DILI, 07 october 2023 (TATOLI) – Isménio Martins was one of the five winners of the 8th edition of the Youth Business Innovation Challenge competition, organized by the Institute of Business Development Support (IADE).
Martins won the award for designing and materializing the development of a biogas production system from pig manure as a source of renewable energy.
“I worked as a swineherd for two years. In 2021 my work group and I opened the Center for Economic Activity and Production in Metinaro. That’s when I came up with the idea of processing pig waste into organic fertilizer, as well as turning it into a biogas production system to produce electricity to heat newborn piglets,” said Martins at Timor-Plaza, in Dili.
He said that the idea of developing a biogas system came from the fact that many farmers continue to use non-organic fertilizers and the pig farmers also don’t use pig manure.
With the US$7,0000, Isménio will implement the biogas system and inspire young people to come up with innovative ideas that will contribute to the country’s development.
The runner-up, Libório Viegas, received US$6,000 and the third-place winner, Esmeralda Alves, received US$5,000. As for the fourth and fifth prizes, Julião Pinto and Paulino Guterres received US$2,000 and US$1500 respectively.
IADE’s Executive Director, Filomeno Marcelino Babo, highlighted the importance of this competition to financially support young entrepreneurs in carrying out their business activities, adding that 439 young people applied for the competition this year.
A total of US$83,000 was made available to organize the competition, including US$58,000 from IADE and US$15,000 from the Australian oil company Santos, as well as US$10,000 from Timor Telecom.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Filomino Martins
