Txemi Cantera Awards: Carmen Marcuello, Tusgsal and Alkimo honoured at the 36th edition

Have you ever wondered whether it is possible to compete in highly demanding sectors whilst placing local roots and people at the centre? Often, transforming the economic fabric towards more equitable models seems like an insurmountable challenge, but reality shows that there are already organisations and professionals leading this paradigm shift.

The 36th edition of the ‘Txemi Cantera’ International Awards showcases the real-life impact of this change. This year, the awards highlight three very different career paths united by a common thread: the practical demonstration that equity, participation and stable employment are the true driving force behind the future of society and business.

Meet the leading figures who are leading the way:

1. Carmen Marcuello: Research, the basis for change. In this area, the tireless work of Carmen Marcuello Servós, Professor in the Department of Business Management and Organisation at the University of Zaragoza and director of the GESES research group, must be highlighted. She has dedicated her entire life to analysing social impact and the gender perspective, and her academic work provides the necessary tools to strengthen the transformative power of this business model.
2. Tusgsal:  Strengthening participation on a large scale. It is sometimes thought that participatory models are only introduced in small companies. Tusgsal completely shatters this scheme. This transport operator in the Barcelona metropolitan area has just celebrated its 40th anniversary, having become the largest cooperative society in the State, with more than 1,000 worker-members. Its track record shows how it is possible to provide an essential public service while competing at the highest level, prioritising the creation of quality jobs and territorial rootedness.
3. Alkimo: Youth and technology with values (Cantera Award). The future is shaped by the younger generations. That is why the ‘Cantera de la Economía Social’ award seeks to give a voice to young projects that are founded on a radically different understanding of business. The award goes to Alkimo (Ingumak Indie Games SLL), a technology firm based in Rentería specialising in augmented reality, 3D visualisation and video games. Now in its seventh year, it demonstrates that innovative start-ups can thrive by focusing on their local community and on creating a solid working environment for their team.

An event to inspire and connect. Stories such as those of Carmen Marcuello, Tusgsal and Alkimo provide the impetus our society needs to continue supporting more resilient and committed businesses. They will be publicly recognised at the gala on 24 November at 6.00 pm at the Carlton Hotel in Bilbao.