The Talent and Innovation Challenges of the Americas (TIC Americas) of the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) provides a platform of opportunities for young entrepreneurs to create and grow their business ideas. The competition goes beyond the development of a business plan to include support, follow-up, with opportunities for international visibility, networking, and market access.
In 2011, Chilean Ricardo Mansilla Chávez (at left) won the award for Best Innovation in the culture area. He is a computer engineer from Ancud, Chiloé, in the south of Chile. His company Click Educa (Click Education and Services Limited) is an educational technology company established in mid 2010 that aims to develop innovative solutions through the use of technology, engineering, information technology and communication. He is the author of his proprietary software platform used by both students and teachers and projects that in 2012 more than 30,000 students in the country will be using his platform. He stated that winning the TIC award brought him tremendous exposure on an international level and encourages everyone to apply.
TIC Americas 2012, brings several categories of awards:
• Talent and Innovation Awards: business and social projects that demonstrate talent and innovation in the proposal or business strategy. TIC Americas will present awards in 7 different categories.
• Eco-Challenge Awards: social or business projects that offer innovative solutions to environmental problems. Eco-Challenge Awards are a joint initiative of YABT and PepsiCo seeking sustainable solutions to meet environmental problems through two Eco-Challenges: (1) Create an environmental culture through your business idea (2) Solve an environmental issue through your business
• National Awards: To be announced.
TIC Americas Awards include cash, incubation and internship opportunities, business promotion, and access to YABT networks. Awards are in the following categories: E-Business, Creative Design, Tradition and Culture, Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, New Markets, Environmental Conservation and Green Business.
