We talk with Maria Eugenia, who left her career as a directive in the computing world - more than 25 years of experience on innovation management, sales and development of tech multinational companies- to meet the challenge of "vaccinating a generation against monolingualism". We talk with her to know more about her startup, MenteLista and how she feels being finalist in South Summit.

1. What does South Summit mean for you? What do you expect from this event?  

South Summit Is THE EVENT for a startup company is worldwide known its reputation by the field and investors. I understand just being there is a great opportunity for learning sharing and networking… and if we win even a lot more… we will be closer to vaccinate a whole generation against monolingualism!

2. Why did you decide to participate in the competition?  

After several awards like the seal of excellence from Europe on Horizon2020 and the Seklab Award 2017 on Education, we decided to move to the higher level and share our vision with investors that are passionate about our mission: bilingual and readers... Just 10 minutes per day will make your baby, toddler or kid bilingual!   

3. Why did you decide to start your business and how did you come up with the idea? 

Mentelista was born with the aim of taking advantage of the potential and plasticity of the minds of children who learn by perception and direct stimuli, instead of memorizing them as adults do. 

They take advantage of the knowledge in the cognitive neuroscience of the last 50 years, Mentelista is a disruptive method aimed at children between six months and seven years, which schematically replicates the brain learning system in the first years, before being able to speak, to know how to read and even before you understand.

4. Why your company is useful for the user? 

MenteLista arrives to vanish one for all monolingualism.

Languages exhibits a “Critical Period” a window opportunity that using our online platform based on technology and neuroscience catalyzes baby, toddlers and kids an intuitive language learning method leveraging native brain power. 

5. How did you feel when you knew you were finalist? 

Very excited to be two or even three step closer to make English learning much easier for kids…just like learning the mother tongue!

6. What do you think it will happen in the future of startups?

In recent times there has been a great evolution of the entrepreneurial environment in Spain as well as in the rest of the world.

Startups propose new products or services that do not offer traditional companies, which cover the new needs in all areas: education, energy, consumption...

For its consolidation, it is essential to be known in first level events like South Summit and to professionalize the management of areas such as communication and marketing, which allows them to have greater visibility for the recruitment of clients and investors.

7. What advice would you give to those who want to participate in South Summit?

Be passionate about what you do, push yourself and enjoy... startup life deals with having something really good you want to share with the world. 

8. What does being an entrepreneur mean for you?

Being able to change a little piece of our world and improve it.

9. What´s your dream in life? 

Never stop having dreams that became reality… enjoy the way with my loved ones and those who I can offer value to.