The webinar organised by APC Colombia presented the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator as a practical framework designed to strengthen corporate-startup collaboration between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The session featured presentations from Diana Papagayo and Germán Torres, both from Tecnalia Colombia, one of the LATAM partners of the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator.
The speakers explained how the initiative helps corporates identify digital solutions to operational and business challenges while enabling startups to validate and scale their technologies through partnerships with established companies.
A key part of the webinar focused on the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator’s collaboration model. The speakers outlined the programme’s scouting and matching process, which includes identifying corporate challenges, sourcing suitable startups, and facilitating the first discussions between both parties.
The session also presented several acceleration services available for existing corporate-startup partnerships, including proof-of-concept design, business model development, internationalisation support, IP assessment, scaling strategies, and investment readiness activities. The financial support available for proof-of-concept implementation and travel was also highlighted.
The webinar additionally emphasised the programme’s international dimension and its role in connecting innovation ecosystems across the three regions. According to the speakers, the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator aims not only to facilitate partnerships, but also to help corporates and startups accelerate market validation, expand internationally, and reduce the risks commonly associated with open innovation initiatives. The session concluded with an invitation for corporates, startups, SMEs, and ecosystem organisations to engage with the programme through its open calls and collaboration opportunities.
You can watch the full session here:
