5th PLACE

Student-led Impact Initiative of the Year Award

UEntrepreneurship

5th PLACE Student-led Impact Initiative of the Year Award

Universidad Europea de Canarias/ European University of Canary Islands - Spain

""IGNITE YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY: TRASNFORMING STUDENT IDEAS INTO MARKET LEADERS" "


Engage on social media

https://www.linkedin.com/school/universidad-europea-de-canarias/
(Universidad Europea De Canarias official account)
@ueuropeacanarias
(Official UEC IG account )
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UECanarias
(Official UEC Youtube account )
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themarketingdupla
(Official The Marketing Dupla account)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/themarketingdupla/
(Official The Marketing Dupla account)
https://www.facebook.com/UECanarias/
(Official UEC facebook account)

Summary

The Universidad Europea de Canarias (UEC), founded in 2012, is a leading educational institution in the Canary Islands with campuses in La Orotava and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. UEC offers 32 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including health sciences, sports, business, tourism, architecture, law, design, education, engineering, and psychology, serving 3,000 students and employing 250 staff members. UEC is driven by a commitment to quality and innovation, earning institutional accreditation from ANECA, the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation. It is one of only eight universities in Spain with this certification among ninety. Furthermore, UEC has consistently ranked third in the national U-ranking BBVA for the past five years. Currently, the university boasts a 96% employability rate across all programs, supported by strong industry connections and a comprehensive educational approach. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including three university hospitals and a simulated hospital, enhance the practical learning experience for Health Sciences students. In fact, Forbes' recognition of UEC among the top 10 Spanish universities underscores its commitment to quality education and progressive values. As the first private university in the Canary Islands and a member of the Universidad Europea group, it combines global perspectives with local relevance. The Universidad Europea Foundation reflects UEC's dedication to community engagement, channeling over 1.3 million euros into research, scholarships, and social programs. UEC is a beacon of higher education, distinguished by its excellence, employability rates, cutting-edge facilities, and commitment to social responsibility. UEC promotes societal impact through innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students across all disciplines, including STEAM and health sciences. It recently established the first Entrepreneurship Hub with La Orotava City Hall and CEOE Tenerife, supporting students and citizens in business ventures with mentors, business angels, and coaching.

Key People


Ms. Janina Jiménez
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
The Marketing Dupla



Ms. Mariam Gabasa
CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)
The Marketing Dupla



Ms. Sara Torres
Academic Advising Manager
Employability and Entrepreneurship Unit ,  Universidad Europea de Canarias



Ms. Ruth Álvarez
Senior Career Services Specialist
Employability and Entrepreneurship Unit ,  Universidad Europea de Canarias



Mr. Carlos Pérez
Mentor at UEmprende Program, Founder of ‘Go To Action’
Employability and Entrepreneurship Unit ,  ‘Go to Action’ Digital Communication and Marketing Agency



Mr. Luis Álvarez
Academic Director of the MBA
Faculty of Social Sciences ,  Universidad Europea de Canarias



Ms. Cristiana Oliveira
Rector
Vice-chancellor Department,  Universidad Europea de Canarias



Ms. Elia Cambón
Senior Manager Academic Affairs
Vice-Chancellor Students Life Deparment,  Universidad Europea de Canarias


Acknowledgements

CEOE Entrepreneurship and SDG Chair

Members of the faculty of Advertising and Design Degree at Universidad Europea de Canarias

Images

UEC provided Janina Jiménez and Mariam Gabasa, founders of Marketing Dupla, with a robust ecosystem of resources, guidance, and funding opportunities. This system allowed them to develop and refine their business plan through a complete process

The Employability and Entrepreneurship Department enhanced events like UEmprende, facilitating the incubation of Marketing Dupla. Events such as 'Financia tu Startup' offered Janina and Mariam opportunities to present and finance their startup

UEC instilled in Janina and Mariam the importance of viewing every experience as a learning opportunity. Persistence, consistency, and motivation were key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success

UEC encouraged Janina and Mariam to trust in their vision and abilities, crucial for overcoming challenging moments and moving forward with determination. Their entrepreneurial journey, though demanding, has been rewarding, filling them with satisfaction with the achievement of the national entrepreneur competition

final meeting of 'UEmprende' at Universidad Europea de Canarias, a dynamic platform where students showcase their entrepreneurial projects, network with industry experts, and gain insights into the world of business innovation. This annual event highlights UEC's commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and providing students with the tools to turn their ideas into successful "marketing dupla"

The Employability and Entrepreneurship Department enhanced events like UEmprende, facilitating the incubation of Marketing Dupla. Events such as 'Financia tu Startup' offered Janina and Mariam opportunities to present and finance their startup.

