EU-LAC Digital Accelerator Open Call #5 is sponsored by European Union. The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator is a 6-month acceleration program for corporate-startup partnerships from the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Open Call – EU-LAC Digital Accelerator Bring your corporate-startup solution closer to market through the EU-LAC acceleration programme We guide your corporate-startup solution closer to market readiness *From Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean Open call open until 12 June 2026 APPLY NOW NEW: €10,500 in grants available for startups to execute their PoC with the corporate partner 68.

9% of corporate venturing initiatives FAIL to deliver the expected results*. *MIT Sloan Management Review, The Three Internal Barriers to Deep-Tech Corporate Venturing . Our goal is to bring you in the 31.

1% batch We are an international corporate-startup accelerator The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator accelerates corporate-startup partnerships to launch market-ready digital solutions . We encourage partnerships from Europe , Latin America , and the Caribbean to join. The acceleration programme is 100% financed by the European Union.

Acceleration services rated 8. 9/10* Once your partnership has been selected, we will define together what services serve best your interests: internationalisation, PoC, investment readiness , and more. See list below.

€10,500 in grants for startups Additionally, startups running a proof of concept can earn grants for development (€7,000), travel (up to €2,000) and equipment transportation (up to €1,500). * Based on post-acceleration surveys. What are your partnership goals and needs?

We will define: goals, most suitable services, milestones and deadlines.

Open innovation bootcamps Corporate venturing capabilities AI-based PoC roadmap design Misalignments of corporate-startup expectations and failed collaboration Startup scouting good practices Knowledge on various corporate venturing mechanisms Mutual agreement on the value proposition to deliver 1-day workshop (online or onsite) Wasting time and money on a solution that isn’t technologically feasible A product or a service that you can build and scale.

PoC design and evaluation plan Poor corporate innovation practices such as: Overfocus on tech instead of market needs Good practices to identify precisely the value of the startup and launch successful pilot projects.

Building an AI solution that is technically unfeasible, based on poor or insufficient data, or using the wrong algorithms, leading to wasted budget and stalled pilots A validated technical feasibility assessment and a clear, step-by-step AI PoC roadmap aligned with the business case and ready for structured development Technical feasibility report Open innovation bootcamps: Align corporate-startup expectations PoC design & Prototyping: Validate solution’s feasibility before implementation International growth and soft-landing Product roadmap & digital skills Misevaluating the market demand Disregarding cultural differences Ignoring tax & regulatory environment First paying customers in a new country in a matter of months Implementing the wrong technologies, leading to bottlenecks in development, and missed opportunities for innovation and competitiveness The right technology for your given pain point, along with an implementation plan for the “go-live” and adoption KPIs Incomplete competitive analysis Unrealistic financial forecasts Ineffective pricing or sales strategies A business model that generates money Legal disputes between partners and other industry stakeholders leading to financial losses and impossibility to sell the developped solution A product launch with a clear, defensible IP position in your target markets International growth & Soft landing: Adapt your sales strategy to new markets Product roadmap & Digital skills: Implement the right technology and measure impact Scaling into corporate structures Investment Readiness & Matchmaking Full process digitalisation Failure to transition from lab testing to real-world implementation (little budget, no operational readiness to scale, etc.) Seamless integration of your solution into the corporate infrastructure Compelling, investor-ready pitch deck (shaped by direct investor feedback) that demonstrates business’s growth potential, financial health, and scalability 1-2 meetings with investors Waste time and money chasing investors with a weak story Investor-validated pitch & Improvements regarding business model and investment strategy One-day intensive session 5 rotating 1:1 meetings with investors or advisors (20 minutes each) Lack of clarity on technology integration Concerns over data security Full automation of a manual process (resorting to technologies such as AI or NLP) Poorly prepared applications that fail to meet – the complex – public funding requirements Equity-free EU grants (through the EIC Accelerator or other public funding initiatives) to scale Public funding assessment Scaling into corporate structures: Prepare a bullet-proof implementation Investment readiness & Matchmaking: Meet and catch the eye of investors 5 steps from application to selection READ GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS (MUST-DO) Transatlantic partnerships have already joined the accelerator Alfonso, from Ormazabal, shares PoC good practices implemented in the collaboration with startup Bork.

Camille, from IDMAPS, tells about how her partnership with Italian firm Engage, was a stepping stone to enter the European market. Our collaboration with Vittalias and Nuda allows us to apply our expertise in digital transformation to a high-impact sector. DataFlow and Medlab are combining IoT and AI to create accessible, efficient and high-quality healthcare solutions that impact lives across borders.

The high-quality, innovative medical product resulting from this cross-border cooperation and the bundling of the core competencies of both partners will give many people access to high-quality and immediate healthcare, making a significant contribution to digitalisation in the healthcare sector. We’re expanding our vision to international markets, leveraging the programme’s expertise to navigate this growth strategically.

