SprintUY is an initiative led by the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) and Uruguay XXI, designed to support international startups considering Uruguay as a strategic base for their expansion into Latin America. The program aims to position the country as a regional hub for innovation and business development by offering a week-long immersion experience into its entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is geared towards attracting innovative startups from abroad that are looking to scale their operations into the region.
Program Highlights
• Immersion Week: Selected startups will participate in a week of in-person activities in Uruguay to explore the advantages the country offers for launching a business in the region.
• Ecosystem Connection: Participants will have the opportunity to connect with investors, industry leaders, and other startups, building connections within a top-tier entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Structured Activities: The agenda includes visits to ecosystem institutions and the Innovation Campus, networking events with local startups, and networking activities with key local ecosystem players.
• Educational Workshops: The program features workshops and seminars on topics such as international expansion in the region and how to scale a startup from Uruguay.
• Resource Access: Participants will be introduced to available funding options and support tools for the growth and internationalization of their businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
• Company Status: Applicants must be companies incorporated abroad with a maximum of five years of existence.
• Founder Ownership: Entrepreneurial teams must hold at least 51% of the applying company's shares.
• Business Type: The program is open to technology-based or science-technology-based startups.
• Development Stage: Startups should be in their early stages, possessing technical validation, a minimum viable product or a functional prototype, and demonstrable traction.
• Value Proposition: Applicants must present a value proposition that offers a significant differentiation from existing local solutions.
Founder Support
• Expenses Covered: The program will fully cover travel and accommodation expenses to and from Uruguay for one founder from each selected startup.
Application Information
• Application Period: The open call for applications is from May 21 to July 21. Please note that future editions are being planned, and new guidelines will be published soon.
• Contact: For more information about the call and the application process, inquiries can be directed to sprintuy@anii.org.uy.
For founders looking to scale their startup into Latin America, the SprintUY program offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Uruguay's ecosystem. This intensive experience is designed to help entrepreneurs discover why the country is considered an ideal destination to establish a business and unlock new opportunities for regional expansion.