The team Apollo 27 RDmade up of students from Santo Domingo Technological Institute (INTEC), was recognized with the National Youth Award 2026thanks to his outstanding participation in the Human Exploration Rover Challengean international competition organized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (POT).
In the most recent edition of the contest, held last year, the Dominican team obtained six awards and reached the second place Overall in the Human-Powered Rover (HP) category, consolidating itself as one of the most outstanding university projects in the region.
The Minister of Youth, Carlos J. Valdez Matosstated that Apollo 27 it’s a innovation benchmarktalent and commitment, and an example of the potential of Dominican youth in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) areas.
The youths were received by President Luis Abinaderwho headed the award ceremony to youths outstanding in different areas of society. The ceremony took place in the Carlos Piantini room of the National theaterin the National District.
During the event, the leader highlighted the need to continue strengthening public policies oriented to comprehensive development of youth, as a fundamental axis for the country’s progress.
Awardees by category
In this edition of the National Award for Youth were also recognized:
- César Alejandro Taveras Campos, Contribution to the Farming Community
- Corayma Yisirel Castillo EncarnaciónContribution to the Human Rights, Childhood and Youth
- Louis Erik Guzmán Alcántara, Cultural Development, Art and Culture
- Frandiel Gómez Vargas, International Sport
- Marcela Zimbron and Vanllelys Savino Motas, Business Development and Entrepreneurship
- Julio Jimenez Pena, Overcoming and Personal Achievements
- Edwina Luna Rodríguez, Overcoming Professional
- Karla Alba Faxas Barriola, Preservation and Promotion of Natural Resources
- Bryan Jackson Lluberes, Social Services in favor of the Community
- Marcos Matos Monteros, Political Leadership
- Suleica Martínez Peña, Religious Leadership
- Esthefany Chaleyca Gonzales Santos, Student Merit Pre-university
- Andelfher Josías Tejada Henríquez, Student Merit University
- Anderson Javier Dirocie de León, Young Dominican in it Abroad
