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

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[[File:LogoUCU.png|thumb|Logo UCU|link=Special:FilePath/LogoUCU.png]]
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== Overview ==
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[[File:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga.jpg|alt=|thumb|UCU Campus Montevideo]]
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[[File:Campus-UCU-PDE.jpg|thumb|UCU Campus Punta del Este|link=Special:FilePath/Campus-UCU-PDE.jpg]]
  
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<span style="font-size:small;">Universidad Católica del Uruguay (UCU) was initially founded in 1882 by the first Archbishop of Montevideo, Mons. Mariano Soler. In 1985, it was reopened and entrusted to the Compañia de Jesus making Universidad Católica del Uruguay, the first main work of the Catholic Church in the field of higher education in Uruguay. It is the private’s first and oldest university in the country and most geographically widespread.</span>
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==<span id="docs-internal-guid-40ef68fe-7fff-81af-3506-62f9f516a9c1"><span style="font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overview</span></span>==
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The '''Universidad Católica del Uruguay (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.
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Universidad Católica del Uruguay has 7 different faculties:</span></span>
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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.
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Business Science</span>
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The university also operates several specialized centers, such as:
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Human Science</span>
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*'''Íthaka Center''' (Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
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*'''Ludus Center''' (Educational Innovation).
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*'''Agora Center''' (Leadership and Public Life).
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*'''Ignis Center''' (Research on Digital Culture and Communication).
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*'''University Health Clinics''' (Primary Care and Community Health).
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*'''Berit Center''' (Jewish Studies).
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Law School</span>
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UCU’s strategic orientation combines '''academic rigor, internationalization, sustainability, and innovation''', aligning with Jesuit values of service and leadership.
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Nursing and Health Technologies</span>
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==Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship==
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.
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Main initiatives include:
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Engineering and Technologies</span>
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*'''Hackathon “Suma Innovación a tu Carrera”''', awarding scholarships to high school students through innovation challenges.
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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.
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*'''Innovation Community''' (since 2020), a student-driven initiative to solve campus challenges.
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*'''Podcast “Onda Emprendedora”''' and open sessions with local entrepreneurs.
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*'''“Intervalos” Project''', live student interviews with CEOs and business leaders.
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Odontology</span>
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Between 2023 and 2025, Íthaka launched additional programs:
  
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<span style="font-size:small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Faculty of Psychology</span>
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*''Potenciá Gastronomía'': training and networking for culinary entrepreneurs.
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*''Mujeres que Construyen'': supporting women in construction and design industries.
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*''Capacitaciones EDMP'': training in entrepreneurial design and management practices.
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*''Emprendimiento que Quiere Crecer'': accelerator program for scaling startups.
  
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== <span style="font-size:x-large;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Entrepreneurship</span></span></span> ==
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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.
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<div></div>
 
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Universidad Católica del Uruguay is known for its growing number of student who consider themselves entrepreneurs. Some students waited until graduation or completing their Masters and some started while on their careers.</span>
 
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">A group of entrepreneurs that came out of UCU are Dardo de León, Alejandro Hernández and Soledad Marzoa -students of fifth year of Industrial Engineering- whom, as part of their final career work, wanted to implement the project "Composting and recycling as alternatives for the recovery of solid waste generated by the company Unilever Uruguay". They got the help of T.RES.OR (plant of the Intendencia de Montevideo), Unilever y SIAC (manufacturer of industrial equipment) and financed by The National Agency of Innovation and Investigation (ANII)</span>
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==Actively supporting the university technology transfer function==
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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:
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Ruben Deleon, with </span>Gabriel Vicente and Diego Medina, for their final career work, developed a prototype of intelligent atomizer so as to not waste the chemical applied in fruit trees. The development was carried out jointly with INIA (National Institute of Agricultural Institute), a support that was gained with the help of &nbsp;the Innovation and Engineering Center of the Universidad Católica del Uruguay. Currently Ruben and Gabriel, together with the Faculty of Agronomy of Universidad de la República and INIA, presented a proposal to continue the project through the INNOVAGRO fund.
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*'''Patent registration''' and IP rights.
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*'''Legal mentoring''' for student and faculty startups.
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*'''Seed fund competitions''' that include IP advisory services.
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Universidad Católica del Uruguay, apart from commercial innovation, is making impact on the social-wellbeing of the society as the project "Hidden sources of vulnerability and inequality: daily accessibility by public transport in localities of the inland of Uruguay", which will be presented by Dr. Diego Hernández, professor of the Department of Social and Political Sciences, together with economist Martín Hansz. It’s &nbsp;financing was obtained by the National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII), and will be operational starting from November. This means that the study will bring ground information to work onwards since it calculates the accessibility indicators by locality that will allow to know the territorial inequality. Moreover the project will identify the zones and the profile of the most vulnerable localities and people.</span>
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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.
  
