EU-LAC Digital Accelerator launches the second Open Call for European, Latin American and Caribbean Digital Business Partnerships

  • EU-LAC Digital Accelerator’s Open Call supports Digital Business Partnerships, with a specific focus on Cleantech and Smart Production areas.
  • EU-LAC Partnerships must include one corporate and one startup from the following regions: European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Selected candidates will receive the accelerator’s in-kind services, valued at up to €30,000, or €40,000 if a Caribbean partner is involved.

EU-LAC Digital Accelerator continues supporting cross-regional partnerships between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to develop digital businesses. The accelerator launches the second Open Call for EU-LAC Partnerships focused on Clean Technologies, running in parallel with the first opportunity area in Smart Production. Selected candidates will receive in-kind acceleration services valued at up to €30,000, or €40,000 if a Caribbean partner is involved. These services that the program provides to the partnerships are detailed in a Catalogue and include a customised acceleration roadmap, design and implementation of a proof-of-concept, validation of its business model, and assessment of its investment and scaling readiness.

In this second Open Call, EU-LAC Digital Accelerator will accelerate EU-LAC Partnerships involving a corporate facing a digital challenge, mainly focused on Cleantech and/or Smart Production area and a startup or innovative SME providing a digital solution from a different region. The accelerator’s experts will support these partnerships until they reach an investment-ready stage.

Supporting corporates and startups to build Digital Business Partnerships

EU-LAC Digital Accelerator’s Open Call is an opportunity for corporates and startups looking to expand internationally by developing business collaborations. To facilitate business connections and generate eligible EU-LAC Partnerships of corporates and startups – following an open innovation approach – the accelerator offers a Matching Platform accessible on its website. By now, this platform gathers a community of over 1,000 stakeholders, including corporates, startups, SMEs, business organisations, accelerators, and public bodies across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

To participate in the second Open Call, corporates willing to transform their products, processes, and services can register on the platform and start sharing their digital challenges, preferably on Cleantech and Smart Production areas. In turn, startups and SMEs with digital innovations can create their profile and match their value proposition with the corporate challenge. Once these connections are established and meet the criteria, the generated EU-LAC Partnership can apply for the Open Call and, if selected, embark on an open innovation journey with EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.

The accelerator also encourages EU-LAC Partnerships that are already collaborating to apply for the Open Call if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Open call: How to apply?

To qualify for the EU-LAC Partnership acceleration services, such a partnership must consist of at least one corporate and one innovative startup or SME, both from different eligible regions (European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean). To demonstrate their partnership, the partners must have signed a formal agreement.

Interested EU-LAC Partnerships can submit their application form via the ‘Open Call’ website, where they will find the Guidelines for Applicants with all the necessary documentation.

For more information, contact the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator team member Tonya Cummins.

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Neighborhood, Development & International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

EOI: Construction and Design Services for Exhibitor booth at SIAL Paris Trade Show 2024

Caribbean Export is inviting to submit proposals for the Construction and Design Services for an exhibitor booth at the SIAL Paris Trade Show 2024, scheduled to take place at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, France, from October 19-23, 2024. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the European Union’s Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP).

The goal of this project is to provide a pavilion for CARIFORUM agro-processors to exhibit their products under the Absolutely Caribbean brand. The pavilion will occupy 90 sqm of floor space and accommodate nine (9) exhibitors. The aim is to increase the market share and accessibility of Caribbean products in European markets, engaging in B2B meetings, and securing contracts.

Interested parties are required to design and construct a pavilion reflecting a Caribbean theme and the Absolutely Caribbean brand, complete with branded walls, lighting fixtures, individual display units, a lounge area, secure storage, a small kitchen space, and TV screens. All materials must be sourced, transported, and the booth dismantled post-show.

To participate, download the full terms of reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation, including a technical and financial proposal, to Natasha Edwin Walcott, Senior Advisor Competitiveness and Export Promotion at nwalcott@carib-export.com and copied to sialparis2024@carib-export.com, by 4:30 pm AST on July 19, 2024.

Consultancy: Final Review of Caribbean Export Development Agency’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is seeking a consultancy for the final review of its 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. This review will assess the agency’s effectiveness in achieving its goals and objectives, and will provide recommendations for future strategic direction.

