--- title: "LATAM4WEF launches search for youth innovators and SMEs solving the regions\u2019 water, energy, and food security issues" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/latam4wef-launches-search-for-youth-innovators-and-smes/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [NEWSROOM](/content-hub/newsroom/) 4. LATAM4WEF LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR YOUTH INNOVATORS AND SMES SOLVING THE REGIONS’ WATER, ENERGY, AND FOOD SECURITY ISSUES ![LATAM4WEF launches search for youth innovators and SMEs solving the regions’ water, energy, and food security issues](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/16112022_newsroom_article_header.max-1500x500.png) LATAM • TECHNOLOGY ## LATAM4WEF launches search for youth innovators and SMEs solving the regions’ water, energy, and food security issues Seedstars Global NOVEMBER 10, 2022 November 10, 2022- The [LATAM4WEF](https://www.seedstars.com/community/entrepreneurs/programs/latam4wef/) Innovation Lab is opening applications for youth innovators in Latin America and the Caribbean to co-design and co-develop solutions that could help address water, energy, and food security (WEF) challenges in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia & Peru. Young innovators can apply here: [seedsta.rs/LATAM4WEF-Innovator](https://seedsta.rs/LATAM4WEF-Innovator). #### WRITTEN BY ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/seedstars-black.max-376x376.png) Seedstars Global [CONTACT US](/contact-us/) SAFEEM and Nexus team up to launch LATAM4WEF, which aims to solve the most pressing threats to our planet through developing technology and harnessing the power of impactful home-grown solutions. Bringing young innovators together, LATAM4WEF is set to provide a collaborative space for participants in ideating, validating, and scaling their technology solutions for WEF use, mitigation, and adaptation across Latin America and the Caribbean, but especially in targeted countries: México, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia & Perú. Supported by private sector experts, entrepreneurs, and innovation facilitators, the participants of LATAM4WEF will be challenged to think outside the box and co-create solutions and business ideas. The Innovation Lab will provide a unique opportunity for participants to demonstrate their knowledge, problem-solving skills, and creativity while co-creating and networking with peers and experts in the field. **Youth innovators** For innovators who would like to take part and solve WEF challenges, the application criteria are as follows: * Participants will be between 20 and 30 years old; * Must be attending university or have completed higher education; * Aspiring or early-stage entrepreneurs or students interested in launching an idea in the WEF area and building entrepreneurial muscle and launching an idea to address WEF challenges; * Passionate about solving WEF technology needs and challenges in LATAM; and * Can apply as an individual applicant or can apply as a group if they already have a team of a maximum of 3 members that will work at the Innovation Lab. Once participants are selected, the programme will hold its WEF Innovation Labs, a 2.5-day event intended to introduce young talent to the entrepreneurial mindset, basic techniques of entrepreneurship, and, often, a specific theme giving the basis to solve WEF Nexus challenges. The Labs follow a rhythm of theory followed by an action session allowing participants to put into practice what they are taught. Sessions include ideation, lean canvas, hypothesis testing, MVP development, and pitching. At the end of the programme, the teams present the business pitch and product mock-up they will have developed during the programme to the group and jury panel. “The challenges present by water, energy, and food security issues require a collaborative effort to solve. SAFEEM believes in supporting problem-solvers by providing them with the right resources and access to large communities that can help them make a difference,” shared Latam Regional Lead & Program Manager, Paula Garcia Malpica. ”We’re excited to see the great solutions LATAM4WEF’s participants could bring together.” From there, selected participants will move on to the Academy programme, a 6-8 week long programme to support young talent by transferring the necessary skills for an entrepreneurial career path, and providing hands-on support in launching their verified ideas and iterating their products as progress, so that they can pursue the ventures. The Academy includes theoretical training but is largely mentorship-driven to support each specific project's needs. LATAM4WEF ends with the selection of the top 10 participants and the winning team will be awarded free flights and accommodation to attend the NEXUS conference next summer in Germany as well as LATAM4WEF’sMatchmaking and Demo Day onsite event. Finalists will be able to pitch their solutions and get the chance to interact with regional industry players, ecosystem enablers, and investors. Such encounters give participants a chance to increase their network and business opportunities as well as their visibility. Applications are open for SMEs and young innovators until the 26th of December, 2022. Young innovators can sign up here: [seedsta.rs/LATAM4WEF-Innovator](https://seedsta.rs/LATAM4WEF-Innovator). *** **ABOUT SAFEEM** SAFEEM (Swiss Association For Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets) is an independent, non-profit organization based in Geneva that was created to support entrepreneurs in emerging markets. SAFEEM believes that entrepreneurship, especially when technology-based, can be a powerful means of poverty reduction through economic empowerment. SAFEEM is committed to entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions for the pressing global challenges the world is now facing. **ABOUT NEXUS** The Water, Energy & Food Security Resource Platform is an independent information and facilitating platform developed within the framework of the Global Programme „Nexus Regional Dialogues”, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH jointly funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union. For more information, visit . **CONTACTS** **Programme** Paula Garcia Malpica Programme Manager paulagarcia@seedstars.com **Media** Michaela Villaroman Media Relations michaela.villaroman@seedstars.com. ARTICLE LATIN AMERICA TECHNOLOGY ERP ## More like this [ ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/istanbul.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • #### Turkey's founders move from phones to factories Aug. 03, 2026 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/beyond-valley/turkeys-founders-move-from-phones-to-factories/) [ ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/istanbul.