About CELAL-MEX and its Founders
CELAL-MEX, a startup founded by students from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, focuses on producing cellulose from agricultural waste such as pineapple peels, papaya, banana skins, and agave. Their mission is to transform agricultural waste into sustainable raw materials, positively impacting both the environment and society.
The team, led by José Manuel Contreras and José Adrián Contreras, both students at the Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Monterrey campus, secured first place in the national semifinal of the Hult Prize 2025, held at their campus.
Hult Prize 2025 Competition
The Hult Prize 2025 challenged over 200,000 students worldwide to develop solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The winning team of the global final will receive $1,000,000 in seed funding to scale their initiative.
CELAL-MEX participated in this prestigious competition, one of the 20 global semifinals supported by the United Nations Organization (UN). Over 30 university teams from various institutions across Mexico took part in the event.
Impact and Recognition
CELAL-MEX not only offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cellulose, which is derived from wood, but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint by preventing deforestation associated with agriculture. Their process also decreases water, energy, and chemical consumption.
José Manuel Contreras, a fifth-semester student in Financial Management at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, expressed his enthusiasm: “Winning this semifinal is a great motivation to keep pushing forward. We believe that a single idea can change the world if pursued with persistence and purpose.”
Support and Mentorship
Participants in the Hult Prize 2025 competition received personalized mentorship, expert feedback, and the backing of an international network of mentors, judges, and strategic allies committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is CELAL-MEX? CELAL-MEX is a startup founded by Tec de Monterrey students that focuses on producing cellulose from agricultural waste, transforming it into sustainable raw materials.
- Who are the founders of CELAL-MEX? The founders are José Manuel Contreras and José Adrián Contreras, both students in the Financial Management program at the Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Monterrey campus.
- What is the Hult Prize 2025? The Hult Prize 2025 is a global competition challenging students to develop solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The winning team will receive $1,000,000 in seed funding.
- How many teams participated in the Mexican semifinals? Over 30 university teams from various institutions across Mexico participated in the Hult Prize 2025 semifinals.
- What impact does CELAL-MEX have? CELAL-MEX offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cellulose, reduces carbon footprint by preventing deforestation, and decreases water, energy, and chemical consumption.
