.
 
In 2025, UCU students joined the '''University Innovation Fellows (UIF)''' global network, consolidating UCU’s role in fostering entrepreneurship aligned with Stanford d.school and Twente University frameworks.
  
== Actively supporting the university technology transfer function ==
+
==Actively supporting the university technology transfer function==
 
UCU supports technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) processes through its collaboration with '''Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación (ANII)''' and Íthaka. Although UCU does not yet have a fully independent '''Technology Transfer Office (TTO)''', Íthaka provides guidance on:
 
UCU supports technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) processes through its collaboration with '''Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación (ANII)''' and Íthaka. Although UCU does not yet have a fully independent '''Technology Transfer Office (TTO)''', Íthaka provides guidance on:
  
* '''Patent registration''' and IP rights.
+
*'''Patent registration''' and IP rights.
* '''Legal mentoring''' for student and faculty startups.
+
*'''Legal mentoring''' for student and faculty startups.
* '''Seed fund competitions''' that include IP advisory services.
+
*'''Seed fund competitions''' that include IP advisory services.
  
 
In 2024, UCU launched new training modules on '''IP law, startup financing, and innovation contracts''', strengthening its role as a facilitator of technology transfer in Uruguay’s academic ecosystem.
 
In 2024, UCU launched new training modules on '''IP law, startup financing, and innovation contracts''', strengthening its role as a facilitator of technology transfer in Uruguay’s academic ecosystem.
  
== Facilitating university-industry collaboration ==
+
==Facilitating university-industry collaboration==
 
UCU actively connects students and faculty with industry partners. Collaboration channels include:
 
UCU actively connects students and faculty with industry partners. Collaboration channels include:
  
* '''Íthaka Mentoring Program''', linking projects with industry experts.
+
*'''Íthaka Mentoring Program''', linking projects with industry experts.
* '''Ignis Convoca''', encouraging participation in international innovation contests.
+
*'''Ignis Convoca''', encouraging participation in international innovation contests.
* '''IdeasLab''', a pre-incubation program to validate business models.
+
*'''IdeasLab''', a pre-incubation program to validate business models.
* '''Circular Opportunities''', an initiative to support sustainable business models.
+
*'''Circular Opportunities''', an initiative to support sustainable business models.
  
 
Employment and career integration:
 
Employment and career integration:
  
* '''Career Fair (Feria Laboral)''', the largest in the country, where 80+ companies meet UCU students annually.
+
*'''Career Fair (Feria Laboral)''', the largest in the country, where 80+ companies meet UCU students annually.
* '''UCU Job Portal''' (since 2023), matching students with internships and jobs.
+
*'''UCU Job Portal''' (since 2023), matching students with internships and jobs.
* Professional practices in '''Engineering, Communication, Medicine, and Business''', often developed with companies as final projects.
+
*Professional practices in '''Engineering, Communication, Medicine, and Business''', often developed with companies as final projects.
  
 
Academic–industry innovation:
 
Academic–industry innovation:
  
* '''Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII)''' supports senior-year entrepreneurship projects.
+
*'''Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII)''' supports senior-year entrepreneurship projects.
* '''“Challenges” courses''' in Computer Science (team-based solutions to real problems in 3-week sprints).
+
*'''“Challenges” courses''' in Computer Science (team-based solutions to real problems in 3-week sprints).
* '''Graduate School Capstone Program''', requiring every graduate student to engage in applied professional practice.
+
*'''Graduate School Capstone Program''', requiring every graduate student to engage in applied professional practice.
  
 
These collaborations ensure UCU graduates are prepared for '''interdisciplinary teamwork and market challenges'''.
 
These collaborations ensure UCU graduates are prepared for '''interdisciplinary teamwork and market challenges'''.
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Recent highlights (2023–2025):
 
Recent highlights (2023–2025):
  
* Expansion of '''faculty mentoring networks''' in Íthaka programs.
+
*Expansion of '''faculty mentoring networks''' in Íthaka programs.
* Faculty-led applied research projects with direct commercialization potential.
+
*Faculty-led applied research projects with direct commercialization potential.
* Growth of '''interdisciplinary teaching teams''', e.g., Medicine + Engineering in health-tech projects.
+
*Growth of '''interdisciplinary teaching teams''', e.g., Medicine + Engineering in health-tech projects.
* Launch of '''faculty innovation workshops''' in sustainable business and circular economy.
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*Launch of '''faculty innovation workshops''' in sustainable business and circular economy.
  