The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive final review of Caribbean Export’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan, assessing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. The plan, themed ‘Building Business, Transforming Lives, for a Resilient Caribbean’, aimed to address key challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean, including the impacts of global economic trends, climate change, and the need for diversification and innovation.

The consultancy will involve a mixed-method approach, combining desk research, quantitative analysis, qualitative assessments, and stakeholder consultations. The consultant will evaluate the extent to which the strategic plan’s objectives were achieved, identify key challenges, assess monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and document best practices and lessons learned.

Those interested should download the full terms of reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation as outlined in the TOR to proposals@carib-export.com, no later than 4:30 pm AST on June 06, 2024.

CIF2024 Investment Villages and Expo

Caribbean Export invites businesses to apply to participate in the Caribbean Investment Forum’s Investment Villages and Expo. The Forum will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre from July 10-12, 2024.

Key Benefits:

  • Strategic Exposure: Position your company at the leading investment forum in the region.
  • Networking & Collaboration: Connect with potential partners to explore new business opportunities in Guyana and the wider Caribbean Region.
  • Market Access: Engage with key business leaders from across the Caribbean for market entry opportunities.

Booth Package

  • One (1) 10 x 10 feet prefabricated booth inclusive of One (1) electrical outlet
  • Three (3) booth walls. Dimensions: 126″ x 102″ inches (per panel left, right and back)
  • Header Board Dimensions: 120″ x 12″ inches
  • One (1) Table and Two (2) Chairs
  • One (1) Complementary CIF2024 Ticket
  • One (1) Social Media post.
  • Full access to the CIF2024 Event App which includes business-to-business meeting functionality, discussion forums and activities updates.

Cost: USD 3,500

Apply no later than June 21st, 2024. The deadlline to submit artwork is June 29th, 2024.

Download the full exhibitor documentation below.

Consultancy: Technical Support for Project Packaging to be Presented at the Caribbean Investment Forum 2024

Caribbean Export is organizing the Caribbean Investment Forum 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana, on July 10-12, 2024, in partnership with the Government of Guyana, the European Union, the CARICOM Secretariat and other public and private sector partners. It is envisioned that a new project preparation facility is constituted to develop new projects to be presented in this edition of the forum.

The general objective of this assignment is the development of six (6) packaged investment projects for the selected private sector firms in the beneficiary countries. The target sectors for CIF 2024 are sustainable agriculture, green economy transition and digitalization of business. Furthermore, the provision of investment facilitation support towards presenting the projects to qualified leads from the CIF in the Bahamas as well as the upcoming CIF 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana.

Those interested should download the full terms of reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation as outlined in the TOR to Tonya Cummins – Advisor, Investment Promotion and copied to Dr. Damie Sinanan – Manager, Competitiveness and Export Promotion no later than 4.30pm AST on May 6, 2024.

Vacancy Notice: Innovation and Digital Business Officer

Duty Station: Bridgetown,Barbados

Join Our Team as an Innovation and Digital Business Officer!

Are you passionate about driving digital transformation and innovation within the Caribbean private sector? Caribbean Export is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the position of Officer – Innovation and Digital Business, reporting to the Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion (CEP).

As a key member of our team, you will spearhead initiatives to promote digital business principles and innovation, facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, e-commerce, and online platforms among manufacturers and service providers.

Your responsibilities will include developing strategic objectives, executing donor-funded projects, and providing expert support to SMEs in leveraging new technologies.

If you have a postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Innovation, or Entrepreneurship, along with a minimum of five years’ experience in supporting digital business initiatives and fluent in English we encourage you to apply by May 31st, 2024, 11:59 PM (AST).

Applications must be sent to HR@carib-export.com including the following documents, in English:

  • CV (including detailed description of qualifications and work experience, and three references)
  • Cover letter (maximum one page)
  • Copies of relevant certificates

Join us in driving the future of business in the Caribbean region!

Personal information submitted to Caribbean Export for this recruitment will follow our Personal Data and Protection policy.

Further information on Caribbean Export is available at: https://carib-export.com/.

Download the job description below.

