Alumni Spotlight: Nicolas’ Journey in Sustainable Innovation & ClimateTech

About Nicolas Prieto Gamboa

After many years working with Big Tech companies and building a successful commercial career, Nicolas felt a profound sense of purpose was missing. This led him to search for a master’s course that would equip him with the tools to understand how technology can serve as a catalyst for transformative impact models. After an extensive search and valuable recommendations, Nicolas chose the Prosperity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship MSc at the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity.

From business to innovative entrepreneurship

I decided to study on the Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc not only because of UCL’s reputation as a leading global university but also due to the course's critical and holistic approach to entrepreneurship. It offered me the opportunity to explore how innovation, society, and technology intersect from various perspectives. 

I have a strong professional background in the technology sector, having worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia—the most important technological hubs in Latin America. In my role as Account Manager, I supported customers in their digital transformation journeys, leveraging cloud and AI technologies to drive business growth and operational efficiency. I managed cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of innovative solutions that met customer needs. 

After completing the MSc in Prosperity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at UCL, I found Popular Power to be the perfect opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I acquired. Popular Power is an early-stage startup where we developed a software platform to centralise solar monitoring, becoming a key enabler for the energy transition. Our platform helps optimise operations and drive greater impact in the renewable energy sector.

Transformative modules: Exploring the objectives of business economics and innovation

My favourite module during the course was 'Transformative Entrepreneurship and Prosperity: Design'. It stood out to me because I had the humbling opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary and diverse team from multiple nationalities in the creation of a transformative business model. As part of the module, our project won the prize for Best Business Model and allowed us to apply everything we had learned in the MSc. We designed a technological platform aimed at reducing intermediaries in the coffee value chain, using technologies such as blockchain to ensure that local farmers in Colombia receive a larger share of profits in the premium coffee market by connecting directly with speciality coffee shops in Dubai. 

Modules like 'Transformative Entrepreneurship' and the 'Connected Innovation Project' profoundly shaped my understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation. In 'Transformative Entrepreneurship,' I was introduced to core concepts of prosperity thinking, which redefined my approach to socioeconomic and environmental crises. We explored ideas like green growth, sustainable development goals, and social entrepreneurship, which expanded my perspective on how entrepreneurship can drive both business success and positive societal impact. The module also provided me with frameworks for analysing the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. We studied concepts such as community-based enterprise, frugal innovation, and social movements, which taught me how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for addressing structural inequalities and global challenges. Understanding entrepreneurship as an institution, policy, and practice helped me see its broader implications and its ability to provoke institutional change, even in extreme global contexts like displacement, poverty, or violence. 

Innovative entrepreneurship ideas in action

The 'Connected Innovation Project' further enriched my understanding by equipping me with the skills and hands-on experience needed to drive transformative enterprise. This module combined immersive innovation experiences with partner organisations and in-depth discussions on topics like intervention ethics, technology and privacy, inclusivity, and societal impact. I had the privilege of collaborating with a highly skilled and driven team on the Connected Innovation Project, which focused on introducing Bambara groundnuts to the European market. Our approach involved designing innovative products that adapted Bambara’s unique properties to the preferences and demands of European consumers, ensuring both market viability and cultural relevance. 

A critical aspect of the project was developing a sustainable business model that delivered tangible benefits to farming communities in Africa, where Bambara groundnuts are cultivated. We prioritised fair value distribution and sought to empower these communities by fostering local economic growth and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This real-world experience highlighted how innovation can drive product development and market adaptation while addressing societal and ethical considerations. It was an inspiring opportunity to see how entrepreneurial solutions can tackle complex challenges and create shared value for businesses and African farming communities alike. 

Overcoming challenges: Navigating intercultural collaboration and academic writing

One of the biggest challenges I faced during the project was academic writing in English, as a non-native speaker. Expressing complex ideas clearly and precisely in a different language was a significant hurdle, but the university provided invaluable support through specialised academic writing courses. This not only strengthened my linguistic skills but also improved my ability to structure and communicate ideas professionally. Another challenge was adapting to work with people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives, approaches, and ways of thinking. While aligning so many diverse viewpoints was initially complex, it became an opportunity to embrace a democratic and participatory leadership approach. I developed the skill to facilitate constructive discussions, synthesise diverse ideas, and build consensus, which greatly enriched the project’s outcomes. These challenges not only broadened my perspective but also taught me the value of intercultural collaboration and the power of inclusive leadership in global contexts. 

Nicolas' dissertation: Social impact meets sustainability

My master's dissertation, 'Exploring the Impact of Regenerative Finance on Colombia's Prosperity', examined how ReFi startups and organisations in Colombia are offering an alternative to neocolonialist practices often seen in traditional carbon markets. These markets have been criticised for their lack of transparency and for commodifying nature without delivering tangible benefits to local communities. Through my research, I explored how ReFi principles focus on regenerating ecosystems, empowering communities, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution. I also analysed the role of innovative technologies like Blockchain and digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) in enhancing transparency and accountability in ReFi projects. This work provided insights into how ReFi can contribute to sustainable development by aligning environmental goals with local community needs and creating more resilient, regenerative systems. 

