2026
The results of the latest edition of INVAP’s National Contest “Best Engineering Theses” will be soon announced, highlighting the Argentine technology company’s commitment to local talent. The fourth edition achieved record participation, further consolidating the growth of this nationwide initiative. A total of 184 theses were submitted in response to this call for applications, developed by 248 students from public and private universities located in different provinces of Argentina.
Compared with the inaugural edition, held in 2023, the number of participants increased by 41.7%, while the number of theses grew by 32.4%. The contest also expanded its geographic reach: participating provinces rose from 16 to 22, while represented institutions increased from 39 to 54, reflecting broader participation by universities and academic institutions from across the country.
Female participation also continued to grow steadily, standing out as one of the most significant milestones of this edition. This year, women accounted for 37% of all participants, a one-third increase compared to the first call for applications.
The jury will evaluate the proposals during August to select those that best met the slogan: to highlight the value of applied research in the engineering universe with a plurality of perspectives.
The growth of the national contest of ideas driving progress in the country also coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary. The number of undergraduate theses grew by 27.4% since 2023, while doctoral theses doubled their share, representing a 100% increase.
The results of this fourth edition reflect the consolidation of the contest as a platform for recognizing research and development projects carried out as part of engineering degree programs, while they also highlighting the growing participation of students, universities, and research teams from across the country.
With each passing year, the initiative strengthens its nationwide reach, engaging an increasing number of provinces and universities to broaden the diversity of challenges and solutions. As an unprecedented event in this edition, a thesis successfully defended in Argentine Antarctica was submitted.
Since its launch in 2023, one of the key objectives has been to emphasize the role of applied engineering in fostering development, addressing challenges, and improving people’s lives. However, the contest also has a valuable impact on raising awareness of STEM degree programs among women. In the latest editions, projects transforming medicine and technology, among others, were highlighted; including 3D visualization systems for brain tumors, the optimization of aerosol chambers used for the administration of inhalable drugs, instruments for acoustic measurements of materials, cars and aircraft, and an innovative method for separating impurities from lithium.
The finalists will be announced in September (Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctorate). In October, the winners and their theses will be awarded at INVAP’s headquarters in San Carlos de Bariloche as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The initiative, supported by INVAP Foundation, encourages innovative research and projects that seek to build a better future for the entire country. “Thinking of engineering as a tool to transform ideas into practical solutions is the starting point of this contest that encourages young people to be part of the transformation,” pointed out Darío Giussi, General Manager of INVAP.
The fourth edition in numbers
- 184 theses submitted.
- 248 participating students.
- 37% female participation.
Growth compared to the first edition (2023)
- +41.7% in participants.
- +32.4% in theses submitted.
- From 16 to 22 participating provinces.
- From 39 to 54 participating institutions.
- +32.1% in female participation.
For further information about the contest: https://www.invap.com.ar/concursotesis
