WorkerTech Challenge El Salvador: Top Startups Awarded
Innovation to Enhance Social Protection for Freelancers in El Salvador
The Third WorkerTech Innovation Challenge El Salvador, organized by CASATIC, BID Lab, and the European Union, awarded the top digital solutions aimed at supporting freelancers and independent workers. This initiative seeks to address gaps in access to insurance, training, and financial services through digital applications known as WorkerTech.
In this edition, 22 proposals were evaluated, and four winning startups were selected to receive up to $125,000 in technical and financial support to implement their projects, benefiting approximately 5,000 freelancers over the next 18 months.
Winning Startups of the WorkerTech Challenge El Salvador
The four selected solutions stand out for addressing key challenges for independent workers:
- Sube: A platform that builds a community of freelancers specializing in digital marketing and e-commerce, providing training tools.
- Jobbi: A site connecting freelancers with job opportunities in El Salvador, offering services such as electronic payments and contract advisory.
- Easy MD: A telemedicine service ensuring access to healthcare for independent workers.
- Payfónica: A digital wallet facilitating fast and secure payments for freelancers.
Impact and Goals of the WorkerTech Project in El Salvador
The WorkerTech El Salvador Project aims to benefit 10,000 independent workers, with a focus on inclusion, ensuring at least 40% are women. This initiative responds to key findings from a CASATIC study highlighting significant gaps:
- 63% of independent workers lack health insurance.
- 90% lose income if they face incapacity or take time off.
With the support of BID Lab and the European Union, WorkerTech El Salvador promotes technological solutions that enhance freelancers' quality of life and contribute to the growth of the country's digital economy.