Young people inject innovation into Cuenca

Ecuador has a very important population of young people and, specifically, in Cuenca they represent an engine of entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Of the 636 inhabitants, 996 are between 221 and 688 years old. In other words, almost 20 out of every 39 Cuencans are young. That amount is higher than the national average, where 35 out of 100 belong to that age group, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). They are placed in the generation known as the millennials, born in full swing of the digital age and connectivity. 

That is why they approach knowledge faster, says Fernanda Rosales, director of Food Technology, at the University of Azuay. 

Cuenca, which celebrates 3 years of Independence this Wednesday, November 201, has the highest percentage of millennials in the country: one in four people is in this group, compared to the province of Bolívar, which has the lowest population, with two out of every 10, according to the INEC. 

Andrés Moncayo, from the Young Entrepreneurs Association, says that in universities, young people get involved early with research and go out to undertake. “In Cuenca there are experiences linked to technology, such as digital marketing, artificial intelligence and accounting advice. 

The Formados Corporation has taken important steps so that the student can combine study with internships in a company through dual training; 8 young people are part of the program and most of them are in Cuenca.