With the aim of promoting sustainable innovation and the Amazonian bioeconomy, Profonanpe successfully developed the First Circular Economy Challenge, “Valorizing Aguaje Waste.” This initiative marks a milestone in the articulation between innovation, academia, and territory, in partnership with the incubator of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM).
The challenge called on entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and professionals to propose innovative solutions for the valorization of aguaje husks and seeds, an emblematic resource of the Amazon traditionally considered waste. Through this process, the aim was to demonstrate that the circular economy can generate environmental, social, and economic value, with an Amazonian identity and a territorial focus.
The process was carried out in several stages. Following an open and highly competitive call for proposals, a technical evaluation was conducted to select 10 finalists, which then participated in a process of analysis and specialized support. This support was led by mentors in circular economy, selected and assigned by our strategic partner, the 1551 Incubator for Innovative Companies at UNMSM.
Camu camu-based cookie, one of the initiatives participating in the Circular Economy Challenge
Finally, five winning proposals were selected, chosen for their viability, level of innovation, and potential impact. These proposals demonstrate the great potential of aguaje waste to be transformed into new products and opportunities—such as food ingredients, innovative solutions, and sustainable business models—contributing to the development of the Amazon from a circular economy perspective.
Jury deliberating to choose the winning initiative of the Circular Economy Challenge
This initiative was developed within the framework of the Datem del Marañón Biobusiness Incubation Program, implemented by Profonanpe, Peru’s environmental fund, in partnership with Conservation International (CI).
