At the International Affairs Office at PUCP, we proudly celebrate Brik Henrry Meza Pinedo, a Mechatronics Engineering graduate from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), who has been awarded the prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarship to pursue graduate studies at McGill University in Canada. With this achievement, he becomes the first Peruvian to receive this scholarship and the only representative from Latin America in the 2026 cohort.
This recognition marks one of the most significant international achievements for our graduates, following a highly competitive process that attracts thousands of applicants from around the world. In the most recent cycle, candidates from more than 2,300 universities applied, with only a small group advancing to the final round of interviews in Montreal. In total, 280 candidates took part in the first round of interviews, and 91 were invited to Montreal for the final stage, with all travel expenses covered.
Brik was one of just 30 students selected as McCall MacBain Scholars worldwide (19 from Canada and 11 from other countries), following a rigorous selection process that identifies individuals with exceptional potential, combining academic excellence, leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and a clear vision for impact.
Receiving the news was one of the happiest moments I can remember. For me, this scholarship is a unique opportunity to scale the impact I have been building in my community. I will make the most of both the scholarship and McGill to keep creating and giving back, now on a much larger scale, no longer just Peru, but the world.
Brik Henrry Meza Pinedo Graduate in Mechatronics Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP)Here’s a short video Brik recorded during his visit to Montreal for the final interviews:
Brik’s story is deeply shaped by his drive to create impact. Born in Huacaybamba, Huánuco, a province in the Andean region of Peru, he grew up in an environment with limited access to educational and technological opportunities. This experience has been key in shaping his perspective and his commitment to closing opportunity gaps.
Brik graduated from PUCP with a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, for which he was awarded a full merit based scholarship. During his university years, he not only excelled academically but also translated his purpose into concrete initiatives in technological innovation and entrepreneurship. He is the co founder of Outliers, a consultancy focused on developing solutions in artificial intelligence and software, as well as NONHUMAN, a robotics lab aimed at expanding access to robot learning research in Peru.
During his time at PUCP, Brik also took part in several internationalization opportunities offered by DARI that shaped his academic and personal development. He was selected for an exchange program at the University of Texas at Austin, an experience that strengthened his interest in innovation and entrepreneurship in global settings. He also received a DARI scholarship to support his exchange and participated in a short course at Harvard University, further expanding his exposure to high level academic environments.
His experience also includes applied research in artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector, where he worked as an AI research engineer, leading projects focused on developing tools such as nutrition chatbots, clinical note automation, and AI powered medical report generation. In addition, he has been actively involved in social impact initiatives, including tele volunteering in nutrition for vulnerable communities and mentoring fellow students at the university. He also co founded a tutoring initiative to support his peers, reinforcing his commitment to collaborative learning and community impact.
My university opened doors to opportunities that have shaped who I am today. My academic training, combined with scholarship-supported international experiences and the people I met along the way, helped me clarify my long-term goals and strengthen the impact I hope to create through leadership and innovation.
Brik Henrry Meza Pinedo Graduate in Mechatronics Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP)The McCall MacBain Scholarship provides comprehensive funding for master’s studies and includes an interdisciplinary leadership program that connects scholars with mentors, global leaders, and an international network. It is designed to develop professionals who stand out for their academic excellence and their ability to create positive change in their communities. The program covers tuition and living expenses for two years and provides access to mentorship, coaching, and a global leadership network.
Brik will pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science at McGill University starting in September 2026, with a focus on artificial intelligence and robotics, aimed at developing accessible technological solutions. His goal is to help close gaps in access to technology by promoting innovations that have a real impact on people’s quality of life.
He also aims to strengthen connections across international innovation ecosystems, building bridges between Peru and other countries through his projects and ventures.
I’m excited to explore Montreal’s AI, robotics, and entrepreneurship ecosystem while
deepening my understanding of ethical innovation.I hope to build lasting bridges
between Canada and Peru through my ventures, Outliers and NONHUMAN, developing
practical solutions that expand access to robotics and applied AI.
Brik’s achievement not only highlights his outstanding personal trajectory but also reflects the potential of PUCP students and graduates to compete and excel in highly demanding global environments. In recent years, the University has built a consistent presence in these types of international opportunities. In 2024 and 2025, other PUCP graduates reached the global finalist stage of the McCall MacBain Scholarships, gaining access to funding for graduate studies at McGill University and serving as an inspiration for Brik to apply in the most recent cycle.
This continuity reflects PUCP’s combination of academic excellence, comprehensive education, and ongoing institutional efforts to bring high-level opportunities closer to our university community, as well as its commitment to preparing professionals who can perform with excellence, ethics, and purpose in global contexts.
Brik’s story shows how opportunities, when combined with talent and determination, can transform lives. His journey and achievement inspire new generations at PUCP to look beyond borders and trust in their potential to create meaningful impact in the world.