Vacancy Notice: Executive Director

Duty Station: Bridgetown,Barbados
Duration: Three years, Contract-based

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), the regional trade and investment promotion agency, is seeking to fill the position of Executive Director. Headquartered in Barbados, with a sub-regional office in the Dominican Republic, Caribbean Export focuses on building a resilient private sector. It strives to optimise the trade potential of the region by supporting private sector development, attracting foreign investment, and building the capacity of regional business support organisations.

Caribbean Export works in 14 CARICOM countries and the Dominican Republic, and receives funding from its member countries, as well as regional and international donors/partners.

JOB PROFILE AND IMPACT

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and will:

  • provide strategic leadership and direction of the Agency
  • coordinate all activities of the Agency in accordance with its strategic plan
  • build/maintain relationships with governments, international donors and other key stakeholders

In performing the functions above, the Executive Director will enable Caribbean Export to:

  • Enhance competitiveness and promote innovation in the private sector
  • Promote trade, and create export and investment opportunities
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships for private sector development

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

The ideal candidate must be a critical thinker, possess exceptional leadership skills and the ability to manage through change. The candidate must have excellent communication and networking skills, be committed to the development of the private sector, and enhance cooperation with the wider Caribbean.

PRE-REQUISITES

  • At least ten (10) years’ management and leadership experience
  • Substantive knowledge in areas of trade development, export and investment promotion
  • Postgraduate qualifications in Business, Economics, Social Sciences, International Studies or any other relevant area
  • Proven record of building strong partnerships, mobilising resources and delivering results
  • National of a CARIFORUM state
  • Fluent in English, knowledge of Spanish and/or French will be an asset

APPLICATION

Interested and qualified candidates should review the detailed job description and submit applications to Caribbean Export via email to: HR@carib-export.com by 11:59 PM (AST) on Thursday 28th March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to continue the recruitment process.

Applications must include the following documents, in English:

  • CV (including detailed description of qualifications and work experience, and three references)
  • Motivation letter (maximum one page)
  • Scanned copy of passport biodata page and educational certificates

Note: The Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM), established in 1992, is a subgroup of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States to coordinate policy dialogue, cooperation and regional integration with the European Union. Caribbean Export serves fifteen CARIFORUM States, which include 14 independent CARICOM member countries and the Dominican Republic.

Personal information submitted to Caribbean Export for this recruitment will follow our Personal Data and Protection policy.

Further information on Caribbean Export is available at: https://carib-export.com/.

Download the job description below.

Consultancy: Technical Capacity Building to Support the Green Transition in CARIFORUM MSMES

1. Relevant Background

Caribbean Export is implementing the European Union’s Global Gateway Third Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP). The overall objective of the RPSDP is to increase employment creation, inclusiveness, and overall poverty reduction in the 14 member countries of the Caribbean Community and Dominican Republic, also known as CARIFORUM. Through targeted interventions that provide new and innovative frameworks for growth and development, the Agency is focusing on three areas.

  • Accelerating towards a Green Economy and a Digital Transformation
  • Access to Finance for regional SMEs
  • Expanding Trade and Investment under the European Economic Partnership Agreement

Within the context of the RPSDP, Caribbean Export has identified energy costs to be a significant variable impacting the operational expenses and therefore the international competitiveness of CARIFORUM firms. CARIFORUM countries have amongst the highest costs of electricity globally. According to World Bank data over the period 2015-2020, the average price of electricity in CARIFORUM was USD 0.27/kWh compared to the OECD average of USD 0.15/kWh and the global average of USD 0.17/kWh. Furthermore, this premium significantly increases within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) who have paid on average USD 0.35/kWh over the same period. These high costs reflect the structure and operation of the electricity system in CARIFORUM countries, which in turn has significantly contributed to exchange reserve pressure, fiscal deficits and public debt with serious implications for energy security, energy affordability and the competitiveness of the CARIFORUM private sector.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation present an opportunity for economic transformation as the cross-sectoral impact of the energy transition would: (i) limit the region’s exposure to energy dependency and by extension energy price shocks, (ii) create fiscal space and lessen the burden on countries’ foreign exchange reserves and (iii) provide new and more flexible clean energy and other environmental services to commercial and industrial consumers. Furthermore, the integration of international standards, including voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) will impact the region’s private sector’s ability to trade competitively.