This partnership is a vital step forward to redefining how the construction industry operates globally. The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator is unique in how it bridges technology with real institutional needs, and offers access to top-tier mentoring and guidance. María del Carmen Carranza Durand Infotrack is deeply committed to digitalise logistic processes.

We've developed SMART STOCK, a real-time inventory and warehouse management solution. Now, by collaborating with Bleecker, we aim to integrate Artificial Vision for an accurate verification of products in transit. This partnership with Nuda and Ventia represents a pivotal step in integrating cutting-edge technology to optimise our services.

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator stands out for its deep understanding of cross-regional innovation dynamics and its tailored support strategic clarity and alignment. The acceleration helps us move faster towards a proof-of-concept for an oral nanobody-based therapy. We are thrilled to partner with Infotrack, a corporate with over 23 years of experience and presence in Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, and Panama.

This is an opportunity to continue expanding our company internationally together with Infotrack’s specialists. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all model, the programme provides tailored services that adapt to the maturity and needs of each partnership.

With the support of the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator programme, we also seek to expand our reach into new markets and strengthen our position as a strategic partner in creating scalable and innovative solutions. Partnering with EcobonusItalia through the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator has been a game-changer for Jazusoft.

This collaboration allows us to showcase our expertise in BIM technology on a global stage while refining our solutions for real-world applications. Together with the EU-LAC accelerator and our partner Genba, we will achieve sales objectives to provide quality robotic solutions that the entire industry will see.

Partnering with Vintom has opened up exciting opportunities to bring innovative personalized video communications solutions to other Latin American countries. With the fundamental help of the EU-LAC Accelerator, we see the achievement of shared objectives from the very beginning with TechBalance and its innovative technology guaranteed.

Partnering with Vittalias and Ventia enables us to scale our impact, leveraging technology and strategic alliances to bring financial security and independence to more seniors. This collaboration allows us to offer more transparent and accessible solutions, adapted to the changing needs of our customers.

With these strategic initiatives, we are positioned to bring our health technologies to the European market, meeting high standards of safety and effectiveness while forging impactful partnerships and investment opportunities. Corporate without a startup partner? Startup without a corporate partner?

Discover the Matching Platform : • 40+ active corporate challenges • A team of Key Account Managers ready to assist you in your partner quest. What is the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator? Why an open call?

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator is a 6-month acceleration programme to help corporate-startup partnerships – from the European Union (EU), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) – reach their digital innovation goals . The acceleration programme includes: Acceleration services valued up to €30,000 (or €40,000 if a Caribbean partner is involved).

Grants for startups and SMEs of up to €10,500 to cover development, travel expenses, and equipment transportation related to proof of concept. We organise 2 open calls per year to select the most promising corporate-startup partnerships to enter the acceleration programme.

There are 3 crucial eligibility criteria: Both partners have to belong to TWO of these regions: the European Union (one of the 27 member states), Latin America , or the Caribbean . You have to be TWO partners for one application : at least 1 corporate and 1 startup. The applying corporate-startup partnership should address a digital transformation challenge .

Example: A Chilean startup applies with a Spanish corporate that wants to automate its procurement process with AI. This is not an exhaustive list. Check out all eligibility requirements in our Guide for Applicants .

What support if your are selected through the open call? You will benefit from services to accelerate your corporate-startup partnership: Roadmapping: Definition of the plan and services to achieve your partnership goals. Proof of concept: Risk mitigation before scaling up your digital solutions by running PoCs and testing prototypes.

Business case: Definition of your business model and IP policy, as well as market analysis to enter a new continent or region. Investment & Scaling: Assessment and improvement of your scaling capacity in a corporate structure as well as your investment readiness. The programme also provides grants for startups of up to €10,500 to cover development, travel expenses, and equipment transportation related to proof of concept.

For more information about the acceleration services and grants, access the acceleration services section . Is there any financial support available? The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator provides various grants to selected startups: PoC development grant (€7,000): Adaptation, integration, and testing of the digital solution.

Travel grant (max. €2,000): Transport and accommodation costs for PoC execution at the corporate’s premises. Equipment transportation grant (max.

€1,500): Equipment transportation needed for real-environment testing. N. B.

Only startups can receive this support, provided they meet the grants’ eligibility criteria. For more information about grants, check out all eligibility requirements in our Guide for Applicants . When is the application deadline?

Open call #5 will close on 12 June 2026 . We process applications processed on a first come, first served basis. Read the Guide for Applicants to make sure you comply with the eligibility criteria.

Apply through this form (it should take you around 10 minutes). Can existing partnerships apply, or is it only for collaborations that came together specifically for the EU-LAC programme? We encourage both existing and new partnerships to apply.

