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The slogan
Each participant must identify a waste-related issue and develop an innovative, viable, and sustainable solution that will help improve waste management.
The proposal must apply the principles of the circular economy and explain how it could have a positive environmental, climate, and social impact. The ability to analyze, creativity, and clarity in communicating the idea will be evaluated.
The Awards
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80% Scholarship
The student who places first will receive an 80% scholarship, applicable to any ORT college degree program.
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50% Scholarship
The runner-up will receive a 50% scholarship, applicable to any ORT college degree program.
Who is eligible to participate?
The contest is open to students who, in 2026, will be enrolled in the 3rd year of Upper Secondary Education (EMS) at public or private educational institutions in Uruguay, or in the equivalent technical high school program at the University of Labor of Uruguay (UTU).
Participation is on an individual basis. Participants under the age of 18 must submit authorization from a legal guardian, while those of legal age must attach a photograph of their ID card. Immediate family members of employees of Universidad ORT Uruguay are not eligible to participate.
How do you apply?
You can apply until January 20, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
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Step 1: Registration
Fill out the application form with your information. If you are under 18, you must attach authorization from a legal guardian; if you are of legal age, attach a photo of your ID card.
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Step 2: Submission of the Proposal
Create a video up to three minutes long, upload it to YouTube using a public or private link, and include the link in the form. The link should not include your name.
Assessment criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by a jury convened by ORT. The jury will consider the following criteria:
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1. Introduction
The clarity, coherence, and quality of the proposal’s visual presentation will be evaluated. Creativity in communicating the idea and the ability to convey the message in an engaging and understandable way will also be assessed.
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2. Innovation
The degree of originality and creativity of the proposed solution will be considered, as well as its ability to offer a fresh perspective on the problem at hand. The innovation must be aligned with the contest’s theme and consistent with the proposal’s objectives.
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3. Impact
The proposal’s potential to generate positive environmental, social, and economic impacts will be evaluated should it be implemented or scaled up.
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4. Alignment with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development
The incorporation of circular economy principles will be evaluated. In addition, the proposal’s contribution to sustainable development will be considered.
Stages of the contest
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Registration
Participants must register using the online form at Universidad ORT Uruguay. Registration will be open from August 1 through January 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
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Virtual Workshop
An optional virtual workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., with the objectives of providing background information on the relationship between waste and climate change and addressing participants’ questions or concerns to guide them in developing their proposals.
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Announcement of the Winning Proposals
The winning proposals will be announced on Monday, February 8, 2027.
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Contest Advisor
Ms. Inés Tiscornia will be available to participants to provide guidance and answer questions as they develop their proposals. She is the Environmental Management and Sustainability Coordinator at Universidad ORT Uruguay and the Assistant Coordinator of the Biotechnology Laboratory at the School of Engineering.