 
This culture empowers professors to explore entrepreneurial pathways, while also creating role models who inspire students to pursue their own ventures.
 
This culture empowers professors to explore entrepreneurial pathways, while also creating role models who inspire students to pursue their own ventures.
  
 
==Facilitating university-industry collaboration==
 
==Facilitating university-industry collaboration==
<div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big>UCU facilitates the relationship between industry and the university in multiple ways, some of which are described below.</big></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><b>Innovation & Entrepreneurship</b></big></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big>There are two main programmes that regulate and connect the entrepreneurship and innovation that takes place in university with real-life organizations, business and markets. The first one is the mentoring program offered by Ithaka. This one supports students, professors, and alumni in developing their ideas in the pursuit of transforming them into entrepreneurs. This program launches a call to help eight companies, where in three months they assign them a mentor who has experience in the area each project needs, the programm counts with 25 academic staff as mentors. In fact, the seed funds competitions have a designated budget for Ithaka’s members. Also, Ithaka offers legal mentoring by a lawyer and professor of the university.</big></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><big>The second one is the “Ignis Convoca” program, which also gives students support but, at the same time, pushes them to participate in contests regional and international.</big></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-13109c4b-7fff-7bf1-9cd7-927874d96264"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The university, a few years ago, organized activities to facilitate validation with incubators. An example of this was IdeasLab, a pre-incubation program, where mentoring, tutoring and training were given by mentors who help validate the participant ́s business plan.</span></span></big></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-13109c4b-7fff-7bf1-9cd7-927874d96264"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moreover, as UCU believes that social responsibility and engagement is important, it promoted with Ithaka a program called “Circular Opportunities” that provided tutorships and training to entrepreneurs trying to address social and environmental problems. These programs are no longer available in the university, but those mentioned above have increased their impact on the entrepreneurial area of ​​the university.</span></span></big></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><b>Job opportunities facilitators</b></big></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big>“Feria Laboral” is an annual event. It is mainly a fair whose aim is inserting students into the labour market. This activity consists of a large number of companies from different fields gathered for this day in the university to describe, inform and offer different career opportunities that students can apply for.</big></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-36e22a4e-7fff-ac8f-703d-47ebb2fe419e"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are several  internships available as well,  for students that want to start working at the university, such opportunities include being part of the centers, the administration or the technical support. In addition, in the last year, a job portal has been developed, where students can upload their curriculum and discover job proposals that suit their skills.</span></span></big></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><b>Work-practice opportunities</b></big></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big>Universidad Catolica del Uruguay offers infrastructure and resources for making their own professional practices before graduation.</big></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-dddfe150-7fff-034d-40ed-28c9e32574d9"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UCU is currently going through a changing process, the whole university is turning into a more insightful and transversal education center aiming for an interdisciplinary and intercareer process of education and formation. Ucu is trying to make professionals adapt to today’s needs by teaching them that knowing a lot of only one thing is not the best way to approach the work market. Today’s needs require a deep but not professional  knowledge about a vast amount of topics. UCU is making us try to be profesionales at projects and working in teams of different professions rather than solo workers.</span></span></big></span></span></div><br />
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<div>[[Category:Schools]]
<div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-dddfe150-7fff-034d-40ed-28c9e32574d9"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a way to promote an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in students, UCU has a wide variety of offers regarding work practices. In most majors, internships are offered in external companies for students who are about to finish their studies. In some departments, students are invited to carry out projects in collaboration with companies and with academic staff, as are the base of audiovisual technicians, the UCU business in company and the original content production line programs.</span></span></big></span></span></div><br />
 
<div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-dddfe150-7fff-034d-40ed-28c9e32574d9"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The engineering department has the engineering promotion fund by the ANII to promote engineering projects and many of the final year students chose to do the entrepreneurship variant of the final project.</span></span></big></span></span></div>The Computer Science career has incorporated a new kind of course, known as "Challenges". This is an opportunity for the students to show their streng
 
 
 
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s and innovative ideas as they work together on a three-week long pro
 
 
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[[Category:Schools]]
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ct, in order to find a solution for a real problem that is present in our society. <br />
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The '''Universidad Católica del Uruguay (UCU)''' fosters strong connections between academia and industry, ensuring that students, faculty, and alumni engage with real-world organizations, businesses, and markets. Collaboration is promoted through structured programs, mentoring, fairs, and work-practice opportunities.
<div><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><big><span id="docs-internal-guid-dddfe150-7fff-034d-40ed-28c9e32574d9"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And last but not least, there is a program offered by the graduate school named Capstone, where professional practices are supported, given that are mandatory for every graduate student.</span></span></big></span></span></div>
 