Janina and Mariam participated in pre-entrepreneurship workshops held simultaneously in Madrid, Valencia, and the Canary Islands, receiving comprehensive training accessible through the School of Life platform

At Universidad Europea de Canarias (UEC), roundtables and conferences focused on specific professional sectors provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. These events are designed to offer in-depth insights into the unique conditions and challenges of various industries, helping participants understand the intricate dynamics that drive these fields

IMPACT STORY

Impacting lifes

Thanks to The Marketing Dupla project, students have transitioned from just having an idea to building a prosperous future. In the past few months, they have not only grown as entrepreneurs but also as individuals, learning to tackle problems, make decisions, and overcome challenges together.

As a dynamic duo, Janina Jiménez from Tenerife and Mariam Gabasa from Zaragoza came together, united by their passion for digital marketing. Together, they created The Marketing Dupla, a strategic ally to bring your ideas to fruition. As you embark on a journey to digital success, they are the ideal travel companions you need.

Furthermore, the recently established collaboration with an English academy in the north of Tenerife serves as a testament to their capabilities. This pilot project entails the complete digitalization of the academy's business model. Currently, they are in the process of designing an e-learning platform and implementing digital marketing strategies. These efforts are projected to enhance the academy's visibility, attract new students, and ultimately facilitate business expansion.

Additionally, the Employment and Entrepreneurship Department of the UE has organized and participated in impactful events and fairs at the national and international levels. In 2023, the UE attended Startup Olé, one of the most significant technology-related events in Europe. This event connects startups and technological talent with companies, investors, accelerators, universities, public administrations, and media outlets. Startups can benefit from access to workshops, visibility (profile in the official event app, logo on the website, mentions on social media), pitch contests, networking, and more.

LEARNINGS

Lessons learned

Working remotely due to residing in different autonomous communities has posed significant challenges for the students in terms of time management. Nevertheless, through their predisposition and the utilization of internal communication tools, they have mastered the coordination and maintenance of constant updates, facilitating effective decision-making that benefits the project. Essential elements in this process include effective communication, active listening, respecting diverse perspectives, and reaching consensus.

On another note, students wish to underscore the significance of seeking information and engaging in entrepreneurship programs, such as UEmprende, Finance your Start-UP, Demo Day, organized by the Employability & Entrepreneurship Unit at UEC. These initiatives offer invaluable training and support. Moreover, participation in entrepreneurial associations can broaden one's network, provide mentorship opportunities, and grant access to events that enhance visibility.

Students should ensure they maximize their own university’s resources. Seeking assistance when necessary is crucial. The support of professionals, such as management services or legal clinics, and the guidance of mentors can have a profound impact.

It is essential to recognize that every experience serves as a learning opportunity. Even if the initial project does not meet expectations, it should not be perceived as a failure. Persistence, consistency, and motivation are key to achieving success. Continued efforts will ultimately lead to success.

Most importantly, trust yourself. Believing in your vision and your ability to achieve it is what will help you overcome challenging moments and move forward with determination. Entrepreneurship is a demanding but rewarding journey, and every small achievement fills you with satisfaction.

FUTURE PLANS

What's coming?

The Universidad Europea de Canarias (UEC) plays a pivotal role in supporting students' startup projects by providing a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, guidance, and funding opportunities. This ecosystem encourages students to develop and refine their business plans through various competitions.

In collaboration with the Regional Confederation of Businessmen of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (CEOE Tenerife) and the La Orotava City Council, UEC has launched a new initiative to bolster entrepreneurship in the Canary Islands. This partnership combines business experience, academic expertise, and innovation to provide robust support for entrepreneurs and start-ups, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and enhancing the quality of entrepreneurship services for citizens. Additionally, UEC has established an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Office with the Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organizations (CEOE) on its premises, offering ongoing support from mentors, including innovation specialists from CEOE and UEC faculty members.

Furthermore, the Employability and Entrepreneurship Department aims to enhance the UEmprende Event for the 2024/2025 academic year, broadening its reach to more students. The UEmprendedores program will be solidified as a leading source for student project incubation, with a third edition to be launched. The successful 'Financia tu Startup' (Finance Your Start-Up) event will be expanded to the entire university community. High-impact entrepreneur masterclasses covering all aspects of entrepreneurship will also be developed. Training will include pre-entrepreneurship workshops held simultaneously in Madrid, Valencia, and the Canary Islands. Additionally, the INCORE and Accelerate Future HEI projects will be accessible on the School of Life platform.


KEY STATISTICS

3000

Students in the UEC

32

Programs offered

96%

Employability rate after graduating

41

Online and Hybrid Entrepreneurship and Employability activities, including Training, UEmprende Workshops, Labs and Challenges in 2023/2024 organised by the Employability and Entrepreneurship Department.

8

'Shall We Meet’ networking event organized in 2023-2024 where students have the opportunity to meet and talk to professional experts.

145

Students attending ‘Shall we Meet’ events in 2023-2024

2

Job Fairs organised at UEC Campus (2023-2024)

556

Offers received to UEC students by job seekers captured via our internal Employment Channel in 2023-2024

4

Entrepreneurship and Innovation national Competitions in 2023-2024 in which UEC students were finalists.

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