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== <span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship</span> ==
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==Facilitating university-industry collaboration==
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<div></div>
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UCU actively connects students and faculty with industry partners. Collaboration channels include:
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">There are spaces in the University that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, stimulating students to carry on with their passion and dreams to make them materialized, to make them real. Some of these spaces are:</span>
 
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Cowork Space by Universidad Católica with the support of Santander Bank. </span>The space allows students to meet to study and work on the development of common projects or ideas.
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*'''Íthaka Mentoring Program''', linking projects with industry experts.
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*'''Ignis Convoca''', encouraging participation in international innovation contests.
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*'''IdeasLab''', a pre-incubation program to validate business models.
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*'''Circular Opportunities''', an initiative to support sustainable business models.
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Nexo - Entrepreneur Development Center. </span>The objective of Nexo is to promote the realization of business ideas and start up of companies created by students, graduates and postgraduates of the Universidad Católica del Uruguay (UCU), offering a wide range of services and supports.<br/>The service as a pre-incubator, includes collaboration in the design and development of business models of new enterprises through guidance as well as access to a support network for the start-up of the same, consultation and advice of experts in areas access to sources of funding. Its scope is for all the faculties of the UCU and the Network of Institutions to support the entrepreneurial activity.
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Employment and career integration:
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Center for Support to Business Innovation (CAIE). The support of the CAIE aims to reduce or eliminate the constraints that the entrepreneur encounters when transforming his innovative ideas. It is carried out through methodologies of simple application and high practical impact.</span>
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*'''Career Fair (Feria Laboral)''', the largest in the country, where 80+ companies meet UCU students annually.
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*'''UCU Job Portal''' (since 2023), matching students with internships and jobs.
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*Professional practices in '''Engineering, Communication, Medicine, and Business''', often developed with companies as final projects.
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Through the CAIE, the UCU offers companies support to improve their innovative capacity, through advice provided by highly experienced professionals and support to facilitate access to cofinancing by ANII.</span>
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Academic–industry innovation:
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">The Center for Innovation and Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering and Technologies (CII in Spanish) is a platform aimed for fostering the innovation and entrepreneurship skills of students, graduates and teachers. Since 2014, the CII in the UCU provides support and guidance to students with an entrepreneurial spirit in the different areas of Engineering; supports the development of technological projects with innovative potential, encouraging the rapprochement with the productive sector, and the creation of dynamic companies based on products or technological services by students.</span>
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*'''Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII)''' supports senior-year entrepreneurship projects.
 +
*'''“Challenges” courses''' in Computer Science (team-based solutions to real problems in 3-week sprints).
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*'''Graduate School Capstone Program''', requiring every graduate student to engage in applied professional practice.
  