Building a network of change-makers

During my time at UCL, I actively participated in the UCL Fintech Society, which significantly enriched my student experience. The society brought together inspiring speakers from both the corporate and startup worlds, who shared valuable insights on the transformative potential of Fintech. They highlighted not only its ability to revolutionise financial systems but also its greater mission: democratising access to financial products and extending them to underserved regions around the globe. These discussions emphasised the crucial role of Fintech in tackling poverty and fostering economic inclusion, aligning deeply with my passion for leveraging innovation to drive meaningful impact. Additionally, the society offered coding courses that I thoroughly enjoyed. These sessions provided me with a foundational understanding of programming, helping me better understand the "language of startups" and enabling me to communicate effectively with technical teams. Overall, my involvement in the UCL Fintech Society broadened my perspective, enhanced my skills, and reinforced my appreciation for technology’s role in driving global progress.  

The Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc was instrumental in sharpening my critical thinking skills and broadening my perspective on entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social change. It challenged me to analyse complex societal problems and design innovative, sustainable solutions that create value for both businesses and communities. This mindset reshaped how I view entrepreneurship—not just as a driver of economic growth, but as a transformative force for addressing pressing global issues. Additionally, I developed strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, which were new to me as a business administrator. These tools equipped me to gather, analyse, and interpret data more effectively, adding a layer of depth to my strategic decision-making. The combination of critical thinking, transformative entrepreneurship models, and user-centred design principles has provided me with a robust foundation for my professional growth. These skills are essential for creating impactful solutions and driving meaningful change in the fast-evolving, innovation-driven industries where I aspire to lead. 

During my studies, I received invaluable career support that greatly contributed to my professional development and current role. The CV review sessions were particularly impactful, as they ensured my CV was perfectly tailored to the roles I was pursuing, highlighting my strengths and aligning my experiences with the expectations of prospective employers. One of the most impactful skills development sessions was the one led by Solveiga Pakštaitė, where she shared practical insights on securing VC funding and building effective startup teams. It was incredibly inspiring to learn directly from a real-world entrepreneur who drew from her own experiences. Additionally, the IGP organised two purpose-driven job-seeking sessions that were transformative. These workshops emphasised aligning career aspirations with personal values and societal impact, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach the job market with intention. The sessions also included networking opportunities with alumni who had successfully transitioned into impactful roles after graduation. Their insights and advice provided both inspiration and practical guidance on navigating post-graduation career paths. 

Moreover, the Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc facilitated numerous opportunities to connect with entrepreneurial leaders, policymakers, and practitioners, significantly enhancing my learning and career development. One of the most impactful connections I had was with Arthur Kay, who served as my personal tutor. Arthur is a leading urban designer and entrepreneur, known for his work in creating sustainable cities. As the Founder and CEO of Skyroom, he is dedicated to providing affordable, sustainable homes for key workers. He also chairs the £100m Key Worker Homes Fund and the think-tank Fast Forward 2030, and is the founder of bio-bean, a clean technology company. Having direct access to Arthur and his wealth of experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into the practicalities of building sustainable businesses that address pressing societal issues. His mentorship emphasised the importance of combining innovation with a deep sense of social responsibility. 

I also enjoyed the networking sessions with successful entrepreneurs like Ehab Sayed, Founder of BIOHM, and other industry leaders. These interactions allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations, expand my professional network, and gain practical knowledge that I can apply to my own entrepreneurial aspirations. Overall, the program was instrumental in helping me build strong connections with influential figures who have shaped my understanding of how entrepreneurship can drive positive social and environmental change. 

Careers: Applying entrepreneurial creativity to renewable energy

Less than one month after completing my master's degree, I started my role as Sales Manager at Popular Power. The critical thinking and user-centred design skills I developed during the Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship MSc have been instrumental in helping shape our solar monitoring solutions. While I don’t directly create the products, I have played a key role in shaping the go-to-market strategy. By applying a user design approach, I ensured that our strategy addresses the real needs of our target customers, resulting in solutions that are both impactful and aligned with business goals. The strategic frameworks and problem-solving techniques I learned have enabled me to navigate complex market dynamics and contribute to the company’s growth and mission of sustainability and innovation. 

The master's course has had a profound impact on my career trajectory and my views on entrepreneurship and innovation. It has reinforced my belief that innovation should not only drive business success but also address societal and environmental challenges. The course's emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving has shaped how I approach entrepreneurial ventures, encouraging me to think strategically and with a focus on long-term impact. It has also deepened my understanding of how technology and entrepreneurship, especially in Climate Tech, can be powerful tools for creating positive social and environmental change. These insights have directly influenced my work at Popular Power, where I apply innovative, data-driven approaches to drive sustainable growth in solar energy and contribute to the mission of making solar energy more accessible and impactful. 

Looking ahead, I plan to continue applying the skills and knowledge gained from this program by designing innovative ClimateTech platforms that address pressing environmental challenges. My focus will remain on finding the intersection between technology, impact, and climate, ensuring that the solutions I contribute to are both sustainable and transformative. By leveraging the critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic frameworks I’ve learned, I aim to drive the development of data-driven, scalable solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and regenerative future. 

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

My advice to prospective students considering this MSc would be to make the most of every session. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional professors and guest speakers, and each of their insights is invaluable. Don’t stress too much, and remember to enjoy the incredible city that is London, as well as the fantastic UCL East campus. It's a unique experience that combines academic rigor with a vibrant cultural setting. 

Discover more about Nicolas on LinkedIn.

Are you interested in studying the Prosperity, People and Planet MSc at UCL?

Discover more about the course and the career opportunities it could unlock by visiting the UCL Graduate prospectus. 

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