On 30 April 2025, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator and the Lateinamerika Verein e.V. (LAV), with the support of the Karlsruhe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), organised a joint workshop at the IHK headquarters.
The aim was to bring German companies closer to the opportunities for collaboration and innovation with startups and SMEs from Latin America and the Caribbean through the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator programme.
The event allowed German corporations and other attendees to learn more about how this collaboration platform works. The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator promotes the development of digital business partnerships between corporates and innovative SMEs and startups from different regions – the EU, Latin America, and the Caribbean – through a multilateral platform that connects business challenges with technological solutions. Support extends to the investment preparation stage, providing concrete benefits for each actor involved.
After the welcoming remarks by Manuel Neumann (IHK) and representatives of the LAV, Michael Bauklo (IHK) introduced the session by stressing the importance of improving conditions for startups and promoting innovation approaches that benefit the economy as a whole.
Fredy Rios, from Steinbeis Factories of the Future, gave a critical presentation on the limited openness to innovation in the German economy, pointing out that, despite investments, the results in digitalisation are scarce and mainly concentrated in the mechanical field.
Subsequently, Jesús de la Quintana (Tecnalia) and Paco Prieto (Octantis) presented the matching platform, as well as the areas of opportunity that are currently open: health (HealthTech), clean technologies (Cleantech), and smart production.
They explained that calls for proposals are open continuously, and more than 1000 startups are already part of the ecosystem.
During the workshop, which took place in working groups, the participants identified and defined their main digital challenges. Based on this, they formulated concrete proposals that can be integrated into the platform and taken on as challenges by Latin American startups. The dynamic generated enriching discussions and opened the door to actual future collaborations.
Conclusion: The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator is consolidating itself as an effective tool for German companies to explore new opportunities for open innovation with Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting digital solutions, strategic digital solutions, strategic connections, and a more agile and global business culture.
