Start-Up Challenge
The Start-Up Challenge promotes and supports youth-led projects that foster innovation and digital transformation in the Americas. Open to young people aged 18 to 34, the competition identifies innovative solutions that further new technologies with social impact, building a resilient future alongside this new generation.
The Start-Up Challenge is a special category of the Talent and Innovation Competitions of the Americas Program (TIC Americas), in the Entrepreneurship for Action component toward the VII Young Americas Forum at the 10th Summit of the Americas, to be held in the Dominican Republic in 2025.
We invite young individuals to present innovative solutions and ventures that align with the theme of the 10th Summit of the Americas, “Building a secure, sustainable and shared-prosperity hemisphere”, in the areas of citizen, food, energy and water security.
Categories
Innovation and Development
Digital Transformation, Connectivity, and Emerging Technologies
Cross-Cutting Themes
Expatriates
Engaging expatriate entrepreneurs to enhance human capital, business platforms, and investment opportunities that drive innovation and entrepreneurial investment in the hemisphere.
Sustainable Development
Innovative solutions that directly impact the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Pact for the Future.
Gender Equality
Initiatives focused on reducing the gender gap, enabling full and equal participation and leadership for women, allowing them to achieve full economic autonomy.
Timeline
Opening for Registrations
January 15, 2025
Registrations deadline
April 15, 2025
Submission of materials
May 15, 2025
Evaluations
May–June 2025
Announcement of Finalists
June 2025
Finals and Awards Ceremony
August 2025
Free resources, training and support for young entrepreneurs on business plan development, financial viability, marketing strategies, planning and management, finances, and much more.