Universities as platforms for sustainable innovation

Session Presenters:

Guadalupe Rodríguez Walker, Professor in Sustainability, Universidad Siglo 21 (leader).
Pablo Manzano, Professor in Entrepreneurship and New Economies, Universidad Siglo 21 (co-presenter).
Remy Balarezo, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Piura (invited Co-presenter).

Session Type and Duration:

Interactive Workshop — 45 minutes

Connection to the Summit Theme:

Preserving the Planet: Universities can empower sustainable entrepreneurs by activating technology verticals and embedding impact evaluation into venture development.

Session Abstract:

Universities are uniquely positioned to become platforms for sustainable entrepreneurship, enabling students to develop AgTech and ClimateTech solutions that directly contribute to environmental transformation. This 60-minute interactive workshop demonstrates how universities can activate technology verticals that support innovation aligned with SDGs and ESG criteria.

The session is intended to promote sustainability-oriented ventures that address water efficiency, precision agriculture, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems, emphatizing how universities can catalyze technology adoption and accelerate real-world impact.

Participants will then learn the Sustainable Venture Impact Framework, a practical and adaptable assessment tool for evaluating and improving the environmental and social performance of student ventures.

To ensure hands-on learning with large audiences (up to 80 participants), attendees will collaborate in small groups organized by institutional similarity or interest (4–6 people per cluster).

CASE PACK

Choose one case at your table or evaluate all three in rotation.
Take 10 minutes to apply the Framework to your case. Record scores + improvements in the notes fields.

CASE A — Kilimo

AgTech, Córdoba
Water-smart irrigation using AI and data analytics. Kilimo provides irrigation recommendations based on satellite imagery, climate data and crop modeling. By combining agronomic science and cloud analytics, it enables farmers to irrigate only when and where needed, achieving strong economic and environmental results. Founded in Córdoba, Argentina, it is now adopted in several Latin American agricultural regions.

Key value:

Reduces water consumption by 20–40%.
Improves yields and lowers costs.
Contributes to climate adaptation in drought-affected regions.

Challenge Question: How can Kilimo expand accessibility and adoption among smallholder farmers who may lack connectivity, digital skills, or financial capacity to adopt data-driven tools? Relevant SDGs: 6 Clean Water & Sanitation, 12 Responsible Consumption, 13 Climate Action. Primary impact dimension: Environmental + Social. Technology maturity: Data-driven SaaS with strong field validation. Visit Kilimo

CASE B — Agrohub

AgTech / BioTech, Córdoba
An innovation hub enabling biotechnology and precision agriculture solutions. Agrohub supports startups and projects that harness biotechnology, big data and precision tools to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce chemical dependency and promote sustainable food systems. Located in Córdoba, Argentina, it operates as a platform connecting research, startups, farmers and agribusiness to scale impactful solutions.

Key value:

Accelerates ag-bio innovations from lab to field.
Reduces agrochemical footprint via biological alternatives.
Builds collaborations across academia, industry and agriculture.

Challenge Question: How can Agrohub ensure its member ventures generate measurable sustainability outcomes (reduced inputs, increased yields, lower emissions) and demonstrate impact to investors and public-sector stakeholders? Relevant SDGs: 2 Zero Hunger, 12 Responsible Consumption, 15 Life on Land. Primary impact dimension: Environmental + Support Services. Technology maturity: Startup-ecosystem activation (support services + biotech). Visit Agrohub

CASE C — CarbonNeutral+

ClimateTech · Córdoba
Platform for measuring, reducing and compensating carbon footprints. CarbonNeutral+ offers a digital platform that enables organizations to measure their greenhouse-gas (GHG) footprint, reduce emissions via renewable energy certificates, and compensate residual emissions through certified carbon credits and reforestation projects. Operating in Córdoba, Argentina, and working with municipal entities, private companies and events, the company has demonstrated measurable climate impact at scale.

Key value:

Enables accurate carbon-footprint measurement via GHG Protocol-based tools.
Supports emission reduction and compensation via renewable-energy credits & native-forest reforestation projects.
Facilitates transparent reporting and accountability to stakeholders.

Challenge Question: How can CarbonNeutral+ scale its platform for student-led sustainability ventures, integrating educational institutions as active participants in measuring and reducing emissions while ensuring data transparency and impact verification? Relevant SDGs: 7 Affordable & Clean Energy; 9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure; 13 Climate Action. Primary impact dimension: Environmental + Governance. Technology maturity: Platform + services model; ready for ecosystem integration. Visit CarbonNeutral+

Check if your startup contributes to the fulfillment of any Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Measure ODS Impact

Sustainable Venture Impact Framework

A quick and easy diagnostic to evaluate student ventures or projects approaching universities and educational institutions.

Rate each dimension from 1 (Lowest) to 5 (Highest).
Fill out all 20 questions to get your final score.

Diagnostic Results

0 / 100

🌱 Bottom Line & Key Takeaways 🌍