Women STEMpreneurs competition
Application period: June 9 – July 9, 2025
Demo day: San Salvador, El Salvador, November 30 – December 2, 2025
⚠ Applications Closed
WeXchange 2025 Women STEMpreneurs Competition seeks to identify the most innovative and dynamic STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean to connect them with potential funding opportunities.
This edition is organized with the support of the venture capital fund, AVP Ventures.
If you are a female co-founder or part of the leadership team (C-level) of a startup that is raising capital or about to start a financing round — from pre-seed to Series B — you could be one of the 5 selected to pitch your company in San Salvador to investors and key players in the innovation ecosystem of Latin America and the Caribbean on November 30 – December 2, during the GET Forum: Global Entrepreneurship and Technology Forum, an IDB Group Innovation for Impact Platform.
- Startups with at least one woman in the founding or leadership team (C-suite).
- Startups actively raising capital — from seed to Series A/B — or planning an investment round within the next 12 months.
- Startups with a high technological component or where STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a core pillar, including sectors such as fintech, edtech, agtech, healthtech, biotech, e-commerce, transportation/mobility, logistics, digital security, cleantech, tourism, SaaS for SMEs, among others.
- Legally incorporated startups headquartered or operating in at least one country in Latin America or the Caribbean.
- Startups with highly scalable business models at a regional or global level, with high potential for social and/or environmental impact.
- Founders who have not been selected as finalists in the last four editions — unless applying with a new company.
- Present your business to investors and key players in the innovation ecosystem of Latin America and the Caribbean at the GET Forum: Global Entrepreneurship and Technology Forum, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, November 30 – December 2, 2025 — an IDB Group Innovation for Impact Platform.
- Gain visibility, press, and dissemination opportunities for your company.
- Receive support to connect with venture capital investors.
The prize includes travel and lodging expenses for the female founder, co-founder, or C-suite director representing the company at the pitch.
Application period: June 9 – July 9, 2025
Applications will be submitted via Google Forms.
* Only applications that meet all requirements will be evaluated.
Selection process:
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Selected companies traveling to El Salvador will be notified via email no later than September 30.
* IDB Lab reserves the right to request additional information, including video-call interviews.
* Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
- Profile of the founding team, previous experience, and ability to execute.
- Differentiating or disruptive element of the proposed solution.
- Growth potential and market size.
- Viability of the business model.
- Scalability potential.
- Potential for social and/or environmental impact.
- Performance and traction to date.
November 30 – December 2, 2025. The selected woman entrepreneur or C-suite director will pitch to regional investors and ecosystem players. Each company's representative must be available to travel within four days before and after the event.
* Each selected participant is responsible for complying with the immigration and health requirements to travel to El Salvador. IDB Lab will not provide support with visa procedures.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted through Google Forms. The deadline to apply is July 9, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have already participated in other WeXchange calls for applications?
Yes. You can apply to the WeXchange 2025 Women STEMpreneurs Competition as long as you have not been selected with the same company in the previous four editions.
Do you have more questions?
Send us an email at [email protected], copying [email protected].
Additional Resources
Pitch Practice
Amplifica Capital organizes weekly pitch practice sessions with up to 8 entrepreneurs per session, of which 4 will present their company in 5 minutes and receive feedback from investors. During June and July, priority will be given to companies referred by WeXchange.
Sessions take place every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. CT via Zoom. Take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen your pitch and get feedback from investors across the region!
Register at Pitch Practice – Amplifica Capital, and when asked, "Can you tell us who recommended you?", write "WeXchange 2025".