Tarija, Bolivia – The “Bridges Ideathon,” an international initiative focused on sustainable tourism and youth innovation, officially launched on April 20 in Tarija. Co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Agency for Territorial Coordination Italy Argentina (ACTIA), the project engages young people aged 18 to 21 in an intensive idea lab inspired by the “School Enterprise” model.
Around 100 participants kicked off the first session, working in teams with methodologies such as Design Thinking to develop practical solutions for local tourism challenges. The initiative aims to involve 300 young people across Bolivia, Mexico, and Argentina, fostering new entrepreneurial ventures that can build connections with Italy and generate local impact.
Led by Tiber Umbria Comett, the project is supported by a broad international partnership of academic institutions and development organizations. ACTIA plays a key bridging role between Europe and Latin America, adapting growth models to local contexts.
Participants are focusing on strategic themes such as promoting traditional festivals, integrating sports into communities, and transforming ancestral arts into sustainable tourism experiences, combining innovation with cultural preservation.