Celebrating young talent in Alcalá de Henares
On March 26, the city of Alcalá de Henares became the epicentre of young talent by hosting the 2026 Princess of Girona International Awards. This event, presided over by the King, highlighted the significant contributions of young entrepreneurs and scientists from Latin America.
In this edition, Mercedes Bidart, an Argentine social entrepreneur, was recognised in the CreaEmpresa category for her innovative company Quipu. This initiative uses artificial intelligence to provide credit solutions to microbusinesses operating in the informal economy in Latin America, thus facilitating access to financing for those who need it most.
On the other hand, Mexican astrophysicist José Eduardo Mendoza received the award in the Research category for his pioneering work on ionised nebulae. His research has been fundamental in solving an old dilemma regarding the chemical discrepancies observed in these astronomical formations, a finding that was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature.
Throughout the event day, over 1,000 young people gathered to participate in various activities organised by the Princess of Girona Foundation as part of the 2026 Talent Tour. This tour aims to identify and enhance youth talent through interactive programmes that foster creativity and innovation.
Francisco Belil, president of the foundation, emphasised during his speech how Felipe VI entrusted him with the mission of working with young people: “We detect this talent, we provide tools, we help it grow and we send it out to society,” Belil stated before an enthusiastic audience.
The eleven finalists competing for the awards come from countries such as Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico. Each presented innovative projects addressing global challenges in areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, and space exploration. These initiatives stand out not only for their originality but also for their potential to generate significant positive impact.
The culminating ceremony will take place next July at the Gran Teatro del Liceu in Barcelona, where Princess Leonor, along with the kings and other members of the Spanish royal family, will officially present the awards to the winners. This event promises to be a celebration not only of individual success but also of the collective commitment towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
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