TecPrize and IFE Launch Open Applications for EdTech Startups

The Institute for the Future of Education (IFE) at Tecnológico de Monterrey has officially opened applications for TecPrize and IFE Launch, two key initiatives aimed at supporting the most promising EdTech startups in Latin America. Both programs offer a unique opportunity to validate, scale, and connect tech solutions with the region’s most robust educational and business ecosystem.

IFE’s Commitment to Transforming Education in Latin America

IFE is a strategic initiative by Tecnológico de Monterrey that aims to impact over one million people through educational innovation. Through a network of research centers, observatories, faculty support programs, and collaboration with entrepreneurs, the initiative focuses on solving shared challenges across the region’s education systems.

“We want to connect talent, technology, and purpose,” says Rodrigo Correa, TecPrize coordinator. “We know the region faces common educational challenges, and we believe EdTech startups play a key role in solving them.”

TecPrize: Open Innovation for Education Challenges in Latin America

TecPrize focuses on identifying the most pressing educational needs in Latin America and the Caribbean through collective intelligence. Each year, it launches a challenge aligned with these needs and invites startups to submit innovative tech-based solutions. The 2025 edition will focus on artificial intelligence for talent development and workforce transformation across the region.

The challenge is crafted through workshops with key ecosystem stakeholders—including corporations, governments, universities, investors, and startups—to ensure accurate problem definition and real impact.

“This year, we want to see how startups are using AI to close the skills gap in the workforce,” adds Correa. “We’re looking for solutions that drive reskilling and upskilling in Latin America.”

Among the program’s success stories is 1Mentor, winner of TecPrize 2023, which was successfully acquired by QS in January 2024. Apply today and begin your journey with TecPrize and IFE Launch.

IFE Launch: Immersive Acceleration for EdTech Startups

IFE Launch was created to fill the gap of EdTech-focused accelerators in Latin America. The program offers a three-month residency in Monterrey, Mexico, where selected founders can validate their products, receive expert guidance, and connect with universities, corporations, and investors.

Key benefits include:

• Validation with TEC researchers
• Access to over 100,000 students across 20 campuses for testing
• Connections with major corporations like Cemex, FEMSA, and Vitro
• Participation in the IFE EdTech Summit, with over 4,000 attendees
• Support for scaling sales and opening new markets
• Booths, pitching opportunities, and direct access to global experts

“Our greatest value isn’t just the infrastructure—it’s the connections,” says César Sánchez, IFE Launch coordinator. “We want founders to fully experience the ecosystem. That’s why we cover most expenses during their stay.”

Who Can Apply?

IFE Launch is open to startups with a working tech-based solution focused on higher or professional education, seeking to scale within a real educational environment. The program welcomes teams from any country, as long as their solution has the potential to generate impact in Latin America.

One Application, Two Opportunities

A key advantage is that one application gives startups access to both TecPrize and IFE Launch, depending on their stage of development. Applications for TecPrize are now open and close on August 31, while IFE Launch officially opens on September 1. However, those who apply now will already be considered for both.

“We dream of seeing our startups reach accelerators like Y Combinator. We want to be a bridge to that,” concludes Sánchez.