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • #### Building a Resilient Tech Ecosystem in the West Bank and Gaza Jun. 09, 2026 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/beyond-valley/building-resilient-tech-ecosystem-west-bank-and-gaza/) [ ![Why Moldova’s best startups look global from day one](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Why_Moldovas_best_startups_look_global_from_.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Why Moldova’s best startups look global from day one Some Moldovan startups register a company in Estonia before they ever talk to an investor. Mar. 23, 2026 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/why-moldovas-best-startups-look-global-from-day-one/) [ ![Building under pressure: how Palestine’s startup ecosystem is learning to scale](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Building_under_pressure_-_how_Palestines_sta.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Building under pressure: how Palestine’s startup ecosystem is learning to scale Founders in the West Bank and Gaza build in fragments. Power cuts, travel limits, and blocked payments are part of the job. Out of that reality, a distinct tech scene has taken shape that works lean, tests quickly, and looks outward for growth. Nov. 12, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/palestine-startup-ecosystem-learning-how-to-scale/) [ ![How Morocco is turning steady signals into a real startup story](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/How_Morocco_is_turning_steady_signals_into_a.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### How Morocco is turning steady signals into a real startup story Morocco’s startup ecosystem is finding its rhythm. After a quiet 2023, founders and investors regained momentum. Startups in the country raised around 70 million USD across 40 deals in 2024 - almost double the previous year, according to Africa: The Oct. 12, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-morocco-turning-steady-signals-into-real-startup-story/) [ ![These 12 Jordanian startups are solving problems across the Arab world](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/These_12_Jordanian_startups_are_solving_prob.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### These 12 Jordanian startups are solving problems across the Arab world Jordan has positioned itself as one of the Middle East's most efficient startup ecosystems. While the Kingdom represents just 3% of the region's population, Jordanian entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable influence across the Middle East. Oct. 03, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/12-jordanian-startups-solving-problems-across-arab-world/) [ ![Six Georgian startups you should know about](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Six_Georgian_startups_you_should_know_about_.max-320x550.jpg) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Six Georgian startups you should know about Georgia’s tech ecosystem has been growing quietly beyond its early fintech reputation. The small Caucasus nation has built one of Europe’s most business-friendly environments, and it is starting to show. Sep. 17, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/six-georgian-startups-you-should-know-about/) [ ![Azerbaijan's practical approach to building a tech hub](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Azerbaijan_practical_approach_to_building_a_.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### Azerbaijan's practical approach to building a tech hub While Silicon Valley startups chase the next consumer app, Azerbaijan's entrepreneurs are solving a more fundamental problem: building the digital backbone that businesses across the region desperately need to operate. Sep. 04, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/azerbaijan-practical-approach-building-tech-hub/) [ ![Lebanon's startup scene is built for global markets](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Lebanon-startup-scene-is-built-for-global-ma.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### Lebanon's startup scene is built for global markets Lebanon's startup ecosystem operates on a fundamentally different premise than most tech hubs. While entrepreneurs in larger markets might spend years perfecting their domestic strategy, Lebanese founders incorporate abroad and sketch international e Aug. 04, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/lebanon-startup-scene-built-for-global-markets/) [ ![How Armenia built an ecosystem bigger than its borders](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/How_Armenia_built_an_ecosystem_bigger_than_i.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### How Armenia built an ecosystem bigger than its borders Armenia has quietly built one of the region's most sophisticated startup ecosystems. The country's tech diaspora, with deep Silicon Valley roots, gives it an edge that neighboring countries can't easily replicate. Aug. 01, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/armenia-built-an-ecosystem-bigger-than-its-borders/) [ ![How Mongolia's landlocked startup scene is thriving](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Seedstars_Website_-_Life_content_-_Thumbnail.max-320x550.jpg) ASIA • #### How Mongolia's landlocked startup scene is thriving When you think of Mongolia, startup innovation probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But this landlocked country is quietly building something unexpected: a tech ecosystem that's learned to turn geographic constraints into creative advan Jul. 29, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mongolia-landlocked-startup-scene-thriving/) [ ![Innovation under pressure: How Ukraine’s tech sector defies odds](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnailukraineblogpost210525.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### Innovation under pressure: How Ukraine’s tech sector defies odds Ukraine's tech sector thrives amid challenges, developing resilient solutions that work in any conditions. See how innovation under pressure creates technology the world needs. May. 21, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/innovation-under-pressure-how-ukraines-tech-sector-defies-odds/) [ ![How agricultural innovation is shaping up in Eastern Europe and Central Asia](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/020525THUMBNAIL.