NYXN Wins AI for Corporates Challenge 2026
Colombian artificial intelligence startup NYXN, led by CEO Daniel Villa, won first place in the AI for Corporates Challenge 2026, a competition organized by AI Fest during Mexico Tech Week. The final took place on October 28 in Mexico City, bringing together more than 150 corporate representatives and members of Latin America’s innovation and investment ecosystem.
NYXN develops agentic AI solutions to automate software development and banking software migration. Its technology and proprietary methodology, which the company describes as certified, address a major challenge for financial institutions: modernizing legacy systems without disrupting ongoing operations.
“Thanks to Startuplinks and all the organizers, sponsors, and partners. At NYXN, we will continue working to bring agentic AI governance to corporations across the region,” said Daniel Villa, CEO of NYXN.
NYXN, Selenios, and Simón Reach the Final
The competition’s final stage featured three startups from different Latin American markets. NYXN represented Colombia, while Selenios from Argentina and Simón from Mexico also reached the final.
Led by Jonathan Muszkat, Selenios presented an AI-native platform designed to automate recruitment at scale and integrate securely into large companies’ hiring processes.
Simón, led by Matthieu Dahirel, showcased a mobile-first solution that trains and evaluates field workers. Its platform measures the impact of training programs and translates workforce development into measurable operational results.
The three finalists represented different applications of artificial intelligence in business operations, from banking technology and recruitment to workforce training.
AI Fest Adopts a More Selective Format in 2026
Following its inaugural edition in 2025, which attracted more than 1,000 attendees over two days, AI Fest introduced a more selective format for 2026. Access was application-based, and the competition focused on 16 B2B enterprise AI companies with operational products and recurring customers.
Israel García, CEO of Startuplinks, said the organizers sought to create more meaningful connections between investors, founders, and corporate leaders.
The program began on October 27 with a private breakfast connecting selected startups and investment funds. On October 28, companies presented during the semifinal and final rounds at AI House, while venture capital funds participated in a reverse pitch to explain their investment strategies in artificial intelligence. The event concluded with a networking reception attended by more than 150 corporate representatives.
Mexico’s Growing Role in Latin America’s Venture Capital Market
AI Fest took place amid increased venture capital activity and growing interest in artificial intelligence companies. According to KPMG’s Venture Pulse report, global venture capital investment reached US$330.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, more than doubling from the previous quarter. The increase was largely driven by a concentration of major funding rounds, particularly in AI-focused companies.
Mexico has also attracted a significant share of the region’s largest venture capital transactions. Data from Cuantico VP show that the country accounted for six of Latin America’s ten largest venture capital rounds over the previous 12 months.
These developments provide context for AI Fest’s focus on connecting enterprise AI startups with investors and potential corporate customers.
The Organizations Behind AI Fest 2026
AI Fest was organized through a collaboration between Batech, ILB Media, and Startuplinks.
Batech develops computer vision technology that turns cameras into intelligent devices capable of identifying real-time behavioral patterns and generating operational data for businesses. ILB Media operates in the new media sector, while Startuplinks is a Spanish-speaking venture capital community with more than 270 institutional members.
The 2026 edition was sponsored by Ashurst Perkins Coie and Deel and formed part of the AI House agenda during Mexico Tech Week, held from October 26 to November 1 in Mexico City.
