Meet the 3 winners of the 2024 OBS Impact Scholarships

This first edition has been a great success in terms of participation

The school is proud to announce the three winning projects of the first edition of the OBS Impact Scholarships 2024, an initiative launched earlier this year to support student projects aimed at creating a positive social and environmental impact, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

The three winning projects of this edition are Ámatti Sostenible, presented by María Camila Arbeláez; BigVaca, by José Carlos Sánchez; and SICR (Sistema Inteligente de Clasificación de Residuos), led by Alejandra Rivas.

These projects, developed in very different sectors, share a common essential goal: bringing corporate social responsibility closer to individuals and industries alike, while promoting conscious talent and responsible leadership. With this vision in mind, these three full-tuition scholarships were awarded to three students from the school who are committed to making a positive impact on society.

OBS Impact Scholarship

The OBS Impact Scholarships directly address four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations General Assembly and included in the 2030 Agenda:

• SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
• SDG 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all.
• SDG 9: Foster sustainable industrialization and drive innovation.
• SDG 10: Reduce inequalities.

The three winners of the 1st edition

After a thorough analysis of more than 20 original projects submitted, the school’s Scholarship Committee decided to award the following students and their initiatives:

• Ámatti Sostenible, led by María Camila Arbeláez (Master in Digital Marketing, Growth Hacking and eCommerce)

Ámatti is a fashion brand that offers quality products made in local artisan workshops. In partnership with EDUCAMBIO, María Camila's project provides educational opportunities for children and low-income families in Colombia. The goal of the project is to promote the brand's growth by the end of 2024, with a specific focus on brand recognition, brand engagement, eCommerce, and implementing academic reinforcement for children and youth.

• BigVaca, directed by José Carlos Sánchez (Master in Digital Transformation)

BigVaca was born as a Final Project for the Master's program at OBS, stemming from the desire to create an electronic platform for the breeding and development of livestock that simplifies the recording of feeding and reproduction processes through an app. José Carlos Sánchez's project aims to digitally connect the entire animal protein production chain with its suppliers and customers, democratizing the inclusion of small producers in the sector.

• SICR (Sistema Inteligente de Clasificación de Residuos), developed by Alejandra Rivas (Master in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence):

This initiative aims to develop an optimal Machine Learning model to predict the amount of waste generated and contribute to improving solid waste management in Costa Rica. This will be achieved through the creation of a tool for the reuse of recyclable resources, taking the first steps towards a circular economy.

These awards fill the entire OBS Business School community with pride, as they reinforce the school’s commitment and dedication to training professionals who contribute not only to the social and sustainable development of their communities but also to global well-being.