By César Buenadicha and Juan Pablo López Gross

What if the next unicorns from Latin America and the Caribbean were led by entrepreneurs with disabilities? What if people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals had the same opportunities to fully develop their talents by accessing resources and tools? What if we had more consistent data to shed light on the challenges and highlight the benefits of building a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region?

These ideas are no longer just a dream. At IDB Lab, we believe there’s limitless innovation to unlock when we fully embrace the spectrum of human potential. In this spirit, we are committed to promoting a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America and the Caribbean—one that strengthens skills and accelerates businesses led by entrepreneurs with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals, as well as startups founded by neurotypical entrepreneurs who develop inclusive products and services for the disability market.

To achieve this, we have partnered with a key ally: 2Gether International (2GI), the world’s leading accelerator and nonprofit organization specializing in fostering entrepreneurship by and for people with disabilities. 2GI has supported over 80 startups, secured more than $70 million in investments, and created a global network of allies, including over 600 founders across 15 countries and renowned companies such as AWS, Deloitte, Google, Walmart, and JP Morgan Chase.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation as Catalysts for Inclusion

In Latin America and the Caribbean, 85 million people — or 15% of the population — live with a disability. This number is expected to nearly double by 2050. People with disabilities face systemic barriers in education, employment, and community participation, with women disproportionately affected. Beyond the human cost, exclusion impacts economies, with losses reaching up to 7% of GDP. Yet, inclusion has the potential to boost competitiveness and drive economic growth.

Despite these challenges, the talent and creativity of people with disabilities stand as an undeniable force. When combined with the vast opportunities technology offers, entrepreneurship emerges as a key pathway for economic inclusion.

Entrepreneurship is already a cornerstone of economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean, with around 20% of adults engaged in entrepreneurial activities. However, while entrepreneurial activity thrives in our region, founders with disabilities remain excluded. They face barriers to accessing training, venture capital, and, most notably, social acceptance — highlighting the urgent need for tailored support to close this gap. At IDB Lab, we don’t aim to create a separate ecosystem for these founders but to ensure they have the same access to resources, networks, and support as everyone else.

A Collaborative Vision to Close Gaps

Our partnership with 2GI enables us to work toward this goal. Together, we will implement the ‘Diverse Ecosystem of LAC’ project, supported by a $1 million investment from IDB Lab and matching contributions from 2GI and its partners for an initial three-year phase. The project aims to support at least 700 entrepreneurs with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals, as well as neurotypical entrepreneurs developing products and services for the disability market, through three key action lines:

• Conduct research and gather data on the relationship between disability and entrepreneurship to inform better public policies and private sector engagement strategies.
• Develop entrepreneurial skills, provide mentorship, accelerate business models, and connect founders with opportunities for seed capital and venture capital funding.
• Build a support network to foster a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by and for people with disabilities, including organizations from the entrepreneurial sector, academia, private sector, local governments, and civil society organizations to amplify impact and cross-sector collaboration.

At IDB Lab, we believe innovation must be inclusive, uplifting and transforming societies. As renowned expert and author Verna Myers said, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their condition, can join the dance floor to build a more prosperous future for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project and join us in celebrating the power of inclusive innovation.