CoreNest-El Salvador Partnership to Boost Regional Tech Ecosystem

CoreNest in El Salvador has officially launched operations with a $25 million venture capital fund, positioning the country as a new hub for technological innovation in Latin America. The initiative aims to finance and accelerate more than 300 high-potential startups over the next five years.

The fund, legally incorporated in El Salvador, will be the first in the region to operate in a tokenized format using the Coreum blockchain. This approach is designed to increase transparency and traceability in capital management, setting a precedent for the region’s investment landscape.

Building a Regional Platform for Innovation

CoreNest’s strategy includes the creation of an accelerator program in San Salvador. The initiative will provide startups with mentorship, training, access to investor networks, and pilot programs with corporate partners.

“El Salvador is no longer just a land of volcanoes and beaches; it is becoming the new heart of innovation in Latin America,” said José Roberto Rodríguez, CEO of CoreNest El Salvador. 

He added that with supportive regulation, tax incentives, infrastructure, and now capital, the country “will become the new Silicon Valley of Latin America.”

Backed by Public and Private Sector

The initiative is supported by the Government of Nayib Bukele through the Ministry of Economy, as well as the private sector. Davivienda bank is the first corporate ally to join the project, underscoring the collaborative effort to strengthen the local startup ecosystem.

According to Rodríguez, the goal is to foster a regional ecosystem where El Salvador acts as the launchpad for scalable innovation.

Acceleration Program to Start in 2026

The 12-week accelerator program will kick off in February 2026 and conclude in May with a global Demo Day featuring investors and key ecosystem stakeholders. However, applications will open earlier, from September to December 2025, through the official site.

Each selected startup will receive $125,000 in funding, mentorship from experts, and opportunities to connect with major corporations.

“We are not here to follow the Silicon Valley playbook; we are here to build something bigger,” said Bob Ras, General Partner and Co-founder of CoreNest.

Beyond the initial $25 million fund, CoreNest plans to launch a $100 million follow-on fund to scale projects with the strongest regional potential, reinforcing El Salvador’s role as a driver of technological and entrepreneurial growth in Latin America.