Student innovator wins EO Puerto Rico competition
Young entrepreneur Nicolás S. Novoa-Lugo, founder of RIVA Solutions LLC, won EO Puerto Rico’s 2025 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards for developing a compact and efficient shower system for recreational vehicles that reduces water and energy use without sacrificing comfort.
The local competition, organized by EO Puerto Rico in partnership with Grupo Guayacán, took place at the Caribbean Cinemas VIP Theaters in Distrito T-Mobile. Four university students presented projects spanning art, medical technology, sustainable manufacturing and food before a panel of EO entrepreneurs and Puerto Rico business leaders.
“Each initiative addresses a concrete need and proposes local solutions with growth and scalability potential,” said GSEA Puerto Rico Director Azalea García. These young entrepreneurs embody EO’s core values: leadership, innovation and a commitment to the economic development of their communities.”
Novoa was chosen from 11 candidates who participated in a five-month mentorship and business training program through Grupo Guayacán’s EnterPRize initiative. His first-place finish earned him a $5,000 cash prize and the chance to represent Puerto Rico in the regional competition in Panama in early 2026.
“We’re proud to once again collaborate with EO Puerto Rico and to have supported Nicolás since his participation in I-Corps Puerto Rico,” said Laura Cantero, executive director of Grupo Guayacán.
“Seeing his evolution as an entrepreneur reaffirms the impact of our programs and the value of partnerships that empower the island’s young talent,” she said.
Since 2015, EO Puerto Rico and Grupo Guayacán have collaborated on the GSEA program to promote mentorship, global exposure and leadership among student entrepreneurs already running active ventures.
