WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2026 for Latin America and the Caribbean
The WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2026 is a regional competition by WeXchange, IDB Lab’s platform focused on expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in STEM across Latin America and the Caribbean. The call is open from June 2 to June 30, 2026. Five selected entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their companies at GET Forum in Quito, Ecuador, from October 5–7, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: WeXchange 2026 Women STEMpreneurs Competition
Opportunity Type: Startup Competition
Organizer: WeXchange, IDB Lab
Support: EWA Capital
Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
Event Location: Quito, Ecuador
Demo Day Dates: October 5–7, 2026
Application Period: June 2–30, 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Selected Participants: 5 entrepreneurs
About the WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2026
The WeXchange Women STEMpreneurs Competition 2026 aims to identify innovative and dynamic women entrepreneurs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Latin America and the Caribbean.
WeXchange is IDB Lab’s platform focused on expanding access to opportunities for women entrepreneurs in STEM. This edition is organized with the support of EWA Capital.
The competition is designed for STEM-based startups that are currently raising capital or planning to launch an investment round in the near future. Five selected entrepreneurs will pitch their companies during GET Forum, the Global Entrepreneurship and Technology Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Competition Focus
The 2026 edition focuses on women-led or women-supported startups with strong technology or STEM components.
Eligible companies may operate in sectors such as:
• Fintech
• Edtech
• Agtech
• Healthtech
• Biotech
• E-commerce
• Transportation and mobility
• Logistics
• Digital security
• Cleantech
• Tourism
• SaaS solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises
The competition is focused on startups with operations in at least one country in Latin America or the Caribbean.
Also read: ASEF Gender Equality Training 2026 in China
What Selected Participants Will Receive
Selected participants will receive support to attend the in-person event and connect with investors and ecosystem stakeholders.
The official page lists the following incentives:
✓ Opportunity to travel to Quito and present the company to investors
✓ Participation during GET Forum from October 5–7, 2026
✓ Visibility, press, and dissemination opportunities for the company
✓ Support to connect with venture capital investors
✓ Travel and lodging expenses for the female founder, co-founder, or C-suite director who will pitch
The selected company representative must be available to travel within four days before and after the event dates.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to startups that meet the official requirements.
Eligible startups must:
• Have at least one woman in the founding or leadership team.
• Be actively raising capital or planning an investment round within the next 12 months from the start of the call.
• Have a significant technology component or operate mainly in STEM-related fields.
• Be legally incorporated.
• Have headquarters or operations in at least one country in Latin America or the Caribbean.
• Have a scalable business model at a regional or global level.
• Have high potential for social and/or environmental impact.
Founders who were selected as finalists in the last four editions cannot apply with the same company. However, they may apply with a new company.
Applicant Role
The applicant must submit the application and represent the company throughout the selection process.
The official page states that the selected representative should be the female founder, co-founder, or director in a C-suite role who will pitch the company.
Check: Global Youth Diplomacy Forum Paris Edition 2026
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on the strength of the startup, the team, and the business model.
The official selection criteria include:
• Profile of the founding team, previous experience, and ability to execute
• Differentiating or disruptive element of the proposed solution
• Growth potential and market size
• Viability of the business model
• Scalability potential
• Potential for social and/or environmental impact
• Performance and traction to date
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.
Key Dates
Application Period: June 2–30, 2026
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Results Communication: No later than September 15, 2026
GET Forum: October 5–7, 2026
The selected companies traveling to Quito will be informed by email no later than September 15, 2026.
Important Participation Notes
Only applications that meet all requirements will be evaluated.
IDB Lab reserves the right to request additional information. This may include video-call interviews.
Each selected participant is responsible for complying with immigration and health requirements to travel to Quito. IDB Lab will not provide support with visa procedures.
Explore: Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026 in the USA – Fully Funded
Pitch Practice Opportunity
The official page also mentions pitch practice sessions organized by Amplifica Capital.
These sessions are held once a week during June and July. Up to eight entrepreneurs are received per session, and four of them present their company in five minutes and receive feedback from investors.
Companies referred by WeXchange will be prioritized during June and July.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official online application form.
Applicants should:
• Review the official eligibility criteria carefully.
• Confirm that the startup meets the regional, business, and STEM requirements.
• Complete the online application form.
• Submit the application by June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
• Monitor email communication for selection updates.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
