Sprint UY Connects International Startups with Opportunities to Grow from Uruguay

Where can a startup set up a lab? How can it build a local team, access support to develop its technology, and connect with investors? These questions brought entrepreneurs from Argentina, Brazil, and Spain to the third edition of Sprint UY, held October 5–9. Organized by Uruguay XXI and the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII), the five-day program introduced participants to Uruguay’s innovation ecosystem and helped them assess opportunities to establish and expand their businesses in the country.

The program combined visits to research facilities and business parks with workshops, conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, and investor meetings. Participants also pitched their startups at a Demo Day during the Private Capital Forum, showcasing their solutions to investors from Uruguay and abroad.

At the opening session, Paola Mancino, an investment promotion specialist at Uruguay XXI, outlined Uruguay’s strengths as an investment destination and the incentives available to companies establishing operations in the country. Her presentation provided context for the practical questions participants would explore throughout the week.

“Uruguay offers stability and clear rules that allow businesses to plan for the long term, alongside a closely connected ecosystem that provides access to institutions, talent, and strategic partners. Together, these strengths give startups a base to develop their solutions and expand into other markets,” she said.

ANII President Álvaro Brunini emphasized the importance of international collaboration in innovation. He described Uruguay as a place where startups can test solutions before scaling into other markets, citing its stability, predictable business environment, and strong institutions. He characterized the country as a national-scale laboratory for developing and validating new technologies.

That perspective aligned with participants’ goals. Their projects spanned biotechnology, animal nutrition, industrial predictive maintenance, inclusive education, and mental health. They came seeking strategic partners, research connections, potential customers, and a clearer understanding of how to launch operations in Uruguay.

“I’m also hoping to leave with a more concrete understanding of how to take those first steps here in Uruguay,” said one entrepreneur working on infectious diseases. Others were interested in establishing research and development activities, running trials with agricultural producers, or exploring ways to scale production.

Visits to ATGen, the Pando Science and Technology Park, and Parque de las Ciencias introduced participants to the infrastructure available. They explored potential locations for their projects and opportunities to collaborate with companies and research teams.

At Cubo Itaú, workshops addressed practical aspects of launching and growing a startup, including legal structures, recruiting, team development, and leadership.

Participants also heard from entrepreneurs with firsthand experience building international businesses. The panels “From the World to Uruguay” and “From Uruguay to the World” brought together international founders based in Uruguay and Uruguayan entrepreneurs expanding abroad. Their experiences helped participants understand how the country’s business environment translates into day-to-day decisions.

Access to capital was another central theme. A workshop on negotiating with investors and a reverse pitch session, where investors explained their investment strategies, prepared participants for Demo Day on Thursday, October 8. Holding the presentations during the Private Capital Forum created additional opportunities to meet investors and join discussions about financing and business growth.

The closing session at Sinergia focused on programs offered by ANII and Uruguay XXI to support businesses at different stages, including seed funding, co-investment, and support for research and innovation.

Uruguay XXI, with participation from its Talent team, also outlined services to help companies establish operations, connect with investors, and access relocation information. These included Finishing Schools, a joint program with INEFOP that co-funds training tailored to employers’ needs. The program helps companies develop their teams’ skills and supports job creation as they establish and grow their operations in Uruguay.

During the closing discussion, participants praised the connections among Uruguay’s institutions, businesses, and researchers. “It’s very impressive how everything is connected and organized,” one entrepreneur said, describing how readily he could reach relevant contacts for his project.

Another participant, who had already been considering Uruguay as a location for expansion, said the program “delivered everything they said we’d get and more.” She highlighted the visits to the parks as an opportunity to assess potential business locations. Others praised the support they received from the application stage onward, the program’s organization, and the range of resources available to help their businesses grow. “It’s a pleasure to receive such a warm welcome,” said one participant, who left with a clearer understanding of how to begin operating in the country.

The support will continue beyond the program. Uruguay XXI and ANII will stay in touch to answer questions and help participants build on the connections they made as they evaluate Uruguay as a base for business development and international expansion.