Great ideas deserve the opportunity to go further. For Arkansas State University Querétaro students Claudia Sánchez and Juan Vicente Guzmán, that opportunity came through their participation in the Premios ILAN a la Innovación 2026, an event that celebrates innovative projects with the potential to address real-world challenges.
Held on November 4 in Mexico City, the awards brought together promising ideas and talented innovators, creating a space where creativity, research, and technology could gain recognition beyond the classroom.
Recognizing innovation that makes an impact
The Premios ILAN a la Innovación 2026 recognize individuals and projects that contribute to developing solutions for some of today’s most important challenges. The organization promotes innovation and entrepreneurship while connecting emerging talent with an international network of innovators and opportunities.
This year’s awards highlighted high-impact initiatives across Latin America in fields such as healthcare, social technology, digital security, and environmental sustainability.
Among the recognized projects were solutions for treating chronic wounds, teaching sign language through artificial intelligence, protecting children on messaging platforms, and purifying water using microalgae. Together, these initiatives demonstrated how innovative thinking can create meaningful possibilities for communities around the world.
From an engineering idea to an innovative project
Representing Arkansas State University Querétaro, students Claudia Sánchez and Juan Vicente Guzmán participated with their project Tlalocan: UAV A2-X4 Platform. Their proposal focuses on developing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with electromagnetic pulse technology, designed to neutralize electronic threats.
The project explores how technologies such as controlled electromagnetic pulses and radio-frequency interference can be applied to address challenges involving unauthorized drones.
Through Tlalocan, Claudia and Juan Vicente demonstrated how engineering knowledge, technological exploration, and creative problem-solving can come together in a project with practical applications.
Their participation in the Premios ILAN a la Innovación 2026 represents an important step in their academic journey, allowing them to share their work in a setting that brings together innovation and talent from across Latin America.
Your ideas can go beyond the classroom at A-State
Every student has the potential to turn an idea into something meaningful. What makes the difference is having the guidance, knowledge, and opportunities to take that idea further.
At Arkansas State University Querétaro, students learn alongside professors with global experience who are committed to supporting their academic and personal development. Their guidance encourages students to explore their interests, strengthen their skills, and bring their ideas to life.
Through academic activities, hands-on projects, and opportunities to participate in competitions and innovation events, students can put their knowledge into practice while building confidence in their abilities.
Experiences like the Premios ILAN a la Innovación 2026 show how university learning can open doors to new connections, valuable experiences, and opportunities for students to share their talent and gain recognition in Mexico and around the world.
Your next great idea could be the beginning of something extraordinary
At A-State Querétaro, you’ll find a community that encourages you to create, grow, and pursue the opportunities that matter to you.
Schedule a campus visit and explore where your ideas can take you.
Arkansas State University Querétaro – Where Great Stories Begin
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