Tenerife is putting forward three very different examples of what young people across the island are doing, from science and entrepreneurship to community work.
The Cabildo de Tenerife has submitted three candidates for the Joven Canarias 2026 Awards, organised each year by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Among them is María Idaira Pacheco Fernández, an Orotava-born researcher and doctor of Chemistry at the University of La Laguna, who has been nominated in the individual category.
Three Tenerife nominations
The Cabildo has submitted one candidate for each of the three award categories.
AJE Tenerife has been nominated for the Collective Award for its work supporting young entrepreneurs and developing business networks since 2008.
The Distrito Joven programme from Santa Cruz de Tenerife is Tenerife’s candidate for the 8 Islands Award. The programme has been running since 2016, providing young people across the capital with activities focused on sport, culture, education and healthy leisure.
Then there is María Idaira Pacheco Fernández, nominated for the Individual Award.
A researcher from La Orotava
Pacheco is a doctor of Chemistry and a Ramón y Cajal researcher at the University of La Laguna.
Her work covers areas including analytical chemistry, materials science and biomedicine, and the Cabildo describes her as one of the university’s researchers with strong international potential.
It’s also a reminder that Tenerife’s young talent isn’t only being developed in business or tourism. There is some serious scientific work happening here as well.
Recognising young talent in Tenerife
Cabildo president Rosa Dávila said the three nominations represent stories of effort, dedication and commitment to the island.
Youth councillor Serafín Mesa also highlighted research, employment and community development as areas where young people in Tenerife are making an increasingly important contribution.
The winners of the Joven Canarias 2026 Awards will be announced by the Government of the Canary Islands.
Whatever happens with the final awards, Tenerife has managed to put forward three very different examples of young people and organisations making a contribution to the island.
And that’s probably worth recognising in itself.