The Ministry of Production, through the National Program for Technological Development and Innovation (ProInnóvate), announced on Apr. 17 a new edition of the “Ruta ProInnóvaTECH” event at Startup UNI, the business incubator of the National University of Engineering. Four technology startups presented their projects, which have advanced their business models with state funding and technical support.
This event is significant as it demonstrates how collaboration between government programs and academic institutions can help emerging businesses compete in increasingly demanding markets. The showcased startups introduced solutions in robotics, environmental monitoring, real estate consulting, and digitalization of vessels.
Juan Carlos Requejo, Deputy Minister for Micro and Small Enterprises and Industry, said: “ProInnóvate could not achieve its goals without this collaboration with academia. We have the task to reach more entrepreneurs each time, especially in universities that provide key technical and technological support for innovative initiatives.” He also said: “Each person is a potential entrepreneur. If we combine solid technical training with skills in management, marketing and use of digital technologies, the country will advance much faster.”
According to Requejo during the event held as part of World Entrepreneurship Day, ProInnóvate has financed over 9,900 projects with an investment exceeding S/ 1.3 billion. Most beneficiaries are micro and small enterprises—representing 90%—and women participate in more than 40% of supported projects.
Other participants included Jorge Gustavo Butler Blacker (Vice Rector for Research at UNI), Vanessa Sánchez Sánchez (Acting Executive Director of ProInnóvate), and Margarita Mondragón (Director of Innovation and Technology Transfer at UNI). They all said it is important to strengthen ties between government agencies and academia to boost technology-based entrepreneurship.
The Ministry of Production promotes social inclusion initiatives aimed at improving living conditions for fishermen and producers across Peru according to its official website. The ministry operates multiple facilities in San Isidro, Lima—including its central headquarters—and serves producers, entrepreneurs, and communities throughout Peru according to its official website. It acts as the governing body responsible for national policies on fishing, aquaculture as well as micro-, small- or medium-sized enterprises; it issues regulations designed to strengthen sustainable development according to its official website.
Additionally,the ministry provides services such as technical assistance that enhance productivity among producers nationwide—a role recognized internationally by organizations like OECD for sustainable fishing efforts.
