UPC launches Shark Tank for the next generation of entrepreneurs

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) is looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs, and the ideal candidates won’t even have graduated high school.

Through a partnership with Sony Channel, the university has launched “Experiencia Shark Tank Peru,” which will give fourth- and fifth-year high school students an opportunity to present their projects to business professionals and obtain investment capital to take them to the next level.

“We are looking for high schoolers from all over Peru who are interested in creating and developing innovative projects that have a positive impact on both society and the world,” said Renzo Reyes of StartUPC. Teams should have ideas that would solve problems by creating a product or service that has the potential to become a sustainable business model.”

The winning team will receive 10,000 soles (approximately US$3,000) for the development of their project, as well as a partial scholarship from UPC for each member of the group. In addition, the team will travel and meet an entrepreneur from Shark Tank Colombia, currently in its third season on Sony Channel.

“We are pleased to be able to make this alliance with UPC and promote entrepreneurship among young people who aspire to be part of the next generation of entrepreneurs in Peru,” said Nathascha Rengifo, Senior Vice President of Distribution and Channels of Sony Pictures Television in Latin America.

Teams will be composed of three fourth- and fifth- year students from the same school. Once teams have submitted their proposals, twenty of them will be chosen to compete in the semifinals. The teams that reach this stage will receive a mentorship session from STARTUPC, UPC’s business incubator, through which teams will receive feedback on how to improve their projects.

For more information about the ‘Shark Tank Perú Experience’ contest, enter here .