Breaking Barriers with Tech

Growing up in Zapayán Colombia, Daniel Eduardo de la Cruz always had a passion for technology. But in a town affected by conflict opportunities were scarce. That didn’t stop him. He taught himself programming robotics and AI determined to build a future in tech.

Through Samsung Innovation Campus he expanded his knowledge combining AI with his interest in philosophy to bring a fresh perspective to technology. His creativity and problem-solving skills made him stand out earning him recognition in both his capstone project and a hackathon.

Bridging the Education Gap with Technology

Beyond his own learning Daniel wanted to help others. He founded a venture to support students preparing for the ICFES exam needed for university admission in Colombia. Many students struggle with limited access to quality educational resources making it difficult to compete for scholarships and university spots.

Recognizing this gap, Daniel created an accessible alternative that provides affordable and effective preparation helping young people improve their scores and increase their chances of further education. For him technology isn’t just about innovation—it’s a way to uplift his community and create a ripple effect of opportunity.

Overcoming Barriers to Enter the World of Technology

For Marian Carrascal, technology has always been fascinating. But without the financial means to pursue higher education she had to find her own way. Completely self-taught she immersed herself in coding spending countless hours learning from online resources and practicing her skills. Her commitment paid off as she became one of the top students in her Samsung Innovation Campus course. Her dedication and hard work made her the highest-scoring woman in her class proving that passion and persistence can go a long way.

Eager to expand her opportunities Marian also taught herself languages—including Korean—demonstrating her ability to learn independently and adapt to new challenges. Her determination caught the attention of Universidad del Rosario Samsung Innovation Campus’s partner in Colombia which offered her a role in one of their projects. This became her first formal job providing not just financial stability but also a clear path into the tech industry. What once seemed like an impossible dream was now within reach thanks to her relentless effort and the knowledge she gained through continuous learning.

"Samsung Innovation Campus opened doors I never thought possible. It gave me the structure and support I needed to turn my passion for technology into a real career, proving that with dedication and the right resources, anyone can achieve their dreams," said Marian.