2025-cohort, 2025-cohort-mentor
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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>==
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 '''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for early-stage ventures, laying the foundation for UCU’s incubation culture.* '''Circular Opportunities''': Although no longer active, this initiative trained entrepreneurs addressing '''social and environmental problems''', leaving a legacy of socially responsible innovation within Íthaka.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.
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.