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Top 15 Startup Competitions for AI Startups in South America in 2025

Top 15 Startup Competitions for AI Startups in South America in 2025

Top 15 Startup Competitions for AI Startups in South America in 2025

As the startup ecosystem in South America continues to flourish, 2025 is poised to be a remarkable year for AI startups. With a multitude of competitions designed to propel innovative tech companies, these opportunities are essential for networking, funding, and gaining visibility. Below is a detailed list of the Top 15 Startup Competitions for AI Startups in South America in 2025, including vital information about each competition and links to their official sites.
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1. South Summit Brazil Startup Competition

When: April 9-11, 2025
Where: Porto Alegre, Brazil
Who Should Attend: Startups seeking global visibility and investment opportunities.
Highlights: This event provides startups a platform to showcase their innovations to top investors and corporations, networking opportunities, and potential funding.
Data Points:
  • Global Visibility: Opportunity to present on an international stage.
  • Networking: Access to founders, investors, and strategic partners.
  • Investment Potential: Increased chances of securing funding.
  • Recognition: Offers heightened visibility and collaboration prospects.
  • VIP Access: Exclusive access to event features.
  • Explore South Summit Brazil
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2. World Summit AI Americas Startups Showcase

When: Likely April 2025 (check updates)
Where: Major city in the Americas
Who Should Attend: Early-stage AI startups.
Highlights: An opportunity to present innovative AI solutions to industry experts and potential investors.
Data Points:
  • Renowned Stage: Pitch in front of a specialized audience.
  • Expert Q&A: Engage directly with judges post-pitch.
  • Conference Access: Attend all conference events over two days.
  • Networking: Utilize an exclusive networking app.
  • Social Media Coverage: Participation highlighted on social media.
  • Learn more about World Summit AI Americas
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3. Imagine Cup

When: Year-round with summer finals (check updates)
Where: Global competition
Who Should Attend: Student-led startups focused on AI and cloud technologies.
Highlights: Organized by Microsoft, this prestigious competition fuels innovation in tech products among students.
Data Points:
  • Grand Prize: $100,000 USD for the top team.
  • CEO Mentorship: Experience a coaching session with Microsoft’s CEO.
  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with leaders in the tech space.
  • Global Recognition: Increase visibility on a worldwide stage.
  • Expert Guidance: Access to support from professionals throughout the competition.
  • Discover Imagine Cup

4. Central America AI Challenge

When: Check website for 2025 dates (last held in May 2024)
Where: Focus on Central America
Who Should Attend: Startups addressing AI challenges in the region.
Highlights: A competition supporting AI innovation within Central America, fostering collaboration and investment.
Data Points:
  • Presentation Opportunities: Showcase to tech leaders and stakeholders.
  • Infrastructure Credits: Up to $250,000 in Google Cloud credits available.
  • Media Exposure: Coverage through regional outlets.
  • Consultancy: Personalized sessions with Google's AI experts.
  • Investor Access: Connect with regional investors.
  • Learn more about Central America AI Challenge

5. GFSA: AI First (Latin America) - Google for Startups Accelerator

When: Year-round, multiple sessions
Where: Virtual (focus on Spanish-speaking Latin America)
Who Should Attend: High-potential AI startups.
Highlights: An accelerator program designed to drive growth in AI-focused startups across the region.
Data Points:
  • 12-Week Program: Intensive training and mentorship for participants.
  • AI-Focused: Targeted support for startups leveraging AI technology.
  • Language Specific: Focused resources for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. Explore Google for Startups

6. Swiss AI Summit Global Pitch Competition

When: Check updates for 2025 dates (last held in November 2024)
Where: Primarily virtual
Who Should Attend: Global startups dedicated to AI solutions.
Highlights: A pitch competition in conjunction with ITU’s AI for Good initiative addressing global challenges.
Data Points:
  • Focus on SDGs: Solutions contributing to the sustainable development goals.
  • Prizes: Includes resources like IBM AI Cloud Services.
  • Global Exposure: Connects startups with the Swiss AI ecosystem.
  • Workshop Opportunities: AI governance workshops for participants.
  • Learn more about Swiss AI Summit

7. Viva Technology

When: June 11-14, 2025
Where: Paris, France
Who Should Attend: Startups and investors, especially in AI and deep tech.
Highlights: One of the largest tech events globally, providing extensive networking and investment opportunities.
Data Points:
  • 165,000 Attendees: Significant global participation.
  • Major Corporations: Direct connections with leading companies.
  • 400+ Speakers: Insights from top industry leaders.
  • Extensive Media Reach: Engaging over 2 billion people globally.
  • Discover Viva Technology
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8. 4YFN Awards (Mobile World Congress)

When: February/March 2025 (check site for exact dates)
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Who Should Attend: Innovative technology startups focusing on AI.
Highlights: Celebrates cutting-edge technology startups with opportunities for international exposure.
Data Points:
  • Top 20 Recognition: Highlights exceptional AI startups across platforms.
  • Categories: Awards in fields like digital health and fintech.
  • International Visibility: Connections with a diverse audience.
  • Growth Opportunities: Promotes startups using AI for scaling.
  • Learn more about 4YFN

9. AI 2024 - Online Elevator Pitch Contest

When: Year-round (check updates)
Where: Online
Who Should Attend: AI startups seeking investor engagement.
Highlights: An ongoing pitch contest connecting AI startups with potential investors.
Data Points:
  • Equity Incentives: Investors rank projects based on appeal.
  • Increased Visibility: Engages startups closely with investors.
  • Funding Pathways: Streamlined opportunities for funding.
  • Experience Panel: Onboarding with seasoned investors.
  • Explore AI 2024 Pitch Contest