To deal with the pressures associated with climate change and the severe risks it poses to the region, the private sector must play a key role in transitioning to sustainable economies. Therefore, the strategic focus of this action on the green economy transition through private sector development will contribute to the region’s ability to leverage emerging green technologies to facilitate far reaching economic transformation. In fact, the International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that for every US dollar invested in energy transition, an additional US 93 cents of GDP growth will occur above the business-as-usual scenario.

The programme is geared towards increasing the awareness and capacity of regional SMEs to implement green business practices such as international and voluntary sustainability standards, circular production and other such practices thereby contributing significantly to their international competitiveness.

In line with its strategic initiatives under the RPSDP, Caribbean Export has been actively supporting businesses in the region to embrace the green economy transition via the International Trade Centre’s “Green to Compete Hub” initiative. Since 2021, the Agency has been piloting the programme in Guyana, Saint Lucia and Barbados where focused efforts have enhanced the capabilities of local SMEs in adopting sustainable and energy-efficient practices. Prior to this, under the Productivity Network (ProNET) suite of training, Energy Management workshops were also conducted across the region.

The positive impact of these workshops on participating businesses has underscored the importance and effectiveness of hands-on, tailored training in facilitating the transition towards a green economy. Encouraged by the interest of those initiatives, Caribbean Export is looking to broaden and deepen its impact. This is driven by the recognition of the critical role that widespread adoption of green practices can play in enhancing the region’s overall competitiveness and sustainability, particularly considering the pressing challenges posed by climate change and high energy costs. Through this concerted endeavour, Caribbean Export will foster a regional ecosystem that is resilient, innovative, and aligned with global sustainability standards.

2. Objective

The overarching goal of this consultancy is to enhance the competitiveness of the CARIFORUM private sector through a focused capacity-building programme on green energy business practices.

3. Scope of Work

Caribbean Export is seeking the professional services of a consultant/firm who will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive training and capacity-building program focused on green business practices for the private sector in CARIFORUM.

To achieve the objectives of this consultancy, the consultant will be required to undertake the following activities:

  • Tailor an existing curriculum that includes a series of modules focused on green energy practices that will equip businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement sustainable energy solutions effectively. The training should reflect the current green business landscape within CARIFORUM countries, with a view to encouraging increased energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption within the private sector.
  • Conduct 8 in person workshops across the CARIFORUM region. The workshop duration is 2 – 3 days.
  • Establish a framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the training and capacity-building activities, including the development of metrics to assess the uptake of sustainable energy practices by participating firms.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports at each stage of the consultancy, documenting the activities undertaken, the outcomes achieved, and recommendations for future initiatives focused on sustainable energy within the CARIFORUM private sector.

4. Required Documentation

  • Technical proposal/concept design for delivery of services requested.
  • Financial proposal, in Euros, to meet scope of works.
  • Applicant Declaration form in paragraph 14.

Required documentation should be submitted to Ms. Natasha Edwin-Walcott, Senior Advisor Competitiveness and Export Promotion at nwalcott@carib-export.com with a copy to Dr. Damie Sinanan, Manager Competitiveness and Export Promotion at dsinanan@carib-export.com no later than 31st March, 2024 4:00 pm AST.

Download the full terms of reference.

Consultancy: Design And Delivery of A Capacity Building Programme To Improve Customer Experience In The Investment Facilitation Ecosystem in The Caribbean

Background

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has received grant funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to execute and implement the Improving the Ease of Starting a Business in the Caribbean Project (GRANT NO. GA /REG). The general objective of this project is to achieve an improvement in the processes and procedures for starting a business in the CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) through: Reduction in the number of procedures and time to start a business through the establishment of a virtual one-stop shop for business registration; and enhanced ability to deliver superior customer service within the business registry ecosystem.

Project Objective

The objective of the assignment is the design and delivery of a capacity building programme for the relevant institutions within the public sector to improve customer experience in the investment facilitation ecosystem in the Region. The beneficiary entities will include the national business registries, the social security departments and inland revenue departments who are engaged in the process of starting a business within the beneficiary countries. All activities including training sessions will be done virtually.

Qualifications and Experience

Key Expert Business Development Consultant

Postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, International Trade, Management, IT, or related fields.

