University professionals presented their proposals to shopping mall leaders to address the challenges posed by other business models with a strong online focus. This was made possible by the Business Innovation Challenge, an event organized by the Graduate School of Business at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
The goal was to apply the innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial skills of young talent to a real-world business situation and connect this potential with decision-makers in the industry.
The challenge took place on March 25, 2019, at ORT’s Pocitos Campus. The four finalist teams presented their ideas to a judging panel consisting of Carolina Lecueder of the Luis E. Lecueder firm, Carolina De León, marketing manager at Montevideo Shopping, Luis Silva Domingo, academic coordinator of ORT’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, and Mauricio Oppenheimer, general manager of Punta Carretas Shopping.
First place went to the team of Marcelo Carretto and Daniell Flain, who won a 40% scholarship to pursue a graduate degree at the School of Management and Social Sciences; second place went to Carolina Chairie and Sofía Camaño, who received a 30% scholarship, and third place was a tie between the team of Matías Amarillo and Inés Sosa and the team of Florencia Vidiella and Victoria Brum, who each received a 20% scholarship.
“Ideas can come from anywhere. You’re working on something every day, and suddenly you get an idea from someone in a different field that might be really good,” said Carolina Lecueder. “Are they applicable? While it takes time to bring an idea to fruition, yes, I think so.”
“This activity is incredibly valuable because it forces us to reflect on where we stand, what challenges we need to address in our companies, and what paths we should take by applying innovation and technology. That’s truly invaluable,” said Carolina De León. “What surprises me is that the challenges they’re raising are the very same ones we deal with on a daily basis—and the ones we’re currently trying to find solutions for.”
Oppenheimer also noted that the situation the participants face is similar to giving a presentation to senior management. “Young people always challenge you to look toward new technologies, new ways of thinking, and the new consumer, so after listening to the groups, you come away with fresh ideas that have a lot to do with new technologies— technologies that all companies are learning to apply, especially when it comes to digitizing the processes we manage in our companies.”
Finally, Marcelo Carretto, a member of the first-place winning team, said: “I found the activity really interesting—a motivating idea for everyone, both those of us in the field and those who aren’t. The activity presented several challenges for the teams: finding something we enjoyed working on, and coming up with a solution that was motivating, interesting, innovative, and groundbreaking.”
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