IDB Lab

IDB Lab (previously known as MIF) is the innovation laboratory of the IDB Group. It aims to promote development through the private sector by identifying, supporting, testing and piloting new solutions to development challenges, seeking to create opportunities for the poor and vulnerable populations in the LAC region. IDB Lab engages and inspires the private sector working with the public sector when needed. Created in 1993 by 21 donor countries, it is the largest provider of technical assistance for private sector development projects.

Our partnership with IDB Lab

The six-year Youth Entrepreneurship Program, funded by IDB Lab and delivered by our members, aimed to increase the number of poor and low-income youth in 10 Latin American and Caribbean countries successfully starting sustainable businesses and creating new jobs. By the end of 2019, the programme had supported 60,000 young people to start or strengthen their businesses. Download here our Youth Entrepreneurship Programme report.

Initiatives

2013 – 2019: Youth Entrepreneurship Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean Supporting over 60,000 young people The programme worked over six years (2013 – 2019) supporting disadvantaged young entrepreneurs, creating new jobs and shaping the local economy. In the process, YEP built a vibrant regional network which is well-positioned to reach and support many more youth in years

Success Stories

Adaeze Akpagbula

Nigeria

34-year-old entrepreneur Adaeze Akpagbula is passionate about green technology and sustainability in agriculture. Having witnessed the struggles of farmers first-hand—especially her own parents—she was inspired to harness IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) climate-smart technologies to transform livestock farming. Through her business Farmspeak Technology Limited, Adaeze is making significant strides in enhancing productivity, increasing […]

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Dareem Jeffrey

Trinidad and Tobago

29-year old Dareem Jeffrey’s entrepreneurial journey began with a mission to combat water scarcity in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Growing up in a rural community, he witnessed first-hand the challenges posed by water shortages. This inspired him to create EcoWash, an innovative, ecological carwash system that uses only two litres of water […]

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Keerthana Vangapally

India

29-year-old Keerthana Vangapally’s journey as a social entrepreneur began with a deeply personal experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she fell seriously ill. Her family turned to traditional millet-based recipes to aid her recovery, and the impact was profound. This experience sparked an idea: what if more people had access to nutritious, preservative-free food options made […]

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Sandra Junele

United Kingdom

Sandra Junele, founder of Junele Ltd, is on a mission to combat climate change by turning textile waste into stunning wall art panels and inspiring her community to embrace sustainability. Her innovative business not only transforms discarded materials into beautiful, eco-friendly products but also creates opportunities for education and advocacy. Sandra’s entrepreneurial journey began with […]

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Ronald Mugaiga

Uganda

Ecomak Recyclers, founded by 29-year-old entrepreneur Ronald Mugaiga, is transforming Uganda’s housing landscape while tackling a global challenge: plastic pollution. This forward-thinking social enterprise recycles plastic waste into low-carbon construction materials, including bricks, blocks, and roofing tiles. These products are not only sustainable but also more affordable and efficient to build with compared to traditional […]

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