At least five years of relevant professional experience in the provision of business administration and customer service consultancy.

Please provide examples of previous experience in at least two relevant projects and/or training on customer satisfaction by resetting the client´s expectations and improving the reality. The project should include the development of a guidebook or tool kit and an online resource.

At least five years’ experience in developing and executing a communication strategy to inform clients of changes undertaken to improve customer experience.

Proficiency in computer application and e-business solutions to assist institutions improve their service delivery.

Eligibility

As a consultant firm:

  • be legally incorporated or otherwise organised in a CDB member country;
  • have their principal place of business in a CDB member country and;
  • be more than 50 per cent beneficially owned by citizen(s) and/or bona fide resident(s) of CDB member country(ies) or by a body(ies) corporate meeting these requirements.
  • In the case of unincorporated firms, such as partnerships, or individual consultants the persons must be citizens or bona fide residents of a CDB member country.

Required Documentation

  1. A technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology and timelines together with Curriculum Vitae of participating staff, detailing education, training, certifications, and related work experience.
  2. A financial proposal reflecting the budget for the timely and effective implementation of the technical proposal. These are to be sent electronically to Phillip Jackson at: pjackson@carib-export.com copied to Damie Sinanan at dsinanan@carib-export.com.

The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2024 at 4:30 P.M. Barbados Time (AST).

Download the full terms of reference.

Call for Projects – Caribbean Investment Forum 2024

Do you have a large project with national or regional impact that requires capital investment over US$5 million in any of the following sectors?

  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Green Economy Transition
  • Digitalization of Business
  1. Is your business or project located within a CARIFORUM member state? *
  2. Do you have a business plan?
  3. Has a feasibility study been conducted for the proposed project?
  4. Do you have a five (5) year financial projection plan?
  5. Do you have a pitch deck?

If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you might qualify to present your projects to a room full of investors at the Caribbean Investment Forum 2024 (CIF 2024). CIF 2024 is scheduled to take place in Georgetown, Guyana, from 10-12 July 2024 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

About CIF 2024
CIF 2024 follows two highly successful fora held in Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas in October 2022 and 2023 respectively. Each conference attracted close to 600 business participants from over 40 countries, and witnessed participation from the leading financial institutions, businesses and over 40 investors representing 18 countries from across the globe. The Caribbean Investment Forum has emerged as the premiere gathering of businesses and investors in the Caribbean.

The objective of CIF 2024 is to:
• attract investment into the priority sectors that can fast-track the Caribbean’s transition to a greener and smarter economy
• raise the visibility of the Caribbean as an investment destination
• bring together the investment community to engage with business and create business

Approved project owners will be invited to present selected projects to a range of investors in the investment villages at the event on July 11 & 12, 2024.

Caribbean Export will provide a complimentary pass to the three (3) day event from July 10-12, 2024.

Project owners will be responsible for their travel and accommodation to attend the event. To be considered, please submit the following documents to Ms. Tonya Cummins, Advisor Investment Promotion, via email: tcummins@carib-export.com, no later than April 19, 2024, at 4:30 pm AST.

  1. Business Plan
  2. Feasibility Study
  3. Five – year financial projection
  4. Pitch Deck

Kindly note that all submissions must be in english and only projects meeting the specific criteria will be considered.

For more information about the Caribbean Investment Forum, please visit the event website at www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com

*CARIFORUM Member States are Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago

EOI: Invitation to participate in the 2024 edition of the SIAL PARIS Trade Show, Paris, France

Caribbean Export extends an invitation to CARIFORUM-based food producers to apply for a chance to exhibit at the upcoming SIAL PARIS 2024 trade show. This premier event is scheduled to take place from October 19th to 23rd at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte in Paris, France.

Recognized as one of the most significant food and beverage exhibitions in Europe, SIAL PARIS offers an unparalleled platform for exhibitors to introduce their products to new international markets and diverse consumer groups. The upcoming edition is anticipated to host over 7,000 exhibitors, with 85% being international participants, and attract more than 155,000 visitors from 200 countries, including a vast array of global buyers. For further details about the event, please explore https://www.sialparis.com/.

