The Government of the Canary Islands, through Proexca, is implementing the Canarias Latam Tech programme for the second consecutive year. This initiative immerses participants in the technological ecosystem of the Canary Islands, aiming to boost high-potential Latin American companies towards Europe.
This year, 210 companies have applied to participate in the programme, 82 more than last year, which highlights the growing interest of the Latin American sector in establishing themselves or setting up projects in the Canary Islands as a business hub. Companies cite many reasons for their interest, including the Canary Islands’ geographical location as a tricontinental bridge, the security of being established in European territory just 30 minutes by plane from Africa, with numerous connections, as well as other factors such as quality of life and the unique tax system in Europe, advantageous for companies generating sustainable and quality employment.
After a rigorous review of the applicants, ten companies were selected based on the viability and quality of their proposals. Companies from Colombia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil were chosen to visit the Canary Islands for five days. During this time, they were able to connect with partners and companies of interest, learned how to approach the European market from the Canary Islands, and discoevered the available funding sources to scale their business.
The Deputy Minister of Economy and Internationalisation of the Government of the Canary Islands and Vice-President of Proexca Gustavo González de Vega welcomed the companies at Casa África in a welcoming ceremony. “From the Canary Islands, we are seeing how Latin American tech companies and startups express their interest in establishing themselves in the Islands. We receive enquiries and collaboration requests which we are addressing with great satisfaction. Economic relations between the Canary Islands and Latin America are tightening and strengthening, and we are confident that this effort will yield successful results.