In the early days, they received support and encouragement from the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Universidad ORT Uruguay. These awards are organized by ANII (the National Agency for Research and Innovation).
HPS Gaming, founded by Marcelo Duarte—a graduate of the Software Analyst program at Universidad ORT Uruguay—and Pablo Baldi, received the award in the "ICT" category. In 2010, the company had been recognized at that year's Nova Awards as the Innovative Company of the Year. The company is currently dedicated to the research and development of new products for the casino industry.
Kizanaro, founded by Krikor Attarian and Estéfano Zammarelli, graduates of the Bachelor’s Degree in Systems, won the award in the “Services” category. It provides technology services applied to sports that enable the delivery of information and statistical data based on real-time or recorded video. With high-tech products, it offers rapid visualization and analysis of matches, providing information on team performance and player performance through customized video highlights.
Paganza, founded by Marcelo Lanfranconi, a graduate of the Systems Engineering program, and Leonardo Vernazza, a Computer Engineer from the University of the Republic, won the award in the "Startups" category. It offers a solution for monthly utility payments via smartphones. It performs a controlled debit from the user’s bank account and processes the bill through existing payment channels.
Dr. Patricia Corbo, Academic Secretary of the School of Engineering, attended the awards ceremony on behalf of the university.