On August 6th 2019 the results of the IX VIU FONDEF-CONICYT grant competition were informed. The objective of this competition is the valorization of research done in Chilean universities, by promoting the formation of entrepreneurship, businesses, or enterprises based on research done by students in the context of their thesis or university graduating activities.

In this opportunity, University of Concepción was the national leader, with a total of 14 funded projects. Among them are 7 engineering students: Macarena Araneda, Constanza Ortiz, Sebastián Moyano, Ignacio Espinoza, Rodrigo Osorio, Danaris Salas, y Francisca Guzmán. Their teachers are highlighted as well: Pamela Guevara, Pablo Aqueveque, y Esteban Pino.