Andrews University Hosts Founding of NESTX

International innovation network for Adventist higher education

Members of the NESTX leadership team signed the network’s Founding Charter on Sunday, March 29. (Photo by Matías Soto)

On March 29, 2026, the Adventist Innovation Network (NESTX) was officially launched as an international organization bringing together Adventist institutions of higher education to promote innovation rooted in mission. The network functions as a global platform for collaboration focused on applied research, technology transfer, industry collaboration and entrepreneurship within the Adventist education system.

“I believe NESTX comes at a crucial moment. Higher education is experiencing significant change, and no institution can face these challenges alone. … NESTX seeks to unite Adventist universities through innovation, research and entrepreneurship, fostering an ecosystem where faculty, students, and leaders can work together more efficiently, achieve greater impact, and carry out our educational mission with relevance and purpose,” shares George Perez, associate professor of management and marketing at Walla Walla University.

The inaugural NESTX General Assembly was held over three days, from March 27–29, at Andrews University. The event combined in person and virtual participation, allowing academic leaders and innovation directors from different countries to participate.

The assembly brought together representatives from Seventh-day Adventist institutions of higher education in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Brazil, among other countries. In total, representatives from 13 universities belonging to the North American, Inter American and South American Divisions participated, reflecting the global and interdivisional character of the initiative.

“The Founding General Assembly marked the moment when a shared dream became an institutional reality,” affirms Andrés Díaz, director of the research and development center at Universidad de Montemorelos. “As a result, NESTX begins its journey not merely as a partnership of institutions, but as a unified international community committed to advancing innovation, research, entrepreneurship and technology transfer in support of the Seventh-day Adventist educational mission.”

Participating institutions included Andrews University, Universidad de Montemorelos, Universidad de Navojoa, Universidad Adventista de Chile, Universidad Linda Vista, Universidad Peruana Unión, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Universidad Adventista de Bolivia, Faculdade Adventista do Paraná, Centro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo, Corporación Universitaria Adventista Colombia, Universidad Adventista Dominicana, Southwestern Adventist University and Walla Walla University.

Activities began on Friday with an Innovation Forum, where key topics related to educational innovation, applied research and interinstitutional collaboration were addressed. The forum highlighted the importance of working collaboratively through networks to respond to the current challenges facing Adventist higher education.

On Saturday, a networking dinner took place, hosted by Anneris Coria Navia and Sócrates Quispe, associate directors of the Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The event fostered relationship building, the exchange of experiences, and the development of new opportunities for collaboration among presidents, vice presidents, innovation directors, researchers and institutional representatives.

“Our Adventist heritage reminds us that our pioneers were disruptive thinkers, courageous innovators, and visionary leaders. … By working together through initiatives like NestX, we can honor that legacy, amplify our collective strengths, and create solutions that make a lasting impact on our campuses, our communities and the world,” shares Licci Zemleduch, assistant professor of business administration at Southwestern Adventist University.

The central moment of the General Assembly occurred on Sunday, March 29, with the Founding Charter of NESTX, under the leadership of Coria-Navia and Quispe. During this session, the NESTX bylaws were presented and approved, the Executive Committee was elected, and the Founding Charter was formally signed. As part of this process, Matías Soto, director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews University, was elected president of the network, assuming leadership of NESTX. Soto’s appointment underscores the network’s commitment to a strategic vision of innovation, international collaboration and the development of mission focused academic ecosystems.

As part of NESTX’s official establishment, the appointment of divisional representatives was also formalized. Alcides Flores, faculty at Universidad Peruana Unión, was appointed vice president and representative of the South American Division; Zemleduch and Perez were appointed representatives of the North American Division; Díaz was designated representative of the Inter American Division; and Márcio Araújo, faculty at Faculdade Adventista do Paraná, and Nicolás Quaranta, manager of Human Resources at Universidad Adventista del Plata, were named representatives of the South American Division. The additional appointments of Jhon Niño, faculty member at Corporación Universitaria Adventista Colombia, and Ana Quirós, vice president for academic affairs at Universidad Adventista de Centro América, as representatives of the Inter-American Division were also completed at a later date. These designations strengthen NESTX’s governance structure and reinforce its interdivisional collaboration from its foundational stage.

The gathering concluded with the presentation of the elected Executive Committee, the conferral of recognitions and the official closing of the General Assembly. Through the creation of NESTX, Adventist education reaffirms its commitment to an innovative, collaborative and mission faithful future. Flores notes, “NESTX aspires to amplify the collective impact of Adventist higher education, enabling its institutions to transform lives, advance knowledge, and extend Christ-centered service to their communities and to the world.”

For more information or to inquire about joining NESTX, visit their LinkedIn page or email director@nest-x.org.