Asunción, Agencia IP.- Gabriel Ortiz, a 21-year-old Paraguayan, has achieved a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey after being selected among the top four projects in this year’s Silicon Valley Incubation Program. A student at the Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University (UPTP), Gabriel and his team presented an innovative app called «CO2,» which stood out among hundreds of international projects, allowing them to travel to the heart of technology: Silicon Valley.
Gabriel Ortiz, Gianna Ruggilo, and Camila Núñez’s “CO2” project addresses one of the 21st century’s most pressing issues: measuring and reducing carbon footprint. The app, named after carbon dioxide, enables businesses and individuals to track their carbon emissions in real-time and offers personalized solutions to reduce their environmental impact.
The idea caught the judges’ attention because it combines technological innovation and sustainability. This approach profoundly resonates in Silicon Valley, where green technology is booming.
The path to Silicon Valley
The Silicon Valley Incubation Program is among the most prestigious platforms for young innovators worldwide. This program seeks to promote promising technological ideas, allowing selected participants to interact with investors, technology experts, and business leaders at the global innovation hub.
Gabriel, Gianna, and Camila, along with a professor from UPTP, worked tirelessly on their proposal before being selected for the competition’s final phase. “It was an intense but gratifying process. Being among the top four was a validation of all the effort we put into the project,” Gabriel remarked. 
“It’s an app we presented with two colleagues and a professor who was our mentor for the 2024 Silicon Valley Incubation Program. The competition is based on presenting business ideas that go through several stages and judges. We were fortunate to be selected among the top four, allowing us to present our app in Silicon Valley, the world’s center of technology and innovation. We came to seek investors to help support the idea financially,” he commented.
The event will allow them to present their idea to renowned investors and open doors for future collaborations.
UPTP’s support
Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University has been a key pillar in Gabriel’s success. UPTP, a relatively young institution with a cutting-edge focus, has stood out for its rigorous academic training and commitment to technological innovation.The exchange program with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) was crucial for Gabriel to gain a global perspective on technology and entrepreneurship.
The UPTP provided them with the necessary technical knowledge and the opportunity to develop high-impact projects backed by an international academic network. “The university opened many doors for me and allowed me to think outside my comfort zone. That’s something I emphasize. Studying at an internationally recognized institution offers many ways to stand out, not only within classes but also in extracurricular activities,” he mentioned.
A promising future
Gabriel’s success in Silicon Valley is just the beginning. His experience there has sparked a deep desire to continue his career in technological entrepreneurship while maintaining his commitment to sustainability.
Gabriel Ortiz has become a role model for young Paraguayans, showing that it is possible to stand out in the world’s most competitive arenas with effort, innovation, and a solid academic foundation. For him, Silicon Valley was a platform. Still, his mission is to bring his experience and knowledge back to Paraguay, where he hopes to continue inspiring others to dream big and work toward a more sustainable future.