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== <span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">University Technology Transfer Function</span> ==
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These collaborations ensure UCU graduates are prepared for '''interdisciplinary teamwork and market challenges'''.
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<div></div>
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</div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">UCU doesn't have a University Technology Transfer office but it is a specialist on the issue concerning intellectual property. Everything done in the university, belongs to them. So, if a student or a professor needs information they would need to ask for it.</span>
 
  
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== <span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">University - Industry Collaboration</span> ==
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==Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship==
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<div></div>
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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.
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">The UCU is facilitating their relation to the industry through NEXO, </span>National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII) and the Cowork Santander. The Entrepreneur Development Center (NEXO) and The Center for Innovation and Engineering (CII) are where ideas materialize. As in the section Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurs, the students, graduates or postgraduates are guided and supported to develop their business ideas and start up. They foster the innovation and encourages the creation of vigorous companies centered in products or services.They help students with the first phase so as to present the prototype to National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII) and to ANDE to finance it. ANDE is the acronym in spanish for the National Development Agency. Their purpose is to contribute in the economic development in Uruguay through efficient and transparent programs, with special emphasis on the promotion of micro, small and medium businesses. ANDE and ANII are important instruments in funding and UCU is assisting and helping students to acquire those fundings. Moreover NEXO also has various funds to gain seed capital to advance the idea into a reality.
 
  
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Also,</span> the university has partnerships with distinctive industries and businesses. Depending on the career, there are internships to help the students face reality, know how to interact with the work environment and assess their career.
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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 con<span></span>su<span></span>lta<span></span>nts for companies, bringing industry expertise into the classroom.
  
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== <span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Regional and Local Economic Development</span> ==
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Recent highlights (2023–2025):
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<div></div>
 
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Uruguayan government is helping the startup industry flourish by implementing these institutions </span>National Agency of Research and Innovation (ANII) and National Development Agency (ANDE). Enhancing this, the Co work spaces and the special Centers dedicated in supporting students, postgraduates and graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit are an important base in the progress of the realization of ideas.
 
  
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== <span style="font-size:x-large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ea94ca3d-a7b1-3043-7c15-16dab3054369">Writen By</span></span> ==
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*Expansion of '''faculty mentoring networks''' in Íthaka programs.
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<div></div>
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*Faculty-led applied research projects with direct commercialization potential.
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[[Julieta Caputo|Julieta Caputo]]
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*Growth of '''interdisciplinary teaching teams''', e.g., Medicine + Engineering in health-tech projects.
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*Launch of '''faculty innovation workshops''' in sustainable business and circular economy.
  
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[[Sofía Muñiz Irazabal|Sofía Muñiz]]
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This culture empowers professors to explore entrepreneurial pathways, while also creating role models who inspire students to pursue their own ventures.
  
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[[Manuel heslop|Manuel Heslop]]
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==Facilitating university-industry collaboration==
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<div>[[Category:Schools]]
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[[Category:Universidad_Católica_del_Uruguay]]
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[[Category:Universities]]
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[[Category:Schools]]
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[[Category:Universidad_Católica_del_Uruguay]]
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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.
  
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[[Victoria Ferrer|Victoria Ferrer]]
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===Innovation & Entrepreneurship===
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UCU integrates entrepreneurship with industry via several flagship programs:
  
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*'''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.
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*'''Ignis Convoca Program''': Encourages participation in '''regional and international competitions''', connecting students with global innovation networks.
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*'''IdeasLab (pre-incubation program)''': Provided training, mentoring, and validation for early-stage ventures, laying the foundation for UCU’s incubation culture.
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*'''Circular Opportunities''': Although no longer active, this initiative trained entrepreneurs addressing '''social and environmental problems''', leaving a legacy of socially responsible innovation within Íthaka.
  