  
==Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts==
+
=== Innovation & Entrepreneurship ===
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Uruguayan government is helping the startup industry flourish by implementing these institutions&nbsp;: National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII) and National Development Agency (ANDE). Enhancing this, the Co work spaces and the special Centers dedicated to supporting students, postgraduates and graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit are an important base in the progress of the realization of ideas.</span></big></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Regarding to ANII, this institution makes available to the public funds for research projects, national and international postgraduate scholarships and incentive programs for innovative culture and entrepreneurship, both in the private and public sectors.</span></big></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In relation to ANDE,&nbsp; their aim is to contribute to productive economic development, in a sustainable way, with social equity and environmental and territorial balance.</span></big></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Ithaka is the Sponsoring Institution of Entrepreneurship (IPE) in front of the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII) and the National Development Agency (ANDE).</span></big></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks to the support of ANII and ANDE, Ithaka´s&nbsp; pre-incubated entrepreneurs will have access to capital to carry out the validation of their idea.</span></big></span></div><div><br /></div>
+
UCU integrates entrepreneurship with industry via several flagship programs:
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">In turn, the Ithaka center has launched two competitions, Tecnolog and Kenn S George to promote and help the different entrepreneurs that apply. These are two workshops where the teams that submit their projects will be trained and the winner will obtain seed capital for their entrepreneurship.</span></big></span></div>
+
 
 +
* '''Íthaka Mentoring Program''': Supports students, faculty, and alumni in developing business ideas and transforming them into startups. Each year, eight projects are selected and paired with expert mentors, including 25 academic staff members. The program also includes access to '''seed funds''' and '''legal mentoring''' from UCU professors.
 +
* '''Ignis Convoca Program''': Encourages participation in '''regional and international competitions''', connecting students with global innovation networks.
 +
* '''IdeasLab (pre-incubation program)''': Provided training, mentoring, and validation for early-stage ventures, laying the foundation for UCU’s incubation culture.
 +
* '''Circular Opportunities''': Although no longer active, this initiative trained entrepreneurs addressing '''social and environmental problems''', leaving a legacy of socially responsible innovation within Íthaka.
 +
 
 +
=== Job Opportunities and Career Integration ===
 +
UCU facilitates student access to the labor market through multiple initiatives:
 +
 
 +
* '''Feria Laboral''': An annual career fair bringing together more than 80 companies from diverse sectors, providing information and direct hiring opportunities for UCU students.
 +
* '''UCU Job Portal''' (since 2023): An online platform where students upload CVs and apply to internships and jobs tailored to their skills.
 +
* '''On-campus internships''': Opportunities for students to gain experience in administration, research centers, and technical support within the University itself.
 +
 
 +
=== Work-Practice Opportunities ===
 +
UCU emphasizes '''interdisciplinary and transversal education''', preparing students for today’s job market, which demands teamwork across diverse disciplines rather than isolated specialization.
  
 +
* Most degrees include '''mandatory internships''' in external companies, particularly in senior years.
 +
* Certain programs invite students to carry out '''joint projects with companies and academic staff''', such as audiovisual production, business consulting, and content creation.
 +
* The '''Engineering Department''', supported by the '''Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII)''', allows senior students to complete an '''entrepreneurship-focused final project'''.
 +
* '''Computer Science “Challenges” courses''': Three-week innovation sprints where teams propose solutions to real societal or business problems.
 +
* '''Graduate School Capstone Program''': A compulsory applied project for all graduate students, directly connecting them to professional practice and industry partners.
  
Since last year, IthaKa has joined forces with the Municipio CH, ANDE and the Ministry of Interior, by supporting the project "Andrés Abt Entrepeneurs´ sentry boxes" (Garitas para emprendedores Andrés Abt). The main goal
+
Through these initiatives, UCU consolidates itself as a '''bridge between academia and industry''', promoting innovation, employability, and the entrepreneurial spirit among its students and faculty.
[[Category:Universities]]
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o
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==Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts==
 +
<div style="text-align: justify;">[[Category:Universities]]
 
[[Category:Schools]]
 
[[Category:Schools]]
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this project is to generate new job oportunities by allowing entrepeneurs to install their businesses in the old police sentry boxes that are now in disuse.
 
