Video Blog from CNN : http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/30/colombias-anti-terror-entrepreneur/#comments

In Colombia, there has been a long standing civil war between the Colombian government and guerrillas.  Till today, this war continues, killing more people along the way.  In fact, the greatest number of deaths are due to land mines.  More than 10,500 people have died since 1919 due to land mines.  With this number being a main motivator, an entrepreneur from Colombia named Mauricio  Betonol, found his passion through studying defence.  He has come up with and is testing robotic devices to help disable land mines along with protective gear specifically for land mine attacks.

He started his company three years ago with the help of the local university.  The university gives him a place to work and the material and equipment needed in exchange for a portion of profits and the patents.  Mauricio works closely with the Colombian Air Force in order to design things for their needs.  They appreciate his hard work and his “never quit” attitude.

I found this story to be quite unique and fascinating in the fact that it’s not often to see an entrepreneur helping his country for a cause he strongly believes in.  It also goes to show that he isn’t just in this for the profit but for something greater than himself which is the safety of his country and its citizens because it is a passion of his.  In the end, I believe an important quality that an entrepreneur must have in order to succeed is a strong cause and enthusiasm for pursuing their endeavours.