I want to share the IFC and the World Economic Forum process to select 50 outstanding startups in Latin America and the Caribbean for participation in a special program during WEF’s annual regional meeting in São Paulo. The World Economic Forum on Latin America will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, from 13 to 15 March 2018.

The Forum’s UpLink initiative consists of a unique community and digital platform where startups can interact with global peers, multinationals, governments, universities, investors, and next-generation technology solutions. Of the 50 startups, 25 will be selected from countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and 25 will be specifically from Brazil.

The selected Latin American startups will join the UpLink community of entrepreneurs who are enabling a societal and technological transformation. The selected startups will join the Global UpLink community as regional representatives and, as a first step, will be invited to take part in a tailored programme at the World Economic Forum on Latin America. At the meeting, they will have the opportunity to network with influential policy-makers from the region, as well as leading chief executives, and have access to the Forum’s network to partner with members on future projects in the region.

The deadline for entrepreneurs from Latin America to apply is 5 February 2018. You can apply here. It could be a great opportunity for great Latam startups.