Technology evolves rapidly, and innovation is key to business survival, so mentoring young professionals, promoting entrepreneurship, and connecting tech startups to a global network of experts and resources are essential.
Some IEEE volunteers do all of the above and more as part of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Ambassador Program.
The program was launched in 2018 in IEEE Region 8 (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) thanks to a grant from the IEEE Foundation. The ambassadors organize networking events with industry representatives to help IEEE young professionals and student members achieve their entrepreneurial endeavors and strengthen their technical, interpersonal, and business skills. The ambassadors also organize pitch competitions in their geographic area.
The ambassador program launched this year in Region 10 (Asia Pacific).
Last year the program was introduced in Region 9 (Latin America) with funding from the Taenzer Memorial Fund. The results of the program’s inaugural year were impressive: 13 ambassadors organized events in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.
“The program is beneficial because it connects entrepreneurs with industry professionals, fosters mentorship, helps young professionals build leadership skills, and creates opportunities for startup sponsorships,” says Susana Lau, vice chair of IEEE Entrepreneurship in Latin America. “The program has also proven successful in attracting IEEE volunteers to serve as ambassadors and helping to support entrepreneurship and startup ventures.”
Lau, an IEEE senior member, is a past president of the IEEE Panama Section and an active IEEE Women in Engineering volunteer.
People who participated in the Region 9 program say the experience was life-changing, both personally and professionally.
Pedro José Pineda, whose work was recognized with one of the region’s two Top Ambassador Awards, says he’s been able to “expand international collaborations and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Latin America.
“It’s more than an award,” the IEEE member says. “It’s an opportunity to create global impact from local action.”
“This remarkable experience has opened new doors for my future career within IEEE, both nationally and globally.”—Vitor Paiva
The region’s other Top Ambassador recipient was Vitor Paiva of Natal, Brazil. He had the opportunity to attend this year’s IEEE Rising Stars in Las Vegas—his first international experience outside Brazil.
After participating in the program, the IEEE student member volunteered with its regional marketing committee.
“I was proud to showcase Brazil’s IEEE community while connecting with some of IEEE’s most influential leaders,” Paiva, a student at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, says. “This remarkable experience has opened new doors for my future career within IEEE, both nationally and globally.”
Expanding the initiative
The IEEE Foundation says it will invest in the regional programs by funding the grants presented to the winners of the regional pitch competitions, similar to the funding for Region 9. The goal is to hold a worldwide competition, Lau says.
The ongoing expansion is a testament to the program’s efforts, says Christopher G. Wright, senior manager of programs and governance at the IEEE Foundation.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working on the grants for the IEEE Entrepreneurship Ambassador Program team over the years,” Wright says, “and I am continually impressed by the team’s dedication and the program’s evolution.”
To learn more about the program in your region or to apply to become an ambassador, visit the IEEE Entrepreneurship website and search for your region.
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