The ripple effect of the University of Bagua’s Incubator Program

In the northern Amazon region of Peru, the University of Bagua faced a challenge: enhancing the effectiveness of its business incubator to better support ambitious students and entrepreneurs. PUM representative Anne Villanueva rose to the challenge and enlisted the expertise of Lout Lapidaire, PUM expert Incubators, to collaborate with the university to elevate its incubator program.

Lout gave workshops and lectures on the incubator process, setting clear expectations and sharing valuable insights on topics such as funding for start-ups, mentoring programs, and the common pitfalls and successes of entrepreneurial ventures. The university’s management also received guidance on pursuing international ambitions, with practical steps to turn ideas into action.

These efforts raised the incubator to a new level. With 65 start-ups now active and over seven already successfully selling products and services, the University of Bagua has become such an important player for entrepreneurial growth in the region.

One remarkable success story of the effect of this incubator programme is that of forestry engineers Jorge Burga and Alicia Ochoa, who started an ecological farm in the heart of the Amazon. Despite numerous obstacles, they persevered for three years and now their farm sustainably produces high-quality bananas, avocados, mangoes, cacao, bamboo, pitahaya, and guaba. Their products are sold in local markets in Cyclayo, Bagua, and Bagua Grande, as well as in their shop featuring Amazonas products such as honey, coffee, cacao, bamboo crafts, and organic fertilisers.

This initiative demonstrates the impact the entrepreneurs in collaboration with PUM create in rural areas like Bagua by training the trainers and empowering local entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success.