Carlos Eduardo
Carlos Eduardo Astudillo Mina participated in Impact Week Colombia 2024 in Cali during which he worked alongside peers to develop innovative solutions to local challenges and received mentorship in creative problem-solving, team collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The experience proved transformative. Inspired by the methodologies and guidance provided, Carlos developed a strong interest in applying innovation to real-world problems. Shortly after the event, he pitched an idea for a pyrolysis reactor that converts used plastics into fuel and gases for the pharmaceutical industry. His pitch earned third place in a local innovation competition — a milestone that significantly boosted his confidence and visibility.
As a direct result of his performance and newfound mindset:
- Carlos was awarded a full scholarship to attend a summer program in Cartagena titled Global Management Trends in Emerging Economies, where he expanded his international network and gained new insights into global business and development.
- He secured his first full-time job at a reputable company, enabling him to support his family financially and work toward buying a home for his mother — a personal goal he is now close to achieving.
- He launched a sustainable agriculture project focusing on the use of beneficial bacteria to improve soil quality, aiming to provide farmers with a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Carlos credits Impact Week with equipping him not only with the tools of innovation but also the belief that he could be a change-maker in his community:
“I realized none of this would have happened without mentors who taught me to think beyond my limits. Impact Week opened my mind to new possibilities.”
This story exemplifies the long-term impact of Impact Week: empowering young people to innovate, lead, and create sustainable solutions for their communities.