 
The chosen entrepeneurs are expected to adapt the sentry boxes, creating a space to show and sell their products and services, while they also contribute by improving the appearance of the place, adding a service to the c
 
 
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munity. <div><br /></div>
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The '''Uruguayan government''' has been strengthening the startup ecosystem through the '''National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII)''' and the '''National Development Agency (ANDE)'''. Both institutions play a central role in funding, mentoring, and supporting innovation initiatives in Uruguay. ANII provides grants for research projects, national and international postgraduate scholarships, and programs that foster an entrepreneurial culture in both public and private sectors. ANDE focuses on sustainable economic development with social equity and territorial balance.
<div><span style="font-size:small;"><big>'''<span id="docs-internal-guid-da02c675-7fff-5720-b0ee-7f1b6ab3a6c5"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UCU ́s Strategic Plan for the Future</span></span>'''</big></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-da02c675-7fff-5720-b0ee-7f1b6ab3a6c5"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a diverse and alarming world, we have the challenge of committing ourselves to the creation of sustained value in the relationships and decisions we make daily.</span></span></span></big></span></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-da02c675-7fff-5720-b0ee-7f1b6ab3a6c5"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In UCU ́s Strategic Plan, the aim is to be more innovative, creative, inclusive and open to the world.&nbsp;</span></span></span></big></span></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-da02c675-7fff-5720-b0ee-7f1b6ab3a6c5"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When students learn, the sky isn't the limit, therefore UCU is constantly reinventing so that the academic experience is enhanced. UCU is achieving that by providing day to day new courses, careers, or even a new institution (as it is UCU Business School).&nbsp;</span></span></span></big></span></div><div><span style="font-size:small;"><big><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-da02c675-7fff-5720-b0ee-7f1b6ab3a6c5"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every day that passes, UCU tries to be a better university, where all the stakeholders contribute to overall sustainable development.</span></span></span></big></span></div><div><br /></div>
+
 
 +
UCU, through the '''Íthaka Center''', is recognized as an official '''Sponsoring Institution of Entrepreneurship (Institución Patrocinadora de Emprendimientos – IPE)''' before ANII and ANDE. Thanks to this recognition, Íthaka’s pre-incubated entrepreneurs gain access to capital and resources to validate and scale their ideas.
 +
 
 +
Íthaka also runs competitions such as '''Tecnolog''' and '''Kenn S. George''', which provide teams with workshops, mentoring, and seed capital for the winning projects. These initiatives have positioned UCU as one of the most active universities in fostering early-stage entrepreneurship in Uruguay.
 +
 
 +
Since 2023, Íthaka has partnered with '''Municipio CH''', '''ANDE''', and the '''Ministry of Interior''' in the '''“Andrés Abt Entrepreneurs’ Sentry Boxes” project''', which repurposes disused police booths into spaces for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. This project not only generates new job opportunities but also contributes to urban renewal and community integration.
 +
 
 +
=== UCU’s Strategic Plan for the Future ===
 +
Aligned with its '''Strategic Plan 2025''', UCU commits to fostering sustainable value creation in academia and society. The University’s priorities include becoming more '''innovative, inclusive, creative, and globally connected'''. UCU constantly reinvents itself through new degree programs, interdisciplinary approaches, and initiatives like the '''UCU Business School''' and global partnerships.
  
 +
In this framework, UCU positions itself as a '''key contributor to Uruguay’s sustainable economic development''', leveraging its academic excellence, innovation ecosystem, and community engagement to prepare professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges.<br />
 +
</div>
 
==Related Links==
 
==Related Links==
  

Revision as of 21:28, 13 September 2025

Overview

The Universidad Católica del Uruguay Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga (UCU), founded in 1985, is the oldest and largest private university in Uruguay. It was the only private university in the country for more than a decade. UCU is run by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and is recognized nationally and internationally for combining academic excellence, social commitment, and innovation.

The main campus is located in Montevideo (Parque Batlle), with additional campuses in Punta del Este and Salto, and outreach centers in other regions. UCU has six academic units: Health Sciences, Business Sciences, Law and Human Sciences, Engineering and Technologies, UCU Business School, and the Graduate School, with over 11,000 students.

The university also operates several specialized centers, such as:

  • Íthaka Center (Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
  • Ludus Center (Educational Innovation).
  • Agora Center (Leadership and Public Life).
  • Ignis Center (Research on Digital Culture and Communication).
  • University Health Clinics (Primary Care and Community Health).
  • Berit Center (Jewish Studies).

