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Intro - How To Apply
From an Idea Into an Operating Project

This tutorial is addressed to those entities that aspire to work with IDB Lab. It explains project stages from the project conception to the execution of the cooperation agreement with IDB Lab for its subsequent implementation

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Lightbulb Idea
Requirements Origination
Diverse group of people talking
Building and accelerating ecosystems, creating enabling conditions for innovation and growth in LAC

We act as a first mover in catalytic entrepreneurial ecosystems in LAC, strategically signaling opportunities and mobilizing stakeholders around high-impact agendas that can drive scalable solutions and systemic change. 

  • Grow ecosystems where they are nascent
  • Accelerate and support specialization towards high-impact sectors in mature ecosystems 

IDB Lab is the only regional entity fully dedicated to fostering innovation in LAC. 

Focus and Selectivity
Focus and Selectivity
Systemic change beyond local impact

Projects should aim for significant/material change in the ecosystem, not just the success of the immediate local partner. The goal is to achieve a material change that extends beyond local limited impact. Projects will also aim to expand co-financing and capital mobilization to enhance its ecosystem-building efforts by expanding partnerships with third-party organizations that can provide complementary financing.

Funding innovative initiatives that accelerate new industries for impact

IDB Lab focuses on taking risks and trying new approaches, complementing other parts of the IDB Group. Clearly define the innovative aspects of the project, as our funding is not intended for ecosystem actors to continue current activities, regardless of their success. The interpretation of novelty may vary across countries, depending on the stage of ecosystem development, but should generally be aligned with IDB Lab areas of new industries for impact (such as silver, govtech, workertech, blockchain, AI, innovative financing...).

Address at least one of IDB Lab’s 10 impact challenges

Projects must focus on at least one of ten impact challenges where innovation and technology can drive real change while addressing climate change + gender and diversity gaps transversally.

Ecosystem Impact
Ecosystem Impact
Involvement of public & private actors, investors, academia and industry

Involving a diverse range of stakeholders, including government, academia, industry, and the community, is crucial for creating a supportive environment or working together to achieve a common goal from different perspectives. Are there investors connected to provide critical funding to the startups/businesses? Is there a public actor that can be critical to promote a change in public policy?

Projects must leverage networking, partnerships and market access to boost innovation

Ecosystems are shaped by interconnected networks of critical institutions that support entrepreneurial activities. IDB Lab projects should include events and connections to enable relationships and knowledge exchange among institutions. The project's role in assisting startups and innovators to access local and global markets through partnerships and trade missions can promote growth and sustainability.

Ensure benefits extend beyond capital cities, reaching the last mile of vulnerable populations

Ecosystem projects should decentralize efforts, extending beyond the capital city to impact vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. They aim to scale deep impact, reaching the hardest to reach the last mile of impact in vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

Synergies
Synergies
Encourage regulatory improvements and advocacy to foster innovation

Does the program incorporate specific activities for incidence and develop public policy that enables and expands its impact?

Serves as a platform for high-impact, scalable businesses and ensure early-stage startups have a clear pathway to funding

Check out our Venture Capital and Investment guidelines!

Geographic alignment

The solution must have an impact on one or more of the following 26 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela

Focus and Selectivity
Focus and Selectivity
Systemic change beyond local impact

Projects should aim for significant/material change in the ecosystem, not just the success of the immediate local partner. The goal is to achieve a material change that extends beyond local limited impact. Projects will also aim to expand co-financing and capital mobilization to enhance its ecosystem-building efforts by expanding partnerships with third-party organizations that can provide complementary financing.

Funding innovative initiatives that accelerate new industries for impact

IDB Lab focuses on taking risks and trying new approaches, complementing other parts of the IDB Group. Clearly define the innovative aspects of the project, as our funding is not intended for ecosystem actors to continue current activities, regardless of their success. The interpretation of novelty may vary across countries, depending on the stage of ecosystem development, but should generally be aligned with IDB Lab areas of new industries for impact (such as silver, govtech, workertech, blockchain, AI, innovative financing...).

Address at least one of IDB Lab’s 10 impact challenges

Projects must focus on at least one of ten impact challenges where innovation and technology can drive real change while addressing climate change + gender and diversity gaps transversally.

Ecosystem Impact
Ecosystem Impact
Involvement of public & private actors, investors, academia and industry

Involving a diverse range of stakeholders, including government, academia, industry, and the community, is crucial for creating a supportive environment or working together to achieve a common goal from different perspectives. Are there investors connected to provide critical funding to the startups/businesses? Is there a public actor that can be critical to promote a change in public policy?

Projects must leverage networking, partnerships and market access to boost innovation

Ecosystems are shaped by interconnected networks of critical institutions that support entrepreneurial activities. IDB Lab projects should include events and connections to enable relationships and knowledge exchange among institutions. The project's role in assisting startups and innovators to access local and global markets through partnerships and trade missions can promote growth and sustainability.

Ensure benefits extend beyond capital cities, reaching the last mile of vulnerable populations

Ecosystem projects should decentralize efforts, extending beyond the capital city to impact vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. They aim to scale deep impact, reaching the hardest to reach the last mile of impact in vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

Synergies
Synergies
Encourage regulatory improvements and advocacy to foster innovation

Does the program incorporate specific activities for incidence and develop public policy that enables and expands its impact?

Serves as a platform for high-impact, scalable businesses and ensure early-stage startups have a clear pathway to funding

Check out our Venture Capital and Investment guidelines!

Geographic alignment

The solution must have an impact on one or more of the following 26 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela

IDB Lab’s 10 impact challenges
Doctor checking x rays Expand NCD Healthcare Access

Improve healthcare access and quality for patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially those facing barriers

Health Day Strengthen the Health Workforce

Strengthen healthcare by addressing workforce shortages, prioritizing rural areas

Man with tablet with tractor in the background Close the Skills and Jobs Gap

Bridge the skill gap and expand job opportunities for underprivileged and diverse populations

Man checking out water levels Ensure Essential Services Access

Improve access to affordable, efficient, and high-quality water and sanitation services and clean energy

Man next to solar panels Accelerate Urban Energy Transition

Accelerate the energy transition and the adoption of green transportation solutions in urban areas

Field grops aerial view Green Growth for Small Producers

Drive the green transition for small agricultural producers and firms

Man with checklist next to plants Strengthen Food Security

Boost the availability and access to nutritious food for stronger food security

Man giving POS to client Expand Financial Inclusion

Expand financial access to underserved segments

Old couple Support Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Bridge the financing gap for small businesses prioritizing IDB Lab's thematic verticals

Old man working on computer Empower the Silver Economy

Unlock the silver economy by empowering older people

IDB Lab Tree
Versatile and specialized financing for Ecosystem Support Organizations and Ecosystem Enablers

Foster an enabling environment for innovation with:

  • Foundations
  • Academia
  • Incubators
  • Public entities for entrepreneurship
  • Others

Technical Assistance (Grants) ranges from USD 750K to USD 2M.

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