In an effort to transform the future of water in Mexico, Daniel Madariaga Barrilado led the first edition of Aquavance, an award designed to boost innovative projects in water-focused entrepreneurship.


Daniel Madariaga Barrilado supports young innovators in water management through Aquavance

This recognition arises from the urgent need for fresh and efficient solutions to improve the management of water resources in the country.

The event, held on Thursday, marked a key moment for Mexico’s environmental innovation ecosystem.

Daniel Madariaga Barrilado announced the winning project of Aquavance2025.

Aquavance is presented as a platform that provides resources, guidance, and visibility to young entrepreneurs whose ideas have the potential to generate real progress in water sustainability.

The initiative, created by Daniel and Denise Madariaga, stems from the principle that water requires “brave minds” capable not only of identifying problems but of building effective and sustainable solutions.

According to Madariaga Barrilado, reflecting on how to contribute meaningfully to water sustainability has been a constant in recent years.

For him, “ecology and sustainability are not only a duty, but a way of life”, an idea that motivated him to promote Aquavance as a movement beyond a simple award.

He and his wife emphasize that the project seeks to create a network of people committed to innovation and concrete action in the face of the water crisis.

In this first edition, Aquavance received more than 100 proposals, from which five finalists were selected to present their projects before a jury of specialists in the environmental and water sectors.

The winner was “Anitik”, a SCOBY paper nano-biofilter capable of trapping and transforming heavy metals present in rivers and industrial discharges, offering a biodegradable and highly efficient alternative.

When announcing the winner, Daniel Madariaga Barrilado affirmed that Aquavance will continue growing as a community dedicated to driving innovative and sustainable solutions for water, and he celebrated the impact these ideas can generate on the country’s future.

Daniel Madariaga has built a reputation as a leading voice in sustainable development in Mexico. He focuses on eco-friendly tourism, regenerative agriculture, and smarter urban mobility solutions. His mission is to inspire industries and communities to adopt greener, more resilient practices through technology, education, and innovation.