The project presented by his team was one of 11 selected from hundreds of submissions to compete in the final stage, held recently in Taipei (Taiwan). Named Envirovex, this technological initiative focuses on the development of AI-designed enzymes capable of degrading antibiotics found in wastewater. The aim, as Iván explains it, is “to offer a sustainable biotechnological solution to pharmaceutical pollution and antimicrobial resistance – problems of growing environmental and public health concern.”
One of the aspects Toro most appreciated about this experience was the opportunity to “work as a team” with other science enthusiasts he had met during another international competition. Alongside him were three Indian students: two currently studying in the United States and another one from Hong Kong, who is currently studying at the University of Oxford (UK).
“I’m passionate about both synthetic biology and biotechnology, and I enjoy researching and working on projects that focus on solving environmental problems, as well as developing others in the healthcare field. But I don’t want to stop there – entrepreneurship is also important to me. In fact, our intention is to turn the Envirovex project into a technology start-up,” he stated.
Iván Toro also speaks highly of the Joint Master Programme in Marine Biotechnology, which he has recently started at the UCV and which will take him across several European countries. “I believe this postgraduate course is truly enriching. There are, I think, around 35 students from more than twenty countries all over the world. I hope not only to learn a great deal and discover different cultures but also to network with my classmates and perhaps even develop other projects together,” he added.
InnoServe Awards as a spotlight for new generation talent
The InnoServe Awards (International ICT Innovative Services Awards) have celebrated their 30th edition this year. Since 1996, this university competition has brought together student teams from all over the world to present innovative projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, green technology, biotechnology, cloud computing, and mobile applications.
The aim of the InnoServe Awards is to provide a platform for students to present their projects while promoting collaboration between academia and industry through the integration of academic training and practical experience. To date, more than 10,000 professors and students from over 100 universities and higher education institutions have taken part in the event, which has become the largest and most prestigious of its kind in Taiwan.
