Europa – Latin American & Caribbean RTI Networking & Matchmaking Platform

The EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation strengthens ties between EU and LAC innovation ecosystems by connecting incubators, accelerators and other stakeholders. It supports partner identification, knowledge exchange, cross-regional collaboration and access to new markets and funding. The initiative also develops long-term services such as advocacy visits, peer learning, bootcamps and online training to reinforce coordinated innovation efforts across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. It is operated by the Global Service Facility, funded by the European Commission. As part of this work, the initiative organises thematic start-up matches in green innovation, digital technologies, healthcare and agriculture and food. These matches bring teams from both regions together to address shared challenges, co-develop solutions and explore new initiatives. Incubators and accelerators help participants connect with local ecosystems and international partners while guiding them toward funding and joint programmes. This approach strengthens cooperation and expands the number of organisations involved in EU-LAC activities, from mobility schemes to multi-country pilots. ENRICH in LAC has advanced cooperation through recent advocacy missions in Peru and Costa Rica. In Lima, more than 30 institutions met to explore joint research, start-up mobility and funding opportunities in climate tech, health, the circular economy and agri-tech. Three organisations were identified as candidates for the Soft Landing Hub network, and a new Ambassador was appointed to support follow-up actions. In Costa Rica, meetings with 23 institutions mapped opportunities in digital transformation, cybersecurity, SME support and green industry. Several organisations were identified for Soft Landing Hub certification, and future cooperation will focus on joint events and integration into EU-LAC frameworks. The EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Network also held its second in-person meeting in Madrid, gathering more than 35 incubators and accelerators. Participants exchanged on funding, scaling and new joint initiatives, and visited South Summit Madrid to engage with investors and policymakers. New members joined the network, and institutions agreed to develop joint roadmaps, advance bilateral agreements and prepare activities such as immersion weeks, mentoring schemes and ideation programmes.