The first-place winner received $3,000 to help launch her startup, Biolube, a feminine lubricant and moisturizer that contains bioactive ingredients designed to prevent urinary and vaginal infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
During the awards ceremony, which took place on August 31, 2021, at the official residence of the U.S. Embassy, two additional awards and a special mention were also presented:
- Valeria Duarte of Huellitas Snacks, winner ofthe second prize, was awarded future support from the CIE to help incubate her project.
- Andrea Herrera from 1087, winner ofthird prize, received support from the CIE for the pre-incubation of her project.
- Julia Tiscornia of Bilú Tienda de Diseño, who received a special mention, was awarded support from the CIE for the pre-incubation of her project.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs launched in May 2021 with more than 280 Uruguayan women entrepreneurs who applied from Montevideo and other parts of the country. The goal was to provide participants with the knowledge and tools they need to develop their own business plans.
The program also received support from the DreamBuilder Foundation in the United States. The classes, which were held online via the DreamBuilder platform, were led by Enrique Topolansky, director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Magalí Da Silva, a professor at Universidad ORT Uruguay.