CaixaBank and Microsoft have rewarded the best scientific and technical degree students in Spain through the WONNOW Awards. For the fourth consecutive year, the two organisations have recognised STEM talent through these awards, which include a cash prize of 10,000 euros to the female student with the best academic record and 10 paid internships to work for six months at CaixaBank and access to a Microsoft mentoring programme.

Through this initiative, CaixaBank and Microsoft hope to promote diversity and the presence of women in the field of technology and the sciences from the start of their professional careers and encourage other young women to study STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Participation that grows every year

In this edition, a total of 723 students from 65 universities across Spain have entered, which represents an increase of 108% compared to the previous year. In total, in the four editions held so far, more than 1,700 students have entered, which shows how the WONNOW Awards have become established as prestigious awards in the university sector.

Gonzalo Gortázar, Chief Executive Officer of CaixaBank, Alberto Granados, President of Microsoft in Spain, Mariona Vicens, Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation of CaixaBank, Anna Quirós, Director of Culture, Selection, Development and Industrial Relations of CaixaBank, and Rebeca Marciel, Director of Corporate Management of Microsoft Spain all attended the awards ceremony.

Gonzalo Gortázar recognised the work and efforts of the participants and praised their commitment and dedication. Gortázar said: "Through the WONNOW Awards we promote diversity in a field with low female presence and with great current and future opportunities." He added: "With these awards, we want to continue to help people and society as a whole develop, by promoting diversity in the technology industry." Gortázar encouraged young women to choose these professions and to show how women can be great scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

In addition, Alberto Granados said: "Digitalisation is driving the creation of specialised employment, not only in the technology industry, but across all sectors, which means there is an urgent demand to train qualified talent, and women can’t be left behind." The President of Microsoft in Spain championed reducing the gender gap in science and technology, based on his belief that diversity fosters innovation and growth.

A sector with enormous employment opportunities

The WONNOW Awards are a response to key issues for CaixaBank and Microsoft: diversity and a commitment to technology. They are also a strong reflection of the values that both organisations share, including social commitment, working to achieve equality and the recognition of excellence.

The academic records, personal, educational, professional and social achievements of participants were assessed to choose the winners. The winner of the cash prize was:

• Julia Guerrero (Zaragoza). A graduate in Computer Engineering at the University of Zaragoza and with a master’s in Computational Sciences, specialising in artificial intelligence from the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg (Germany), she received the prize for the best academic record, winning 10,000 euros. She will also have access to a mentoring programme offered by Microsoft.

The other 10 winning students have access to paid internships to work for six months in the CaixaBank Group and to participate in the development of innovative projects connected to the transformation of financial services. They will also benefit from the mentoring programme offered by Microsoft. The winners were:

• Nerea Solabarrieta (San Sebastián), a graduate in Information Technology and Business Administration and Management at the University of Deusto.
• María Pifarré (Lleida), a graduate in Physics at the University of Barcelona (UB) and studying for a master’s in Mathematics for Financial Studies at Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB).
• Ingrid Pérez (Barcelona), studying for a degree in Mathematical Engineering in Data Science and Computer Engineering at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF).
• Raquel Enrique (Cádiz), who has studied a dual degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Granada.
• Leonor Alcalá (Teruel), a graduate in Environmental Sciences at the University of Zaragoza.
• María Jesús Hernández (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), a graduate in Mathematics at the University of La Laguna and with a master’s in the Advanced Analysis of Multivariate Data and Big Data from the University of Salamanca.
• Marina Boyero (Madrid), a dual degree student in Computer Engineering and Business Administration and Management at Carlos III University in Madrid.
• Paula Pérez (Madrid), a dual degree student in Computer Engineering and Business Administration and Management at the Technical University of Madrid.
• Amparo García (Zamora), a graduate in Mathematics at the University of Salamanca and with a master’s in Applied Mathematics and Information Technology from Lobachevsky State University (Russia).
• Sandra García (Salamanca), studying for a degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Salamanca.