2026 PUCE-Icam Innovation Challenge: Ecuadorian high school students rise to the challenge!
International
27 Apr 2026
The 6th edition of the Innovation Challenge, organized by the PUCE-Icam International Faculty of Innovation (FIIPI), brought together 21 teams of high school students from 9 Ecuadorian institutions. For this new edition, these budding engineers showcased their ingenuity, cheered on by their families and teachers.
Propelling a paper airplane: a technical and creative challenge
This year, teams had to tackle a playful, concrete, and stimulating challenge: propel a paper airplane the farthest distance possible using a device of their own design. The twist? Participants had to fold their own airplane from a standard A4 sheet, without any additional materials or glue.
Beyond launch power, the challenge required precision and power in the launch system, mastery of the launch angle, mechanism stability, and a solid understanding of aerodynamic principles!
After validating their prototype at the start of the day, teams had to present their device, defend their technical choices, submit their creation for evaluation, all while adapting it throughout the stages in hopes of reaching the grand finale. Each team had two attempts per round, with the opportunity to modify their strategy between rounds. A true engineering simulation, where analysis, adjustment, and continuous improvement made all the difference.
At the end of the final stage, the jury, composed notably of industry professionals, commended the commitment and creativity of all teams and placed on the podium:
– Unidad Educativa San Luis Gonzaga: 1st and 2nd place
– Unidad Educativa Alfonso del Hierro de La Salle: 3rd place
The team from Unidad Educativa San Luis Gonzaga that took 1st place
The team from Unidad Educativa San Luis Gonzaga that took 2nd place
The team from Unidad Educativa Alfonso del Hierro de La Salle that took 3rd place
Winners left with excellent rewards: advanced robotics kits for the top two finishers and an artificial intelligence programming kit for third place. Tools that will enable them to continue their learning and deepen their technological skills.
The Innovation Challenge, which has become an essential event, confirms Puce-Icam’s commitment to promoting science and engineering among Ecuador’s youth!
Congratulations to all participants, to the FIIPI organizers, and to the winners.