Impactus Ventures and United Way will carry out the third edition of the Childtech Challenge. This is the largest social innovation competition in Latin America for startups from around the world with an impact on children and youth.
The initiative is possible thanks to the participation of the allies Fundación FEMSA, Comunidar, Genesis Foundation, Fundación Mustakis, Fundación de Acero, Fundación Frisa, Fundación Riisa, HEB in the community, Fundación Xignux and Impacto Colectivo.
In the challenge, the most innovative startups present technology-based solutions to combat some social challenges faced by children and youth in Latin America. In previous editions, more than 20,000 girls, boys, young people, educators and parents in Latin America have been impacted. The topics range from learning gaps, protection and development of socio-emotional skills.
The five challenges of Desafío Childtech
Now, Impactus Ventures and United Way are looking for the most innovative startups in the world with high-impact solutions that help solve five challenges:
- Development of socio-emotional skills in early childhood center professionals.
- STEM teaching, learning and prototyping with a focus on rural environments.
- Strengthening socio-emotional skills in refugee and mobile families with children in early childhood.
- Generation of a sustainable future through recycling and environmental education for students of all ages.
- Development of autonomy and independence skills in boys, girls, young people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
“In this exceptional moment of global technological advancement, we have the opportunity to confront the serious social and environmental problems that affect our region through innovative solutions. We extend an invitation to entrepreneurs from around the world to join as protagonists, contributing to the necessary impact in our region,” says Carolina Arce, CEO and co-founder of Impactus Ventures.
The opportunities
This edition is aimed at startups from anywhere in the world with a proven solution, success stories and interested in the Mexico and Colombia market. There will be five winners (one per challenge), they will receive up to $20,000 and will have the opportunity to implement their solutions in vulnerable communities in Mexico and Colombia working together with prominent non-profit organizations, such as:
- Minuto de Dios Educational Corporation of Colombia
- Via Education of Mexico
- Promesa Group of Mexico
- Effeta from Mexico
High-level startups focused on childhood and youth such as Storybook, Beereaders, Matific, Afinidata and Brave Up have participated in this competition. The startups selected during the first two editions were able to implement their solutions in new markets. In addition, they enriched their value proposition, made alliances with strategic partners, scaled the product and impacted more girls, boys and adolescents in Latin America.
Editorial Team The editorial team of EMPRENDEDOR.com, which for more than 27 years has worked to promote entrepreneurship.