Paraguayans Carmen Paredes, Martha Medina, and Maureen Montanía made history at the Innovators Under 35 LATAM Awards (IU35 LATAM). The award recognises the 35 most brilliant young minds in the region for their contributions to science, technology, and social transformation. The event, organised by Opinno and MIT Technology Review in Spanish, celebrated its 11th edition this year. Paraguay stood out as one of the top-ranking countries in terms of representation.
Turning waste into value
Among them, Carmen Paredes was chosen as the pioneer of the year 2025. Making it to the regional top 5, thanks to her leadership skills in Rukura, a start-up that transforms up to 90% of residual waste into usable resources for the circular economy.
“Such an honour to be recognised alongside outstanding entrepreneurs driven by innovation and technology, building ventures that are truly changing the world,” Paredes stated.
The 2025 edition of the IU35 reunites solutions that overtake biotechnology, health-based artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, education, and sustainability. Additionally, they are focusing on climate change, computing, space, technology, and society.
“These awards are proof that you can create meaningful change from anywhere, innovation has no borders. The best innovators and changemakers might be just around the corner.”
Fostering high intellectual potential through education
From the education category, Maureen Montanía was recognised for her work on the Aikumby center, the first and only specialised space for people with High Intellectual Potential (HIP) of Paraguay. The project has evaluated more than 3,205 people. Mostly training teachers in more than 40 schools and leading scientific investigations with the help of the CONACYT (National Council of Science and Technology). As well as including the National Map Talent 2.0 Project.
The Aikumby programme identifies talents across Paraguay and develops practical methods to detect and support students with High Intellectual Potential (HIP).
Financial inclusion from Innovators Under 35 LATAM
From the economic and technological field, Martha Medina, co-founder of Facto, was also recognised for promoting financial inclusion solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Her project addresses a structural issue due to the fact that more than half a percent of small and medium companies do not have access to formal credit. This is shown by the data from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Facto is a fintech company that operates as a factoring marketplace, connecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with investors who purchase the SMEs’ outstanding invoices.
This enables SMEs to obtain immediate liquidity access for their operations. The platform acts as a safe intermediary to complete these transactions. SMEs also upload their invoices, and investors compete with offers to buy them.
Opinno and MIT Technology Review in Spanish
MIT Technology Review is an independent media company. Founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1899, it explains the impact of new technologies. MIT Technology Review in Spanish is the version of MIT Technology Review in English. The media is a leading source of information on emerging technologies and innovation.
Also, the platform offers readers a space for debate and to share knowledge. In the meantime, companies can use it as a “showcase” for them to promote their projects or sponsor others.
A new generation of innovators
The achievements of Carmen Paredes, Maureen Montanía, and Martha Medina mark a milestone for Paraguay’s presence in regional innovation. Their projects demonstrate how scientific creativity, education, and technology can drive meaningful social transformation. Paraguay’s growing representation is a testament to a new generation of visionaries shaping the country’s future.
For more information on Paraguayans getting recognition around the world, check The Asuncion Times article on Paraguayan Antonio Yegros, the first non-Italian Pizza Maker to win two Guida Stars.