UCU’s strategic orientation combines academic rigor, internationalization, sustainability, and innovation, aligning with Jesuit values of service and leadership.

Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship

Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) is one of UCU’s strongest pillars. The Íthaka Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship plays a leading role, providing students with mentoring, incubation, workshops, and competitions that allow them to discover, learn, and experiment with new ideas.

Main initiatives include:

  • Hackathon “Suma Innovación a tu Carrera”, awarding scholarships to high school students through innovation challenges.
  • LOOP Innovation Week (2018–2019) → evolved into UCU Week, held annually since 2021, where classes are suspended and students access entrepreneurial workshops, design sprints, and innovation bootcamps.
  • Innovation Community (since 2020), a student-driven initiative to solve campus challenges.
  • Podcast “Onda Emprendedora” and open sessions with local entrepreneurs.
  • “Intervalos” Project, live student interviews with CEOs and business leaders.

Between 2023 and 2025, Íthaka launched additional programs:

  • Potenciá Gastronomía: training and networking for culinary entrepreneurs.
  • Mujeres que Construyen: supporting women in construction and design industries.
  • Capacitaciones EDMP: training in entrepreneurial design and management practices.
  • Emprendimiento que Quiere Crecer: accelerator program for scaling startups.

In 2025, UCU students joined the University Innovation Fellows (UIF) global network, consolidating UCU’s role in fostering entrepreneurship aligned with Stanford d.school and Twente University frameworks.

Actively supporting the university technology transfer function

UCU supports technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) processes through its collaboration with Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación (ANII) and Íthaka. Although UCU does not yet have a fully independent Technology Transfer Office (TTO), Íthaka provides guidance on:

  • Patent registration and IP rights.
  • Legal mentoring for student and faculty startups.
  • Seed fund competitions that include IP advisory services.

In 2024, UCU launched new training modules on IP law, startup financing, and innovation contracts, strengthening its role as a facilitator of technology transfer in Uruguay’s academic ecosystem.

Facilitating university-industry collaboration

UCU actively connects students and faculty with industry partners. Collaboration channels include:

  • Íthaka Mentoring Program, linking projects with industry experts.
  • Ignis Convoca, encouraging participation in international innovation contests.
  • IdeasLab, a pre-incubation program to validate business models.
  • Circular Opportunities, an initiative to support sustainable business models.

Employment and career integration:

  • Career Fair (Feria Laboral), the largest in the country, where 80+ companies meet UCU students annually.
  • UCU Job Portal (since 2023), matching students with internships and jobs.
  • Professional practices in Engineering, Communication, Medicine, and Business, often developed with companies as final projects.

Academic–industry innovation:

  • Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII) supports senior-year entrepreneurship projects.
  • “Challenges” courses in Computer Science (team-based solutions to real problems in 3-week sprints).
  • Graduate School Capstone Program, requiring every graduate student to engage in applied professional practice.

These collaborations ensure UCU graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary teamwork and market challenges.

Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship

Faculty are actively encouraged to integrate innovation in both teaching and research. The Ludus Center supports professors in adopting project-based learning, digital transformation, and AI in education, offering training and certification programs.

Professors also act as mentors within Íthaka’s programs, guiding student startups in legal, financial, and technical aspects. Several UCU faculty members are themselves entrepreneurs or serve as consultants for companies, bringing industry expertise into the classroom.

Recent highlights (2023–2025):

  • Expansion of faculty mentoring networks in Íthaka programs.
  • Faculty-led applied research projects with direct commercialization potential.
  • Growth of interdisciplinary teaching teams, e.g., Medicine + Engineering in health-tech projects.
  • Launch of faculty innovation workshops in sustainable business and circular economy.

This culture empowers professors to explore entrepreneurial pathways, while also creating role models who inspire students to pursue their own ventures.

Facilitating university-industry collaboration

The Universidad Católica del Uruguay (UCU) fosters strong connections between academia and industry, ensuring that students, faculty, and alumni engage with real-world organizations, businesses, and markets. Collaboration is promoted through structured programs, mentoring, fairs, and work-practice opportunities.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

UCU integrates entrepreneurship with industry via several flagship programs:

  • Íthaka Mentoring Program: Supports students, faculty, and alumni in developing business ideas and transforming them into startups. Each year, eight projects are selected and paired with expert mentors, including 25 academic staff members. The program also includes access to seed funds and legal mentoring from UCU professors.
  • Ignis Convoca Program: Encourages participation in regional and international competitions, connecting students with global innovation networks.
  • IdeasLab (pre-incubation program): Provided training, mentoring, and validation for early-stage ventures, laying the foundation for UCU’s incubation culture.
  • Circular Opportunities: Although no longer active, this initiative trained entrepreneurs addressing social and environmental problems, leaving a legacy of socially responsible innovation within Íthaka.