10. Forbes AI 50

When: Submissions open until February 7, 2025
Where: Global
Who Should Attend: Promising private AI startups worldwide.
Highlights: Honors remarkable AI startups pushing innovation across sectors.
Data Points:
  • Top Startup Recognition: Focus on startups with growth potential.
  • Evaluation Criteria: Based on technical prowess and business success.
  • Diversity: Features early-stage and growth-stage startups.
  • Global Prestige: Significant recognition in the AI landscape.
  • Learn more about Forbes AI 50

11. Startup World Cup - Latin America Regional Finals

When: March 2025 (check updates)
Where: Major city in Latin America
Who Should Attend: Startups from across South America.
Highlights: An opportunity to compete for a chance to present at the global finals with a significant cash prize.
Data Points:
  • Cash Prize: Opportunities for winning substantial investment.
  • Global Pitch: Compete for the opportunity to showcase on an international platform.
  • Mentorship: Guidance from seasoned investors.
  • Networking: Connection with other startups and industry leaders.
  • Explore Startup World Cup

12. AI Fest - Pitch Competition

When: TBA for 2025 (last held was in November 2024)
Where: Major South American city
Who Should Attend: AI startups aiming for visibility and funding.
Highlights: An event dedicated to AI startups to pitch their projects in front of industry experts and potential investors.
Data Points:
  • Focused Audience: Connects startups directly with potential investors.
  • Participants: A platform for shared audience engagement.
  • Prizes: Funding and resources offered for best pitches.
  • Networking: Engages participants with industry leaders.
  • Discover AI Fest

13. Latin America Startup Summit

When: September 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Where: Location varies across Latin America
Who Should Attend: Startups, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Highlights: Networking event featuring pitch sessions and discussions about emerging tech trends, including AI.
Data Points:
  • Keynote Speakers: Leaders in the field of innovation and technology.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with over 600 entrepreneurs.
  • Pitch Sessions: Compete for investment in front of investors.
  • Focus Areas: Covering AI and other emerging technologies.
  • Learn more about Latin America Startup Summit

14. Pitch @ Paley - AI Edition

When: Spring 2025 (check for updates)
Where: Online and in-person options
Who Should Attend: AI-focused startups in early stages of development.
Highlights: A pitching event allowing startups to showcase products and innovations to potential investors.
Data Points:
  • Platform for Innovation: Dedicated solely to AI startups.
  • Investor Engagement: Direct access to angel investors and venture funds.
  • Prizes: Potential funding and mentorship opportunities.
  • Community Feedback: Audience interactions and feedback sessions.
  • Discover Pitch @ Paley

15. TechCrunch Startup Battlefield Latin America

When: November 2025 (dates TBA)
Where: Brazilian city TBA
Who Should Attend: Established startups aiming to gain greater media visibility.
Highlights: A prestigious competition that showcases high-potential startups to a global audience.
Data Points:
  • Media Exposure: Present to a large, engaged audience.
  • Prizes: Opportunity for significant funding.
  • Investor Access: Connection with top venture capitalists.
  • Market Validation: Validation from industry experts and media.
  • Explore TechCrunch Battlefield
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FAQ

Q: What is the South Summit Brazil Startup Competition?
A: The South Summit Brazil is a global contest for startups to showcase their companies to top-tier investors. It takes place in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from April 9-11, 2025. Learn more about South Summit Brazil.
Q: Where is the World Summit AI Americas Startups Showcase held?
A: The World Summit AI Americas Startups Showcase is likely to be held in a major city in the Americas, with a date in April 2025 based on previous events. Discover World Summit AI Americas.
Q: What is the Imagine Cup competition?
A: The Imagine Cup is a global technology startup competition by Microsoft, focused on AI and cloud technologies, offering a grand prize of $100,000. The finals usually occur in the summer, with ongoing events throughout the year. Learn more about the Imagine Cup.
Q: What benefits does the Central America AI Challenge provide?
A: The Central America AI Challenge offers a chance to present solutions to technology leaders along with up to $250,000 in Google Cloud credits and consultancy from Google's AI experts. Learn more about the Central America AI Challenge.
Q: How does the Google for Startups Accelerator support AI startups?
A: The Google for Startups Accelerator is a 12-week program designed for high-potential AI startups in Spanish-speaking Latin America, focusing on AI-first technology. Learn more about Google for Startups Accelerator.
Q: What is the Swiss AI Summit Global Pitch Competition?
A: The Swiss AI Summit Global Pitch Competition is a global event focused on AI solutions for global challenges, held virtually, with prizes like IBM AI Cloud Services. Discover the Swiss AI Summit.
Q: What can startups expect at Viva Technology?
A: Viva Technology is a large international event in Paris that attracts over 165,000 attendees and offers opportunities to connect with major corporations and investors. Learn more about Viva Technology.
Q: When does the 4YFN Awards competition occur?
A: The 4YFN Awards, held in Barcelona (associated with Mobile World Congress), typically occurs in February or March each year, celebrating innovative tech startups, including those focused on AI. Discover the 4YFN Awards.
Q: What is the AI 2024 Online Elevator Pitch Contest?
A: The AI 2024 Online Elevator Pitch Contest is an online pitch event aimed at connecting AI startups with investors and enhancing visibility within their communities. Explore AI 2024 Contest.
Q: What is the Forbes AI 50 competition?
A: The Forbes AI 50 highlights the top private AI startups globally, with submissions for 2025 open until February 7, 2025, evaluating based on revenue, business growth, and valuation. Learn more about Forbes AI 50.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-05-18 07:54 Top 15