Fundación Mapfre and IE University select 27 innovative projects aimed at making the world and people's lives better

Fundación MAPFRE and IE University have chosen the 27 semi-finalists for the fourth edition of the Fundación MAPFRE Awards for Social Innovation, all of which share the common objective of making people's lives better.

PROJECTS WITH SOCIAL IMPACT

The projects have been selected from more than 300 proposed initiatives —28 percent more than were submitted last year. On this occasion, the judging panel has selected the projects that are the most innovative and with the potential to generate the greatest social impact, while also taking into account the ability of the relevant parties to make each project a reality. The panel comprises a large number of experts from Fundación MAPFRE and IE University, the latter of which is an academic partner of the Awards.

TEN COUNTRIES

The projects come from ten countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Denmark, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Peru and Spain. There will be three semi-finals, which will be held in virtual format this coming March. The grand final will take place on May 12, with each of the three winners receiving 30,000 euros.

HEALTH, MOBILITY AND ACTIVE AGING

The 27 international initiatives aim to contribute to improving the mobility and safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as streamlining traffic and promoting the reduction of pollution in cities. They are also aimed at boosting health and healthy habits, and fostering measures to promote aging in an active (Agingnomics) and healthy way, as well as improving the quality of life for people between the ages of 55 and 75.

9 INNOVATIVE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

From MEDICSEN (Spain): a non-invasive artificial pancreas for people with diabetes, based on a needle-free drug delivery system and software that predicts needs and risks. From DIANOX (Denmark): a self-test that helps to diagnose deadly infectious diseases and to rapidly detect cases of infection without the need for specialized personnel or equipment. From SYCAI TECHNOLOGIES (Spain): an AI-based software program that acts as a radiographer's assistant, and identifies and classifies precancerous pancreatic conditions. From SAVIA (Guatemala): an IT platform that helps to widen primary healthcare coverage to include isolated rural communities that are currently deprived of this service. From ORGASORB (Colombia): a biofiltration system to de-pollute water and remove up to 92 percent of the lead present. From TELE-ECOGRAFÍA PARA TODOS (Perú): a remote ultrasound scanning system that allows pathologies to be diagnosed without a specialist having to be physically present in the health center.

Three projects in Brazil have also qualified. From CLIC HEALTH: an innovative piece of population screening technology that helps to predict the risk of developing or experiencing complications from certain illnesses by using approved medical algorithms and artificial intelligence. From PREDIKTA: a monitor that allows a predictive diagnosis and triage to be carried out in just 30 seconds by using AI and without the need for physical contact with the patient. From FLEXIMEDICAL: fully-equipped mobile healthcare units to bring medical assistance to disadvantaged communities.

9 INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ACTIVE AGING

ROSITA LONGEVITY (Spain): a personal coach that helps people over the age of 60 to design, plan and execute a strategy for a long and healthy life. THE FREEBIRD CLUB (Ireland): a club that organizes social trips and offers people over the age of 50 the chance to stay with families within a trusted community. JUBILATUCASA.COM (Spain): a service that offers advice and guidance to older people who own real estate and are interested in monetizing their equity without having to give it up. 101 IDEAS (Colombia): aiming to revitalize people's lives by introducing work opportunities to working adults. SENIORPAL (Colombia): using technology and multi-generational environments to offer disruptive experiences so that older people can live life to the fullest. VAVIDSILVER (Colombia): a technology platform that aims to teach older people in a clear and inclusive way about types of cyber fraud and how to prevent it.

In Brazil, the semi-finalists in this category are: YOLEX, an online marketplace that offers digital education, connecting people who want to develop professionally with individuals over 55 years of age who have professional experience and knowledge; NEXTT49+, a hub that supports entrepreneurship among seniors and promotes the development of products and services for people over 50; and LABORA, a platform that helps to accelerate the incorporation of generational diversity into companies and ensures positive results, therefore demonstrating that the inclusion of over-50s is effective.

9 INNOVATIVE MOBILITY AND ROAD SAFETY SOLUTIONS

MOBILITY MOJO (Ireland): an independent global classification system that allows users to collect detailed information on the accessibility of hotels, thereby providing an inclusive experience to people with special needs. OFFWAYS (France): a European comparison service for buses, trains and shared cars, informing travelers of the carbon footprint associated with their journeys and helping them to choose the least polluting option. PARK4DIS (France): a system that enables people with limited mobility and their companions to find parking facilities and also provides practical information on the regulations in each area. A-DRIVER (Colombia): a system that uses advanced technology to project information from the user's mobile phone onto the vehicle's windshield. WHEEL THE WORLD (Chile): a platform that enables users with disabilities to find and book fully accessible travel experiences. UALABEE (Argentina): offering real-time information on urban mobility and transport services.

In Brazil, the three semi-finalists in this category are: EU VÔ, a solution that increases the mobility and independence of people with limited movement, through transport services with the option of a companion; MEIOPASSO, a product that helps people with limited mobility to climb and descend stairs, and that reduces their mobility problems; and AREJABUS, a hybrid ventilation system for buses that uses the vehicle's own movement to improve the felt air temperature and air quality for passengers on urban public transport.

MENTORING, COACHING AND VISIBILITY WITH INVESTORS

The 27 semifinalists will gain access to different channels to promote their projects, which will help to spread awareness. The candidates will also receive support, advice and help to promote and develop their proposals in the most effective way through online mentoring for semifinalists and coaching for finalists provided by IE University. They will also have access to a public relations plan to make their projects more visible to potential investors and financial backers.