Carmen Paredes

I’m a Paraguayan economist, entrepreneur, and climate innovation leader passionate about building scalable solutions that combine sustainability, technology, and real-world impact.

I’m the founder and CEO of Ruruka, a triple-impact climatech startup transforming industrial residual sludge into sustainable construction materials while developing tools to measure avoided CO₂ and methane emissions through circular economy solutions. Through Ruruka, I’ve worked at the intersection of environmental innovation, industrial sustainability, and impact-driven entrepreneurship.

In 2025, I was recognized as MIT Innovators Under 35 LATAM – Pioneer of the Year, one of the region’s most prestigious recognitions for innovators creating transformative impact through technology and entrepreneurship. Ruruka was also selected among the Top 100 startups worldwide at the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2024, after previously winning the BID-FEMSA Award 2023, which led us to present our work during World Water Week in Stockholm.

I was also selected as one of only three fellows for Exponeur, an international fellowship powered by GEN and Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, where I had the opportunity to present Ruruka at Expo 2025 Osaka and connect with global innovators, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

Beyond entrepreneurship, I actively contribute to leadership and innovation communities. I previously served on the Board of Directors of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Paraguay (AJE) from 2024 to 2026, supporting the growth of emerging founders and innovation initiatives in the country. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors of the State Alumni Association of Paraguay (SAP).

My academic background includes a degree in Economics from Penn State University (where I recieve the Outstanding Alumni Award 2025), a Master’s in Governance and Public Affairs, and ongoing studies in Corporate Finance. I was also selected by CAF and Fundación Carolina for the in-person leadership program Institutional Democratic Values for Leaders of Latin America and the Caribbean, focused on governance, democratic leadership, and regional cooperation.

Throughout my journey, I’ve participated in multiple international fellowships, accelerators, and innovation programs focused on climatech, circular economy, public innovation, and entrepreneurship. I strongly believe entrepreneurship can become one of the most powerful tools to reshape industries, empower communities, and build a more sustainable future.