The CITIC program of UDC “Talentos Inclusivos” continues to receive recognition. Specifically, this past weekend it was awarded the first prize in Social Innovation at the Maker Faire Galicia, which commemorated its tenth edition. The award was collected by the CITIC-Talentos Inclusivos team that participated in this event, which promotes social, artisanal, and industrial innovation and offered talks, workshops, and presentations of more than 45 projects in categories such as Minimakers, Makers, Outreach, and Social Innovation.

This year, the scientific fair introduced an innovative format with the celebration of three independent sessions. The first session addressed entrepreneurship and social innovation as main themes. Activities included an inaugural panel with representatives from the organizing institutions and concluded with the award ceremony and a closing concert. A total of 14 talks and round tables were held with prominent experts in the sector, as well as various workshops in three thematic areas ranging from recreational activities to advanced technology and art workshops.

The X Maker Faire Galicia is supported by Concello de Santiago, Xunta de Galicia, Área Central, Fundación Laboral da Construcción, and Sionlla Biopolo, and was organized independently under the license of Make Community LLC, maintaining its commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and talent in the maker community.

At the CITIC stand, the Talentos Inclusivos project was presented, as well as other technological developments designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. CITIC researcher Paula de Santos presented the adaptation of the Mario Kart video game for Nintendo Switch, with which people with reduced mobility can control the game using their torso or head. Meanwhile, Jorge Rivadulla showcased the game “Compra con-migo”, an initiative driven by the researcher that focuses on developing cognitive and psychomotor skills for people with disabilities.

Inclusive Innovation

On June 28, a round table was also held in Santiago at the Área Central shopping center, as part of Los Jueves de ONCE Innova. This event, moderated by Cristian Sainz de Marles, featured the participation of Covadonga Toca, director of IGAPE of Xunta de Galicia; Irene Brage, Project Manager at Talentos Inclusivos of CITIC of UDC, and Pablo Genúa Touriñán, head of Coordination and Talent of DT Galicia of ONCE.

The debate focused on inclusive innovation, approached from three key perspectives: academic, affiliates, and public administration. Irene Brage, representing the CITIC Talentos Inclusivos program, highlighted the importance of this project in awakening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) vocations among young people and raising awareness about the reality of disability. Brage explained how, through collaborative teams of secondary and high school students, technological solutions are worked on for challenges proposed by people with cerebral palsy, thus promoting inclusion and preparing future generations to face social and technological challenges with a broader and more empathetic perspective.

Both events underscored the importance of innovation ecosystems, which include universities, companies, government institutions, and civil society organizations. These ecosystems are fundamental in creating an environment where ideas can become tangible realities. By facilitating multidisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, more inclusive and sustainable development is promoted.