Mexican to compete in Brazil for title of global entrepreneur

Leopoldo Escárcega, a Biotechnology student at the Chihuahua campus, will compete in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards in Brazil, after winning third place in Mexico

By Ximena Gutiérrez | Chihuahua Campus - 03/27/2025 Photo Ximena Gutiérrez, Courtesy

Leopoldo “Leo” Escárcega Garza has been selected to represent Mexico at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) in Brazil, after placing third in the national competition.

Ever since he was a child, the fourth-semester Biotechnology student at Tec de Monterrey’s Chihuahua campus has dreamed of making a difference in the world.

“I’ve always wanted to do something different, something that makes an impact,” said the student, who, after exploring various activities, found his path towards entrepreneurship and science.

The opportunity to compete in the GSEA arose after his participation in the iGEM competition, where he developed METECH, a biofertilizer that combats water and heat stress in plants.

This project led him to represent Tec de Monterrey at international events, and to be selected for the Global STEM Alliance (GSA); this ultimately opened the door for him to participate in the GSEA.

Leopoldo Escárcega Garza, estudiante de Biotecnología, seleccionado para el GSEA en Brasil. — Leo, a fourth-semester Biotechnology student at Tec de Monterrey, will be the only representative from the Chihuahua campus at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards in Brazil. Photo: Ximena Gutiérrez

Preparing for Brazil and challenges along the way

The process of getting to Brazil was not easy.

Leopoldo recalled his experience at the Inc. Monterrey pitch competition, where he competed against others with more advanced projects and more experience.

Despite the difficulties, he never lost sight of his goal.

“It was a challenge to learn business concepts, but with each challenge, I learned how to move forward,” he said.

An achievement for Mexico and Tec de Monterrey

Achieving third place in the GSEA national competition was a significant victory for Leopoldo,
who will compete in Brazil as the only representative of Tec de Monterrey in this international edition.

“Representing Mexico and the Tec is an honor. I hope to take this project as far as possible,” he said excitedly.

“I’ve always wanted to do something different, something that makes an impact.”

The GSEA, a platform for the future

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world for young entrepreneurs.

Participants have the opportunity to present their projects to investors and industry leaders, opening doors to the growth and expansion of their projects.