We are now used to seeing startups win local entrepreneurship awards. There are more and more events in Latin America that highlight the entrepreneurial ecosystem and give exposure to founders.
Now we are starting to see local Peru startups win awards in local mainstream business events and international startup events.
Peru startups going mainstream:
Creatividad Empresarial 2019: The nationwide business award in Peru run by UPC and KPMG recently included two startups, Turismoi and Quantum Talent, among its winners. They took the same stage as local banks, international energy companies and large-scale government programs.
MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge: Peru startups, AGROS and Tienda Pago were two of the four Latin America finalists for the 2019 edition of the global competition run by MIT. Laboratoria was a winner in 2016. AGROS co-founder Hugo Piñarreta had previously participated in UTEC Ventures acceleration program. AGROS uses remote sensing and precision agriculture technologies to support small farmers.
These recognitions validate that Peru startups are not only taking on big problems, but also building solutions that are on par with local corporations and global startups.