The key requirement is a formal agreement outlining the scope of collaboration once you have been selected and prior to the acceleration programme. Does the open call focus on a specific industry? For open call #5, we more specifically invite corporate-startup partnerships in the mobility field to apply.

HOWEVER , partnerships from ALL industries are welcome to apply and we won’t be preferring any application to another based on the industry. Do you have to pay to enter the acceleration programme? The programme is 100% financed by the European Union, which means you pay nothing to the accelerator.

However, entering the programme is a commitment. You will spend time on a variety of activities: bootcamps, online workshops, and of course, collaborating with your partner on an on-going basis.

Besides, collaboration can generate real costs: if the startup programmers travel to the corporate’ premises to execute the PoC, the corporate can’t always expect them to work for free, especially considering how small startup teams can be and how dependant they can be on one team member. Where can I seek assistance? Contact our team at opencall@eulacdigitalaccelerator.

com or fill out the contact form . Can public entities apply to the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator open calls? No. Public entities are NOT eligible .

Only organisations belonging to the private sector are. Is a SME + Startup partnership eligible? What does "Corporate" refer to?

To be eligible, the “corporate” must comply with the following criteria: • Headcount > 50 employees . • Annual turnover > €10 million . • A digital challenge requiring a technological implementation.

• Resources (funding, access to infrastructure, distribution network or experts, etc.) for the technological implementation. Therefore, if you consider yourself as an SME, but you comply with the criteria above, you are eligible . N.

B. If a partnership include a corporate from the Caribbean, it may be eligible even if it does not meet the minimum headcount and turnover criteria. What is the typical age range of an eligible startup?

We are looking for startups that already have customers and are ready for internationalisation . And most importantly, that already have a corporate partner identified to deploy an innovation project. Must proposals include proprietary solutions or can they be third-party technologies/applications?

Proposals must include propietary solutions. Third-party applications can be integrated, but they shouldn’t be the main component of the innovation project. Are there any basic requirements regarding the level of development of the product to be able to apply?

On a general basis, you must have a finished product to solve the challenge of the corporate. However, in some cases a prototype may be sufficient to be adapted to the corporate’s needs. Can there be more than 2 entities involved in one partnership?

It is perfectly acceptable to have more than 2 entities involved in a corporate-startup partnership. You here have an example of 2 Uruguayan startups partnering with 1 Spanish corporate. Some territories belong to EU countries but are geographically located in Latin America or the Caribbean.

For instance: French Guiana (France), Curaçao (Netherlands), Martinique (France). What region do they belong to from the EU-LAC perspective? We consider these territories as part of the EU region.

Companies from French Guiana, Curaçao and Martinique are European and would only be able to apply along Latin American and Caribbean partners . Is the acceleration programme in Spanish or in English? The acceleration programme is both in Spanish and English .

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator present at the closing event of the ClimAccelerator’s programme Webinar: Unlocking Growth Through Corporate-Startup Collaboration in the Caribbean Webinar “Corporate Venturing: Desafíos y Oportunidades en República Dominicana” Nos reunimos con las Eurocámaras de Comercio de República Dominicana EU-LAC Digital Accelerator lanza el programa Digital Connectors para impulsar la innovación abierta en República Dominicana Ormazabal seeks cleantech Latin American and Caribbean startups to boost their energy and efficiency processes The Caribbean region embraces open innovation through EU-LAC Digital Accelerator’s workshops and high-level panel discussions June 23, 2025 Courtyard Marriot, Kingston.

Jamaica Digital Connectors Jamaica: Success through Partnerships: Unlocking Startup–Corporate Venture Opportunities in the EU–LAC Digital Accelerator EU-LAC Digital Accelerator – Digital Connectors Jamaica Success through Partnerships: Unlocking Startup–Corporate Venture Opportunities in the EU–LAC Digital Accelerator […] Unlocking startup–corporate venture opportunities through the EU–LAC Digital Accelerator in Jamaica Engage x IDMAPS: An Italian-Jamaican partnership that strikes back against fraudulent transactions Webinar: Cybersecurity for Startups – Strategic Protection in the Digital Age 2025 Webinar: Accelerating Growth: How AI Can Boost Your Startup EU and Caribbean partners convene in Kingston for 1st High-Level Digital Alliance Policy Dialogue with the Caribbean Digital Connectors Jamaica takes part in the Final Event of the International Accelerator for the Strengthening of Business Support Intermediaries in Jamaica The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator present at the closing event of the ClimAccelerator’s programme Webinar: Unlocking Growth Through Corporate-Startup Collaboration in the Caribbean Workshop: Bridging corporations and startups for a thriving digital ecosystem in Jamaica