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==  ==
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===Job Opportunities and Career Integration===
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UCU facilitates student access to the labor market through multiple initiatives:
 +
 
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*'''Feria Laboral''': An annual career fair bringing together more than 80 companies from diverse sectors, providing information and direct hiring opportunities for UCU students.
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*'''UCU Job Portal''' (since 2023): An online platform where students upload CVs and apply to internships and jobs tailored to their skills.
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*'''On-campus internships''': Opportunities for students to gain experience in administration, research centers, and technical support within the University itself.
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===Work-Practice Opportunities===
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UCU emphasizes '''interdisciplinary and transversal education''', preparing students for today’s job market, which demands teamwork across diverse disciplines rather than isolated specialization.
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*Most degrees include '''mandatory internships''' in external companies, particularly in senior years.
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*Certain programs invite students to carry out '''joint projects with companies and academic staff''', such as audiovisual production, business consulting, and content creation.
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*The '''Engineering Department''', supported by the '''Engineering Promotion Fund (ANII)''', allows senior students to complete an '''entrepreneurship-focused final project'''.
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*'''Computer Science “Challenges” courses''': Three-week innovation sprints where teams propose solutions to real societal or business problems.
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*'''Graduate School Capstone Program''': A compulsory applied project for all graduate students, directly connecting them to professional practice and industry partners.
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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.
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</div>
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==Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts==
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<div style="text-align: justify;">[[Category:Universities]]
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[[Category:Schools]]
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[[Category:Universidad_Católica_del_Uruguay]]
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[[Category:Universities]]
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[[Category:Schools]]
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[[Category:Universidad_Católica_del_Uruguay]]
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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.
 +
 
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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.
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 +
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.
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 +
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.
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 +
===UCU’s Strategic Plan for the Future===
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Aligned with its '''Strategic Plan 2025''', UCU commits to fostering 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 such as the '''UCU Business School''' and international partnerships.
 +
 
 +
Looking ahead, UCU is preparing to reinforce this commitment through the creation of a '''Vice-Rectorate for Innovation''', which will unify and expand all entrepreneurial, technological, and creative initiatives within the institution. This new structure will act as a transversal axis across faculties, ensuring that innovation is not only a support area but also a '''core element of the university’s identity'''.
 +
 
 +
By consolidating a dedicated Vice-Rectorate for Innovation, UCU seeks to accelerate its growth, attract international collaborations, and position itself as a '''regional benchmark in innovation-driven higher education'''. This initiative will strengthen collaboration with industry, foster research commercialization, and empower students and faculty to lead projects with real and lasting impact.<br />
 +
</div>
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==Related Links==
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 +
[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay Universidad Católica del Uruguay S][http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Universidad_Católica_del_Uruguay_Student_Priorities tudent Priorities]
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'''Fall 2017 Fellows'''
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[http://universityinnovation.org/Julieta%20Caputo Julieta Caputo]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/Sof%C3%ADa%20Mu%C3%B1iz%20Irazabal Sofía Muñiz]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/Manuel%20heslop Manuel Heslop]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/Victoria%20Ferrer Victoria Ferrer]
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'''Fall 2018 Fellows'''&nbsp;
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Agustina_Nacimiento Agustina Nacimiento]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Brian_Lorenzo Brian Lorenzo]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Maite_serantes Maite Serantes]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Malena_chiesa Malena Chiesa]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Mar%C3%ADa_Josefina_Mart%C3%ADnez Maria Josefina Martinez]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Paola_cabrera Paola Cabrera]
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'''Fall 2019 Fellows'''
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Gianni_martinelli Gianni Martinelli]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Julieta_mossian Julieta Mossian]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Camila_massa Camila Massa]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_Ave Juan Manuel Ave]&nbsp;
 +
 