In light of Europe’s vast market potential and the advantageous position provided by the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Caribbean Export is committed to supporting representatives from CARIFORUM enterprises within the following niches to partake in this prestigious event:

Specialty Foods:

  • This category encompasses a wide range of high-quality, often artisanal or gourmet food products that are distinguished by their unique flavors, ingredients, or origins. Specialty foods may include agro-processed foods including exotic fruits, vegetables and root crops, sauces and condiments, coffee, cocoa, herbal teas and sea-moss to name a few.

Caribbean Export will support selected firms with the following:

  • Booth Provision: Participants will be provided with floor space for their booths at the trade show under the Absolutely Caribbean Pavilion.
  • Booth Setup: Assistance with the construction, design and decoration of individual booths in line with the Absolutely Caribbean brand.
  • Training Programs: Access to online training sessions aimed at enhancing participants’ trade fair success, covering essential aspects like booth management, networking and sales strategies.

Participants will be responsible for the following:

  • Return Airfare: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their return airfare to Paris, France.
  • Accommodation: Each participant is required to independently arrange and finance their stay in Paris for the duration of the SIAL Paris trade Show.
  • SIAL Paris Co-exhibitor fee: each exhibiting firm will need to cover this fee as a shared exhibitor – Euro 1260.00.
  • Meals: Participants are responsible for their own meal arrangements throughout their time in Paris, including at the trade show.
  • Ground Transportation: All transportation within Paris, including travel to and from the airport, and from the hotel to the trade show venue, and any other local travel, will be the responsibility of the participant.
  • Branded Material: Individual company marketing material such as brochures, product lists etc.
  • Other Associated Expenses: Any additional costs incurred during the trip, including cost of shipment of samples where applicable.

Applications must be submitted by 14th April, 2024, 4:00 pm AST.

Download the full expression of interest to complete your application.

EU-LAC Digital Accelerator launches its first open call for European, Latin American and Caribbean business partnerships

  • Business partnerships must include at least two partners focused on digital challenges in Smart Production from the following regions: European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Each business partnership will have the opportunity to access the accelerator services, valued at up to €30,000, to meet their objective.

EU-LAC Digital Accelerator supports the generation of cross-regional business partnerships between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to develop digital business. Through its Matching Platform, it connects digital challenges presented by corporates with solutions proposed by innovative startups and SMEs based in other regions.

Through this first call for business partnerships, EU-LAC Digital Accelerator invites business partnerships generated through the Matching Platform and other external partnerships to apply for acceleration services valued up to €30,000. These services, funded by the accelerator, will be tailored to the needs of each business partnership.

This accelerator, promoted by the European Union, is led by TECNALIA and involves the participation of major international benchmarks in entrepreneurship and innovation, such as IESE Business School, WAYRA-Telefónica, European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN), European Business Angels Network (EBAN), Expertise France, TECNALIA-Ventures, Inter-American Development Bank BID-Lab, TECNALIA-Colombia and Caribbean Export.

Tailor-made acceleration for collaborative business generation

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator Matching Platform has brought together 55 corporates and 200 startups looking for synergies over the past months. With 43 challenges published in the field of Smart Production, the digital and innovative solutions proposed by the startups are generating the first EU-LAC business partnerships eligible to receive acceleration services.

Each eligible business partnership can apply to the call and access acceleration services funded by the accelerator for up to €30,000. The services provided fall into the following categories:

  • Development of a tailor-made acceleration roadmap.
  • Design and implementation of proof-of-concepts.
  • Validation of business cases.
  • Specific advice and support for growth and access to investment.

The deadline for interested partnerships to apply for this first call is 30 April 2024.

EU-LAC partnerships: how to apply?

EU-LAC Digital Accelerator encourages business partnerships from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to address digital challenges related to Smart Production through Open Innovation by benefiting from the acceleration services it offers.

To qualify for the EU-LAC partnership acceleration services, such a partnership must consist of at least one corporate entity and one innovative startup or SME, both from different eligible regions (European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean). To demonstrate their partnership, the partners must have signed a formal agreement.

Interested EU-LAC partnerships can submit their application form via the ‘Open Call’ website, where they will find the Guidelines for Applicants with all the necessary documentation.

For more information, contact the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator team.

Join the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator