Interamerican Development Bank Opens Demand Solutions Competition For Startups

The Interamerican Development Bank has launched a call to participate in the fifth edition of Demand Solutions: Ideas for Improving Lives, a series of innovation events hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The call for entries will remain open until February 1, 2016.

The contest is open to the most innovative startups in the following areas:

• Performing arts: Theater production (dance, circus, puppets, etc.) and festivals.
• Audiovisual arts: Audiovisual production (painting, sculpture, handicrafts, photography, multimedia, illustration, cinema and radio).
• Technology: Digital production (video games, animation, software development, wearables), 3D printing and robotics.
• Design and publishing: Architecture, industrial design, graphic design, publishing of books and magazines, fashion and jewelry.
• Music: Production, musical post-production and festival organizing.
• Cultural management: Art and heritage centers, conservation, marketing companies and events and communications companies.

“Part of the IDB commitment is to promote creativity and culture as a tool for improving lives in the region” states Trinidad Zaldivar, Division Chief of Cultural, Solidarity and Creative Affairs, who highlights the importance of encouraging the participation of the new business models that can strengthen the economy of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Eligible participants must register via the NEXSO platform. The contest is open to entrepreneurs of 18 years and older, provided that they are founders or co-founders of the startups with a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years of operation, and with a product or service already available to the public.

Contest winners will receive a grant which will cover their participation in Demand Solutions: Ideas for Improving Lives, 2016 hosted by the IDB.

As part of the award, the winners, in addition to presenting their startup and competing for additional prizes, may participate in a series of events, workshops, lectures and opportunities to increase their network of contacts with experts from the creative and cultural industries.

Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean.The IDB also conducts research and provides policy advice, technical assistance, and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.