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Sebastian_Wilson Sebastián Wilson]
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[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Veronica_sabella Verónica Sabella]&nbsp;
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[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1q6wjHNFnR5etkWrzcCpvtXB8_t3igxS2ebtZavTtm7M/edit?usp=sharing 2019 UCU´s Canvas]
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'''Fall 2021 Fellows'''
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Sofia_Carballo Sofía Carballo]
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Carol_Glass_(2021) Carol Glass]
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Nicole_Imbert Nicole Imbert]
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Sebasti%C3%A1n_Soto_Mira Sebastián Soto]
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'''Fall 2023 Fellows'''
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Martin_Silva Martin Silva]
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Alfonso_Gesto Alfonso Gesto]
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Sof%C3%ADa_Souto Sofia Souto]
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[https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Fellow:Camila_D%27Oliveira Camila D'Oliveira]
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'''Fall 2025 Fellows'''
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[[Fellow:Valentina Bartora Marchissio|Valentina Bartora Marchissio]]
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[[Fellow:Felipe Becoña|Felipe Becoña]]
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[[Fellow:Leticia Juncal|Leticia Juncal]]
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[[Fellow:Marco Montelatici|Marco Montelatici]] {{CatTree|Universidad_Católica_del_Uruguay}}<big><div style="border-top-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 2px; border-color: #a7d7f8; background-image: linear-gradient(#f7fafd, #cee7f8);">
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<span style="margin-left: 10px;">'''Related links'''</span>
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Latest revision as of 22:25, 13 September 2025

Logo UCU
UCU Campus Montevideo
UCU Campus Punta del Este

Overview

The Universidad Católica del Uruguay (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 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 such as the UCU Business School and international partnerships.

Looking ahead, UCU is preparing to reinforce this commitment through the creation of a Vice-Rectorate for Innovation, which will unify and expand all entrepreneurial, technological, and creative initiatives within the institution. This new structure will act as a transversal axis across faculties, ensuring that innovation is not only a support area but also a core element of the university’s identity.

By consolidating a dedicated Vice-Rectorate for Innovation, UCU seeks to accelerate its growth, attract international collaborations, and position itself as a regional benchmark in innovation-driven higher education. This initiative will strengthen collaboration with industry, foster research commercialization, and empower students and faculty to lead projects with real and lasting impact.

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 ----

Related links

▼ Universidad Católica del Uruguay
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2013 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2013 Spring cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2014 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2014 Spring cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2015 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2015 Spring cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2016 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2016 Spring cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2017 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2017 Spring cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2018 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2018 Spring cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2019 Fall cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2021 cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2022 cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2023 cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2024 cohort)
► Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2025 cohort)
  Faculty Champion:Maria Noel Ferrer
  Faculty Champion:María Noel Ferrer
  School:Universidad Católica del Uruguay
  Priorities:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Faculty Projects
  Priorities:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Student Priorities

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► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2018_Fall_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2018 Fall cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2018 Fall cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2018_Spring_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2018 Spring cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2018 Spring cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2019_Fall_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2019 Fall cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2019 Fall cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2021_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2021 cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2021 cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2022_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2022 cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2022 cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2023_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2023 cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2023 cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2024_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2024 cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2024 cohort)</a>
► <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs14 CategoryTreeLabelCategory' href='/wiki/Category:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_(2025_cohort)' title='Category:Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2025 cohort)'>Universidad Católica del Uruguay (2025 cohort)</a>
  <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs3762 CategoryTreeLabelPage' href='/wiki/Faculty_Champion:Maria_Noel_Ferrer' title='Faculty Champion:Maria Noel Ferrer'>Faculty Champion:Maria Noel Ferrer</a>
  <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs3762 CategoryTreeLabelPage' href='/wiki/Faculty_Champion:Mar%C3%ADa_Noel_Ferrer' title='Faculty Champion:María Noel Ferrer'>Faculty Champion:María Noel Ferrer</a>
  <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs3752 CategoryTreeLabelPage' href='/wiki/School:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay' title='School:Universidad Católica del Uruguay'>School:Universidad Católica del Uruguay</a>
  <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs3756 CategoryTreeLabelPage' href='/wiki/Priorities:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_Faculty_Projects' title='Priorities:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Faculty Projects'>Priorities:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Faculty Projects</a>
  <a class='CategoryTreeLabel CategoryTreeLabelNs3756 CategoryTreeLabelPage' href='/wiki/Priorities:Universidad_Cat%C3%B3lica_del_Uruguay_Student_Priorities' title='Priorities:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Student Priorities'>Priorities:Universidad Católica del Uruguay Student Priorities</a>





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