Building partnerships between start-up incubators and accelerators in Europe and Latin America & the Caribbean

The EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation is an initiative launched by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research & Innovation (DG RTD) under the Global Service Facility in Support of the Global Approach in Research & Innovation.

It connects the EU and LAC innovation ecosystems through a network of start-up incubators and accelerators and by increasing the EU’s presence in the LAC region.

The network of incubators and accelerators focuses on knowledge exchange and collaborative activities, which ultimately help entrepreneurs and start-ups to access new markets and technology, and connect to investors and funding opportunities, thus jointly tackling problems of sustainable development.

ENRICH in LAC is a partner of the network helping participant incubators and accelerators become soft-landing hubs.

Our activities

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Thematic start-up matches

Matches between start-ups supported by the participating incubators and accelerators.

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Bilateral partnerships

Between incubators and accelerators from each region on internationalisation and joint projects.

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In-person networking events

In both regions to connect with like-minded incubators and accelerators and other stakeholders.

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Thematic start-up matches: Connecting start-ups for impact

As part of the EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network, we organise thematic start-up matches in four (4) key areas. This initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration between start-ups and innovators actors across regions by focusing on three core goals:

• First, we connect startups within each theme - bringing together startups that are working on similar societal and technological challenges. This allows them to share knowledge, pilot joint solutions, and explore collaborative business opportunities across borders.
• Second, we ask incubators from within the network to engage actively and support startups that can benefit from targeted support and access to regional ecosystems. These incubators bring local expertise and facilitate meaningful connections throughout the process.
• Third, we link startups to external partners and funders, such as EBN, Eureka, and other international networks and funders. These relationships are key to helping startups gain visibility and unlock new sources of funding, market entry opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

Startups participating in the thematic matches benefit from inclusion in a dynamic international community, where they can form connections with peers, learn from diverse regional experiences, and co-create innovative solutions tailored to both European and LAC markets. With direct support from incubators, increased exposure, and greater access to new markets, these startups are empowered to grow their impact and scale their solutions globally.

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If you are a start-up from a participant incubator/accelerator, join by filling out the following form:

EU-LAC Start-up Thematic Matches

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Access each thematic area portfolio of start-ups, and the full portfolio, below:

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Green

Start-ups driving the green transition through climate solutions, circular economy, and clean energy

Green Portfolio

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Digital

Start-ups harnessing technology to build smarter, more inclusive, and connected societies

Digital Portfolio

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Healthcare

Start-ups transforming health systems, patient care, and medical technologies.

Healthcare Portfolio

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Agriculture & Food

Start-ups transforming how we produce, distribute, and consume food sustainably and efficiently.

Agriculture & Food Portfolio

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