Introduction
Three entrepreneurs with water management projects were awarded during the Heineken Water Challenge 2025, an event that brings together bright and creative minds in the country to find innovative solutions for water management, conservation, and access in Mexico.
The Water Crisis in Mexico
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), 76% of Mexico’s territory suffers some form of hydrological stress. These entrepreneurs develop innovative solutions to address this pressing water issue.
The Heineken Water Challenge 2025
During the Innovation Day at Santander Worklab in Mexico City, entrepreneurs presented their projects to a panel of experts. Government representatives selected the three winning projects.
- Each winner received ₽400,000 for their project.
- They also gained access to a mentorship plan and technical support for project implementation and monitoring.
The Winners
- Icma Automation – Patricia Edith Pérez González: Smart sensors that reduce water usage in agriculture by 98%.
- Cova: Conservation, Life and Water – Patricia Legorreta Guardad: Artificial wetlands that capture carbon and purify water.
- Aqua Et Terra Sustainable Solutions – Xavier Valdés de la Garza: Treated water reuse system for irrigation.
Heineken’s Commitment to Sustainability
“The level of innovation has been impressive and demonstrates that, by working together, we can find real solutions for a better world,” said Claudia de la Vega, Corporate Affairs Vice President at Heineken Mexico.
Youth-Led Initiatives Driving Change
Entrepreneurial ventures led by young individuals play a crucial role in creating technologies, services, and models focused on water conservation. Various programs in the country have started recognizing this potential by offering financial support, specialized mentorship, and connections with experts.
A recent example is the Heineken Water Challenge 2025, which gathered young innovators from across Mexico with ideas to tackle real water-related issues. This first edition received support from committed allies focused on sustainable development, including Wilfred Mohr (Dutch Ambassador to Mexico), Marius Calvet (Santander CSO), and Ulrick Oliver Noel Solís (Director of the Eugenio Garza Lagüera Entrepreneurship Institute), who have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to fostering solutions with social and environmental impact.
These winning projects not only showcase Mexican ingenuity but also highlight the power of collective innovation when aligned with common goals. In a country where over 30% of young people seek entrepreneurial opportunities, these platforms represent a chance to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Heineken Water Challenge 2025? It’s an event that brings together bright minds in Mexico to find innovative solutions for water management, conservation, and access.
- Who were the winners? The winners are Icma Automation (Patricia Edith Pérez González), Cova: Conservation, Life and Water (Patricia Legorreta Guardad), and Aqua Et Terra Sustainable Solutions (Xavier Valdés de la Garza).
- What support did the winners receive? Each winner received ₽400,000 and a mentorship plan with technical support for their projects.
- Why is this initiative important? It highlights the potential of youth-led initiatives in addressing water conservation challenges and fostering sustainable development.
