On December 11, the Science Park at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Campus de Tafira) became the epicentre of innovation during the final competition of the CLAB ULPGC program. This flagship initiative, part of the European project EXPER, marked the culmination of an entrepreneurial journey designed to inspire and retain talent in the Canary Islands, Spain.
Months of hard work and dedication led to this moment, as participants showcased their innovative business ideas, guided by mentors, industry experts, and cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence. Inspired by the successful Contamination Lab (CLAB) model from the University of Calabria, the ULPGC edition aimed to develop entrepreneurial skills among students, recent graduates, and researchers while fostering critical thinking and a multidisciplinary approach.
The competition featured four groups presenting their projects to an expert jury in concise five-minute pitches. After a highly competitive decision-making process, the winning team, “Safewotah,” impressed the panel with their groundbreaking solution for the hospitality industry. This project focuses on electronic devices that monitor water consumption in hotel rooms, detecting leaks and encouraging sustainable practices through customer incentives such as discounts and loyalty rewards. The proposal not only promises significant water savings for hotels but also addresses the increasing demand from eco-conscious travelers for sustainable initiatives.
The other finalists also brought forward creative and ambitious ideas. “Canarias Retro” proposed an initiative to preserve and promote the cultural and historical heritage of the Canary Islands. “Gran Venture” presented a digital platform designed to enhance the tourism experience by offering tailored services. Meanwhile, “ScanMyCity” introduced an app to optimise urban traffic flow by improving traffic light efficiency.
The event also included a compelling roundtable discussion titled “Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit at Universities,” where panellists shared inspiring success stories. Lucía López Orta, CEO of Lugar Gestión Cultural, highlighted her experience launching a digital humanities startup, emphasising the potential for entrepreneurship in non-traditional fields. Carlos Mata Rodríguez, founder of Fast Free Lane, recounted his journey from a decade in private banking to creating a revolutionary swimming training device that uses projected visual cues to help athletes improve their pace.
As part of their prize, the winners of CLAB ULPGC, Safewotah, will participate in a study exchange at the University of Calabria. This opportunity will enable them to refine their business concept, learn from successful CLAB alumni, and expand their professional networks.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the European project EXPER. With the support of experts in innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, the program has demonstrated its commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and equipping future leaders with the tools they need to succeed.
As CLAB ULPGC participants move forward, their projects stand as shining examples of the transformative power of entrepreneurial education and international collaboration.
