As part of the digital cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, the SPIDER project, in collaboration with RedCLARA, launches an innovative call to promote the strategic use of the BELLA infrastructure. The goal of this initiative is to speed up the creation of solutions based on AI, cybersecurity, and the use of digital resources. This will help both regions become more digitally competitive and transform.
The call is addressed to startups, research centers, universities, large scientific infrastructures, and government entities that wish to develop innovative proposals leveraging the connectivity capacity of BELLA.
Participants are required to submit a concept note that answers the question: How can the digital ecosystem and entrepreneurship be improved using BELLA through AI solutions, cybersecurity, and the use of digital resources in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe?
Selected proposals will receive visibility, access to specialized mentoring, connection with investors, and the opportunity to present their ideas at a final pitching event (brief presentation).
The call for proposals opens on March 10. Motivational talks for interested participants will take place on March 12 and 14. The registration period closes on March 21, and the evaluation and selection of proposals will occur between March 26 and 31. Selected ideas will be published on April 2, and the closing session will take place on April 3.
The Potential of BELLA
Since 2021, the BELLA Program (Building the Europe Link with Latin America), implemented by RedCLARA and co-financed by the European Union, has strengthened digital connectivity between Europe and Latin America. Through the BELLA-S project, a 6000 km undersea fiber-optic cable was deployed, directly connecting both continents for the first time, complemented by terrestrial infrastructure through the BELLA-T project, strengthening RedCLARA's backbone in South America.
The BELLA II project, which began in 2023, aims to consolidate the digital ecosystem of Latin America and the Caribbean by expanding connectivity to as many countries as possible, with priority on Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Additionally, it seeks to increase the adoption and use of digital transformation technologies to develop solutions addressing the region's main challenges.
SPIDER is a project designed to maximize the impact of BELLA on the digital transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting international collaboration and the development of emerging technologies in strategic sectors. Through this call, it aims to stimulate the creation of innovative solutions that enhance connectivity and knowledge exchange in the region.
For more details about the call, interested parties can contact
Visit the website: [Call for ideas] SPIDER launches a call for ideas to expand the use of BELLA - SPIDER