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • AGRICULTURE #### How agricultural innovation is shaping up in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Agritech startups in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are transforming farming with local innovations tackling drought, resource limits, and climate change. May. 02, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-agricultural-innovation-shaping-eastern-europe-and-central-asia/) [ ![How Egypt is moving from hypergrowth to sustainable innovation](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lifearticle0404thumbnailphoto.max-320x550.png) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • #### How Egypt is moving from hypergrowth to sustainable innovation Egypt's startup ecosystem shifts from hypergrowth to sustainable innovation, with founders focusing on profitability and efficiency amid changing investment standards and government support. Apr. 04, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-egypt-is-moving-from-hypergrowth-to-sustainable-nnovation/) [ ![Círculo de Crédito anuncia nueva alianza con Seedstars para fortalecer su brazo de Corporate Venture](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb240325.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Círculo de Crédito anuncia nueva alianza con Seedstars para fortalecer su brazo de Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Círculo de Crédito, sociedad de información crediticia líder en México, está impulsando la innovación tecnológica a través de su brazo de Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) para promover la innovación y el desarrollo tecnológico en el ecosistema de conf Mar. 24, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/c%C3%ADrculo-de-cr%C3%A9dito-anuncia-nueva-alianza-con-seedstars-para-fortalecer-su-brazo-de-corporate-venture-capital-cvc/) [ ![Meet the startups modernizing Kazakhstan's tech lands](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/THUMBNAILLIFE0703ARTICLELIFE.max-320x550.png) ASIA • #### Meet the startups modernizing Kazakhstan's tech lands Kazakhstan's tech startups are revolutionizing infrastructure and services across the vast country, creating innovative solutions to modernize essential systems despite formidable geographic challenges. Mar. 07, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/meet-startups-modernizing-kazakhstans-tech-lands/) [ ![Tajikistan is building its digital foundations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lifearticlethumb270225tajikisatn.max-320x550.png) ASIA • #### Tajikistan is building its digital foundations Tajikistan's entrepreneurs focus on building essential digital infrastructure, transforming access to services in a country where internet reaches just less than half of the population. Feb. 27, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/tajikistan-is-building-its-digital-foundations/) [ ![How Belarusian tech talent is reshaping Eastern Europe's digital future](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/100225lifebelarusarticle.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### How Belarusian tech talent is reshaping Eastern Europe's digital future Discover how Belarusian tech companies' migration to Poland and Lithuania is creating new innovation hubs and transforming Eastern Europe's digital landscape with global ambitions. Feb. 10, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-belarusian-tech-talent-reshaping-eastern-europes-digital-future/) [ ![How Moldova is building its tech hub](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnailmoldova070225.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • #### How Moldova is building its tech hub Moldova emerges as a pragmatic tech hub, with local startups solving real-world problems through practical innovation. Learn how its strategic location and incentives are attracting tech talent. Feb. 07, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/cares/how-moldova-building-its-tech-hub/) [ ![Beyond the Valley](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lifearticle050225thumb.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### Beyond the Valley Discover the hidden tech ecosystems of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where entrepreneurs are building crucial solutions that transform how millions live and work. Feb. 05, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/beyond-valley/) [ ![iGravity and Seedstars Join Forces to Manage the SECO Startup Fund](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/article310125_thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### iGravity and Seedstars Join Forces to Manage the SECO Startup Fund iGravity and Seedstars are proud to announce their engagement as managers of the SECO Startup Fund (SSF), marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the initiative Jan. 31, 2025 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/igravity-and-seedstars-join-forces-manage-seco-startup-fund/) [ ![Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days: Seedstars Africa Ventures I announces $42m first close](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/article6122thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days: Seedstars Africa Ventures I announces $42m first close Seedstars Africa Ventures I, a venture capital fund making early-stage investments in highly scalable start-ups in Africa, has achieved a first close of $42 million, with participation from the African Development Bank, EIB Global with the support of Dec. 06, 2024 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/africa-investment-forum-2024-market-days-seedstars-africa-ventures-i-announces-42m-first-close/) [ ![Seedstars and Visa Foundation announce first cohort of SEED Inclusivity Program supporting entrepren](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/51224_thumbnailphoto.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • #### Seedstars and Visa Foundation announce first cohort of SEED Inclusivity Program supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in Asia Seedstars and Visa Foundation select 15 innovative disability-focused startups across Asia for SEED Inclusivity Program, supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities and assistive tech. Dec. 05, 2024 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/seedstars-and-visa-foundation-announce-first-cohort-seed-inclusivity-program-supporting-entrepreneurs-disabilities-asia/) [ ![Financial Solutions for Migrant Women Report 2024](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/report20241911seedstrarsthumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • OTHER #### Financial Solutions for Migrant Women Report 2024 With nearly half of the world's 280 million international migrants being women, their financial inclusion represents both a crucial development challenge and a significant market opportunity Nov. 19, 2024 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/financial-solutions-for-migran-women-report-2024/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start