Telefonica has issued a call for promising young companies and entrepreneurs in Europe and Latin America to apply for its Wayra start-up accelerator programme.
The Spanish incumbent began accepting submissions on Monday; registration will remain open until 11 October. The programme is run out of Telefonica Open Future, which coordinates the telco’s projects related to entrepreneurship and cultivating start-ups.
In a statement on Monday, Telefonica explained that to be in with a chance of being selected, applicants must demonstrate "an innovative idea and a principal focus to solve future problems using technology."
Experts will evaluate entries and choose the winners based on their characteristics and potential, the telco said.
47 places are available: 20 in the U.K., 10 in Spain, eight in Peru, three each in Chile and Venezuela, two in Argentina, and one in Mexico.
"The acceleration programme will provide them with funding, training and expert advice. There will also be a workspace for their team at the Wayra space along with potential access to the businesses within the Telefonica Group," Telefonica said. "In addition, accelerated start-ups will be able to benefit from the network of entrepreneurs, investors and experts grouped around Telefonica Open Future."
Since its launch four years ago, Wayra has helped more than 400 companies in 10 countries, and invested €81.7 million.
"Telefonica Open Future is committed to talent, entrepreneurship and investment, and now it’s offering a new opportunity to disruptive start-ups and scalable initiatives with high growth potential and strong global focus," Telefonica said.