Job Opportunities and Career Integration

UCU facilitates student access to the labor market through multiple initiatives:

  • Feria Laboral: An annual career fair bringing together more than 80 companies from diverse sectors, providing information and direct hiring opportunities for UCU students.
  • UCU Job Portal (since 2023): An online platform where students upload CVs and apply to internships and jobs tailored to their skills.
  • On-campus internships: Opportunities for students to gain experience in administration, research centers, and technical support within the University itself.

Work-Practice Opportunities

UCU emphasizes interdisciplinary and transversal education, preparing students for today’s job market, which demands teamwork across diverse disciplines rather than isolated specialization.

  • Most degrees include mandatory internships in external companies, particularly in senior years.
  • Certain programs invite students to carry out joint projects with companies and academic staff, such as audiovisual production, business consulting, and content creation.
  • The Engineering Department, supported by the Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII), allows senior students to complete an entrepreneurship-focused final project.
  • Computer Science “Challenges” courses: Three-week innovation sprints where teams propose solutions to real societal or business problems.
  • Graduate School Capstone Program: A compulsory applied project for all graduate students, directly connecting them to professional practice and industry partners.

Through these initiatives, UCU consolidates itself as a bridge between academia and industry, promoting innovation, employability, and the entrepreneurial spirit among its students and faculty.

Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts

The Uruguayan government has been strengthening the startup ecosystem through the National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII) and the National Development Agency (ANDE). Both institutions play a central role in funding, mentoring, and supporting innovation initiatives in Uruguay. ANII provides grants for research projects, national and international postgraduate scholarships, and programs that foster an entrepreneurial culture in both public and private sectors. ANDE focuses on sustainable economic development with social equity and territorial balance.

UCU, through the Íthaka Center, is recognized as an official Sponsoring Institution of Entrepreneurship (Institución Patrocinadora de Emprendimientos – IPE) before ANII and ANDE. Thanks to this recognition, Íthaka’s pre-incubated entrepreneurs gain access to capital and resources to validate and scale their ideas.

Íthaka also runs competitions such as Tecnolog and Kenn S. George, which provide teams with workshops, mentoring, and seed capital for the winning projects. These initiatives have positioned UCU as one of the most active universities in fostering early-stage entrepreneurship in Uruguay.

Since 2023, Íthaka has partnered with Municipio CH, ANDE, and the Ministry of Interior in the “Andrés Abt Entrepreneurs’ Sentry Boxes” project, which repurposes disused police booths into spaces for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. This project not only generates new job opportunities but also contributes to urban renewal and community integration.

UCU’s Strategic Plan for the Future

Aligned with its Strategic Plan 2025, UCU commits to fostering sustainable value creation in academia and society. The University’s priorities include becoming more innovative, inclusive, creative, and globally connected. UCU constantly reinvents itself through new degree programs, interdisciplinary approaches, and initiatives like the UCU Business School and global partnerships.

In this framework, UCU positions itself as a key contributor to Uruguay’s sustainable economic development, leveraging its academic excellence, innovation ecosystem, and community engagement to prepare professionals capable of addressing contemporary challenges.

Related Links

Universidad Católica del Uruguay Student Priorities

Fall 2017 Fellows

Julieta Caputo

Sofía Muñiz

Manuel Heslop

Victoria Ferrer

Fall 2018 Fellows 

Agustina Nacimiento

Brian Lorenzo

Maite Serantes

Malena Chiesa

Maria Josefina Martinez

Paola Cabrera

Fall 2019 Fellows

Gianni Martinelli

Julieta Mossian

Camila Massa

Juan Manuel Ave 

Sebastián Wilson

Verónica Sabella 

2019 UCU´s Canvas

Fall 2021 Fellows

Sofía Carballo

Carol Glass

Nicole Imbert

Sebastián Soto

Fall 2023 Fellows

Martin Silva

Alfonso Gesto

Sofia Souto

Camila D'Oliveira

Fall 2025 Fellows

Valentina Bartora Marchissio

Felipe Becoña

Leticia Juncal

Marco Montelatici ----

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