Top 20 Startup Competitions in Colombia You Should Enter

Top 20 Startup Competitions in Colombia You Should Enter 

Colombia is rapidly emerging as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Latin America. With a burgeoning startup ecosystem supported by a variety of competitions, Colombian entrepreneurs have incredible opportunities to gain visibility, mentorship, and funding. If you’re looking to make a mark in 2024, here are the top 20 startup competitions in Colombia that you should definitely consider.

1. Startup Colombia

What it is: A government-backed initiative designed to support and accelerate high-impact startups across Colombia.

Why enter: Access to funding, mentorship, and a network of investors and industry experts.

2. Colombian Innovation Award

What it is: A prestigious national award recognizing outstanding innovative startups across various sectors.

Why enter: Gain national recognition, connect with industry leaders, and potentially win significant prizes and funding.

3. Bogotá Emprende

What it is: A local competition aimed at supporting startups based in Bogotá, focusing on innovation and business growth.

Why enter: Opportunities for local visibility, networking with regional investors, and access to city-specific resources.

Website: Bogotá Emprende

4. Colombia StartUp Summit

What it is: An annual event featuring a startup competition as part of a larger summit focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Why enter: Showcase your startup to a broad audience, gain feedback from experts, and network with potential investors.

5. Café Innovation Challenge

What it is: A competition focused on startups innovating in the coffee industry, reflecting Colombia’s rich coffee heritage.

Why enter: Access to niche funding, mentorship from coffee industry leaders, and potential partnerships within the sector.

6. Techstars Startup Week Colombia

What it is: A global event with a local chapter in Colombia, where startups pitch and participate in workshops over a week-long event.

Why enter: Participate in intensive mentorship sessions, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain exposure to a global network.

Website: Techstars Startup Week

7. Innpulsa

What it is: A national innovation agency that hosts various competitions and challenges for startups across Colombia.

Why enter: Benefit from government support, access to funding opportunities, and extensive mentoring resources.

8. Endeavor Colombia

What it is: A competition and support program by Endeavor that focuses on scaling high-impact startups in Colombia.

Why enter: Receive mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, gain visibility, and connect with a global network of high-impact startups.

9. Fondo Emprender

What it is: A government fund offering support and financing for new ventures, with periodic competitions for startup funding.

Why enter: Secure government-backed funding and gain access to valuable resources for early-stage startups.

10. Startup Factory Bogotá

What it is: A local accelerator program that includes a competition for startups seeking mentorship and investment.

Why enter: Access to local mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources specific to the Bogotá startup ecosystem.

11. Red de Inversionistas Ángeles Colombia

What it is: A network of angel investors hosting competitions to find and support promising startups across Colombia.

Why enter: Connect with potential angel investors, gain funding, and receive strategic guidance from experienced business leaders.

12. Uniandes Venture

What it is: A competition organized by Universidad de los Andes, focusing on supporting startups led by students and alumni.

Why enter: Benefit from academic mentorship, access to a network of alumni entrepreneurs, and potential funding.

Website: Uniandes Venture

13. Bancolombia Ventures

What it is: A competition by Bancolombia that supports startups with innovative solutions in finance and technology.

Why enter: Gain exposure to one of Colombia’s largest financial institutions, receive funding, and connect with industry experts.

Website: Bancolombia Ventures

14. Impact Hub Bogotá

What it is: A startup competition and accelerator program focused on social impact ventures.

Why enter: Access to resources and mentorship for socially-driven startups, networking opportunities, and potential funding.

15. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Startups Competition

What it is: A global competition with a local chapter in Colombia, offering startups support and resources from AWS.

Why enter: Utilize AWS services, gain access to a global network, and receive technical and business mentorship.

Website: AWS Startups Competition

16. Colombia Tech Summit

What it is: A tech-focused competition within a larger summit, showcasing innovative tech startups from across Colombia.

Why enter: Show off your tech innovation, network with tech industry leaders, and gain visibility in the tech community.

17. Women Entrepreneurs Challenge

What it is: A competition aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs with innovative startup ideas.

Why enter: Access to women-focused mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding aimed at empowering female founders.

18. Green Startup Challenge

What it is: A competition focusing on startups with innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.

Why enter: Gain exposure in the green tech sector, access to environmental experts, and potential funding for sustainable solutions.

19. Creative Economy Award

What it is: A competition recognizing startups in the creative industries, including design, media, and arts.

Why enter: Showcase your creative venture, gain industry recognition, and network with key players in the creative economy.

20. AgriTech Colombia

What it is: A competition focused on agricultural technology startups, reflecting Colombia’s significant agribusiness sector.

Why enter: Connect with agribusiness leaders, gain access to agricultural innovation resources, and potentially secure funding.

Conclusion

Colombia’s dynamic startup scene offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs eager to make their mark in 2024. Whether you’re innovating in technology, social impact, finance, or the creative industries, these top 20 competitions provide a fantastic platform to showcase your startup, gain valuable feedback, and connect with industry leaders. Seize the moment, enter these competitions, and propel your venture to new heights in Colombia’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.