Exponential Changemarkers Program (ECM) is our annual global open innovation program which seeks to find solutions that contribute to the quantitative and qualitative housing deficit in the region.
We are looking for 10 high-impact startups worldwide focused on digital solutions for construction to improve living conditions.
Are you in?
The fourth edition of Progreso X’s open innovation program Exponential Changemakers, along with the business units of Progreso will focus on challenges that defy the way we approach construction processes addressing the areas of digitalized design, construction systems, and operational management.
The rapid urbanization process in Guatemala has generated opportunities to rethink how our spaces can adapt in a fair, orderly and sustainable way to fulfil the needs of the citizens and the conditions of the region. According to the Guatemala's Urban Agenda projections, the country will have a predominantly urban population by 2032 (75%). In Guatemala City, this migratory flow from rural areas is reflected even more, with an annual growth rate close to 2%. As a result of this phenomenon, the demand for housing and urban services will increase exponentially.
Likewise, the housing deficit is estimated at 2.2 million, 20% of which is due to a lack of housing - quantitative deficit -, while the remaining 80% is due to a lack of access to basic services - qualitative deficit (Anacovi, 2021). Tackling this situation is one of the main challenges in the short term, especially because of the shortage of economic resources of the population to address it.
Therefore, this year’s Exponential Changemakers program will be addressing the challenges of constructive solutions that enable the development of buildings and cities according to the potential of each territory, as well as contributing to the reduction of the housing deficit and increasing the capacity of related services (e.g. water, energy efficiency and solid waste).
Are you ready to become an exponential changemaker? Apply with your startup! Show us your experience, knowledge, skills, and passion for this initiative. Be part of the transformation of a region with many opportunities.
Identify design processes from the conceptualization of a real estate project to the construction plans that allow a more agile, sustainable, and efficient construction to increase the productive capacity.
BIM (Building Information Modeling).
Automated design platforms: serving as design repositories to increase productivity and promote efficiency.
Seek new construction systems, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility, that challenge the way we are building and increase our productive capacity.
Prefabricated and modular off-site construction.
New advanced construction materials with applied technology such as 3D printing and alternative materials.
Robotics and machine-assisted applications
Incorporate data-driven solutions that optimize the operational management of the supply chain and the on-site procurement to improve the communication, delivery time, reducing costs and mitigating risks.
Cloud, Big Data, predictive analytics, and real-time collaboration to improve the on-site procurement process, fleet tracking and inventory management.
Methodologies to increase productivity and promote efficiency.
The requirements for participation in Exponential Changemakers are specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Exponential Changemakers program. Go to terms and conditions.
The Exponential Changemakers program 2022 is open for startups related to the challenges of this year: How can we make the construction industry more efficient and sustainable through disruptive materials, solutions, and technologies?
You must have exceeded orbe near to your break-even point, and/or have already expanded operations in your country and/or region.
No, as a startup you can only present one application.
If you conceive that your solution has a direct relation or is a needed step in the road to solve the challenge, of course you can apply. You need to specify the input in the application.
The startups interested in participation in the initiative must register, fill and submit your application via the Progreso X website. In order to participate, you must create your user account and complete the required fields in the application form, attaching any necessary materials and documents. All the information submitted by the participants must be real and correct. In addition, the solutions proposed must be exclusive intellectual property of the startup participating in the initiative and, therefore, protected by the respective intellectual property legal rights. Apply Now
The applications to the program must be submitted in English.
Absolutely, Progreso X seeks to collaborate with startups from around the world, as long as you propose relevant solutions to the challenge.
The selection process is conducted by managers from Progreso (business innovation coaches) and external consultants with experience in the challenge’s themes.
Ten out of the total of participants, will be selected to come to Guatemala and participate in the Demo Day & Boot Camp.
Yes, the ten startups selected must participate on both to be eligible for the innovation loops.
Yes, ProgresoX will provide a round trip ticket to Guatemala.* Depending on local regulations regarding COVID-19.
Is the first pitch that the startups are going to present. And is going to take place during the first day of the program Oct 10th, 2022.
* One-three startups
The first pitch is for you to present the business model of the solution and the last pitch would be the adapted version, after discovering the Guatemala’s and Progreso’s context through your business coaching sessions.
It is a four-day event, includes coaching and workshops.
The startups will have three to four coaching sessions with Progreso’s managers and external experienced consultants related to the challenges. And two/three workshops that will be helpful for the adaptation of your pitch. Oct 11th, 12th 13th and 14th 2022.
Yes, on October 14th you must present the last pitch, it will help the judges to select the winners.
The Kickoff and Closing Event presentations will be in English and the everyday activities will be in Spanish. If you want to apply but the language is a barrier for your team, please contact us at deepdive@progreso-x.com.
About three to four months.
A member of your team in representation of the startup, a Project Leader from Progreso X and a Progreso’s Business Unit Champion.
In January 2023 with the planification.
How could we reconsider the way we live, challenging the current design of our cities, and the way we use our natural resources?
Apply Now!We are committed to create, design and bring to reality disruptive ideas for the benefit of the world through collaborative innovation between corporations, startups and it's ecosystem.
Take note of important dates!
Mentoring sessions with business innovation coaches to strengthen the business model and adapt it to the need.
Pilot project through an Innovation Loop focused on satisfying user needs by using technology.
Results-oriented collaboration with Progreso X and the business unit of Progreso through an open innovation model.
Establish a solid long-term business relationship with Progreso.
Based on the results of the first Innovation Loop, the possible next steps are:
Joint Development Agreement (JDA)
Joint Venture (JV)
Equity investment
Access to Progreso's corporate infrastructure: facilities, the largest retail chain in Guatemala, market data, user and consumer information and access to new markets.
