At Innova Nation, we believe that meaningful change begins with a clear understanding of the systems we seek to transform. That’s why we’ve established a strategic partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) through its Strategic Intelligence platform—an innovative tool that allows users to explore the interconnections between global topics, industries, and emerging trends.
Through this collaboration, our students gain direct access to a powerful knowledge network that helps them develop systems thinking—a vital skill for leading with impact in an interconnected world. Using the platform, students learn to visualize interdependencies, understand root causes, and design more sustainable and innovative solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Throughout the year, and as part of this alliance, the WEF has delivered specialized workshops for our educational community. These sessions focus on how to promote systems thinking from an early age and how to effectively use the Strategic Intelligence platform. These trainings have been essential in helping students and educators integrate this tool with purpose into their entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability projects.
Together, we are shaping a new generation of changemakers—equipped to anticipate challenges, connect ideas, and build the future today.
Here are some of the solutions and projects developed by the 2024 Cohort of Innova Nation students. These initiatives were designed within key industries such as health, energy, and education, and provided students with the opportunity to research, make real-world connections, and validate their ideas in practical settings.
Each project showcases how critical thinking, innovation, and sustainability can be powerful tools for solving global challenges—demonstrating the real impact that emerges when knowledge, creativity, and action come together.
Salivify
A smart pacifier that analyzes baby saliva using NAAT testing to provide an instant diagnosis. The non-invasive solution enables early detection of viruses and bacteria. AI-powered analysis examines DNA and RNA in saliva and compares patterns with a medical database. Real-time results are provided to parents via an app, along with personalized recommendations, and direct access to pediatricians. Salivify helps prevent unnecessary hospital congestion, allowing pediatricians to focus on urgent cases.
Team: Carolina Feliu, Daniel Feliu and María Victoria Sáenz
Daivergent
DAIVERGENT leverages AI and VR to create adaptive, multi-sensory learning experiences, allowing neurodivergent students to engage in a customized, interactive education that meets their unique needs.
Team: Edilberto Moreno and Juan Felipe Rabat
Hydrogrid
HydroGrid transforms water pipes into sources of renewable energy by installing microturbines that convert hydraulic pressure into electricity without affecting the water supply. Using IoT sensors and AI algorithms, the solution optimizes energy generation in real time, ensuring efficiency, predictive maintenance, and reduced costs.
Team: Victoria Vargas, Verdi Villanueva and André Ruiz
ManGO Read
ManGO Read is a gamified educational app that enhances reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creativity through interactive challenges and an immersive approach. Its technology includes gamification by unlocking chapters, rewards, and rankings to motivate reading.Through AI, it adjusts difficulty and recommends personalized books. Its Audiobooks, highlighted text, and bilingual support (English and Spanish) for readers with dyslexia or ADHD. SDG Alignment: Stories and activities linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting social awareness.
Team: Isabella Cahill, Nicole Cahill
Radshield
RadShield is a radiation protection shield that generates energy and provides real-time monitoring. It offers advanced absorption using modified melanin, graphene, and tungsten to neutralize radiation. It transforms ionizing particles into usable electricity. It’s ultralight and flexible, more efficient than other materials without adding weight or thickness.RADFET offers a real-time measurement with sensors and predictive AI track exposure and optimize protection.
Team: Irving Rodríguez, María José Escobar
OxyGen (they will be competing at the Conrad Challenge/NASA Space Center Houston this April)
An autonomous machine that generates oxygen in hospitals using carbon capture and artificial photosynthesis, eliminates reliance on costly cylinder transport.
It uses innovative technology that uses DACC carbon capture and a copper oxide catalyst to convert CO₂ into medical oxygen and methanol. It utilizes renewable energy, powered by solar panels and an energy storage system. AI and sensors ensure efficiency and preventive maintenance.
Team: Tvisha Kamdar, Ashley Chen, Alejandra Pinzón, Suryansh Rawat
Enova
ENOVA: Smart biodigesters that transform organic waste into clean energy. Its sensors monitor and adjust conditions in real-time, maximizing biogas production and efficiency. Methane-to-electricity conversion: Reduces emissions and generates sustainable power. Although it is designed for large industries, agriculture, it could be utilized even in homes, making it accessible at multiple levels. Includes circular economy model: Produces organic fertilizer as a byproduct, reducing agricultural costs.
Team: Paula Mendoza, Keyla Wong, Jahir Zurdo
Coral Relief
Coral-Relief is a biotechnology startup that leverages synthetic biology to enhance coral resilience against climate change. Through genetic modification of the beneficial microalgae and bacteria within corals, the company reduces oxidative stress and improves heat tolerance, preventing coral bleaching and reef degradation. Unlike traditional methods, Coral-Relief designs resilience at the cellular level, providing a long-term solution.The company offers a comprehensive coral restoration service that includes the development and transplantation of enhanced coral polyps into degraded reefs, ensuring their long-term survival. Additionally, it utilizes remote sensing and machine learning to monitor coral health, predict bleaching events, and strategically restore the most affected areas. Its business model integrates B2B partnerships with NGOs and companies committed to sustainability.
Team: María José Sepúlveda, Sofía Brezzi, Ricardo Sánchez
Mentors and coaches: Marc Oliveras, Gabriel Holness, Gilberto Arias, Nicole Lasso, Hilel Khafif, Rolando Gittens, Alex Marroquín, Glenn Tjon, María Alejandra Jaen, Karin Sempf