As an adjunct professor at PUCRS and entrepreneurship instructor at the Apple Developer Academy, I've had the privilege of guiding many towards their entrepreneurial dreams. Among them, Fabio Barboza's story stands out. Initially aspiring to be a professional soccer player, Fabio's career was cut short by a severe injury. Reeling from his shattered dreams, he struggled with menial jobs that barely made him get by.
His turning point came when a friend urged him to explore an opportunity at the Apple Developer Academy. With no prior computer knowledge, Fabio enrolled at PUCRS as an Information Systems undergraduate student, and a year later, he joined the Academy. There, he not only learned app development but also discovered the entrepreneurial spirit within him. I mentored Fabio, helping him transform his ideas into viable business solutions. His journey from learning basic programming to founding KOBE, a successful iOS development company employing over 100 people, is nothing short of remarkable.
KOBE started in our university incubator, especially designed for Apple Academy alumni, and has become a beacon of innovation. Fabio credits the Academy as a life-changing experience that taught him the intricacies of creating impactful user experiences and attention to detail—lessons he cherishes deeply.
Fabio's transformation from a struggling individual to a thriving entrepreneur exemplifies the powerful impact of targeted education and mentorship. It's stories like his that drive my passion for education, reinforcing that it is indeed the best path to success.

Being selected from numerous submissions as a finalist underscores the unique impact of our work in fostering entrepreneurship at TECNOPUC. One key learning from this journey is the profound effect of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Integrating diverse fields like technology, design, and business not only enhances creativity but also leads to more robust entrepreneurial solutions. Unexpectedly, one of the most transformative elements has been the personal growth experienced by both students and mentors, as we navigate the complexities of turning innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
For those aspiring to similar paths, my advice is to cherish and foster an environment of open communication and continuous learning. Leadership in entrepreneurship is less about directing and more about empowering individuals to explore their potential. Embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. Ensure that your initiatives are adaptable and responsive to the needs of the community you serve. Most importantly, maintain a clear vision but be prepared to iterate and evolve strategies as you gain insights and feedback.

At TECNOPUC, our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation continues to evolve, with ambitious plans set to unfold. Building on our successful initiatives, our next major venture is the launch of "TECNOPUC Anywhere," a project designed to extend our impact beyond local borders and influence global entrepreneurial ecosystems.
This year marks a significant milestone as we prepare to establish TECNOPUC US in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine (UCI). This expansion into California not only represents a physical extension but also an intellectual exchange, offering a unique platform for cross-cultural collaboration and innovation. The partnership with UCI will enable us to integrate diverse perspectives and practices, enhancing our educational models and startup incubation frameworks.
Moreover, TECNOPUC Anywhere aims to democratize access to our proven methodologies and resources, allowing entrepreneurs worldwide to engage with our programs virtually. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaborative tools, we will offer remote mentorship, digital incubators, and online entrepreneurial courses, making our services accessible to a global audience.
These initiatives are a testament to our dedication to not only enhancing the local entrepreneurial landscape but also contributing significantly to global innovation. With TECNOPUC US and TECNOPUC Anywhere, we are poised to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and interconnected entrepreneurial community worldwide.