10x10KCuba is a call to innovation for Cuba's emerging technology sector and its integration into the global startup community.

 

Launched at the 2016 AngelSummit Americas in Miami, 10x10kCuba is an international competition seeking to help talented programmers and entrepreneurs in Cuba by providing winners with the resources and means to advance their businesses. Leaders at the forefront of Cuba's growth and development in the entrepreneurial space, including Cuba Emprende Foundation and #CubaNow, have teamed up with well-known names in tech including 500 Startups, Techstars, and Stanford's School of Engineering to develop this unprecedented initiative.

Participating entrepreneurs will be judged by startup and investment leaders from around the Americas with 10 winners selected in the Fall. Participants will have the opportunity to win a package of computer hardware and web services, as well as experience with leading accelerator programs in the US and Latin America. 

 

Competition Details

What: 10x10KCuba, an international startup competition that brings together leaders contributing to Cuba’s emerging tech ecosystem.

  • Customized Stanford Engineering School and Miami Dade College's Puente program
  • Experience with leading accelerators Techstars, 500 Startups, Boomtown and Venture Hive
  • Cloud Credits from Rackspace
  • Dell laptop computers via EMC
  • Online English and/or Chinese-Mandarin lessons by iTutorGroup
  • Mentoring from NXTP Labs
  • Cash for travel, out-of-pocket expenses and customs duties on imported equipment

Who:

  • Hundreds of Cuban entrepreneurs are expected to participate with 10 winners selected; cooperatives are also encouraged to apply.
  • Organizing partners include:

○      Cuba Emprende Foundation 

○      #CubaNow

○      Cambridge Innovation Center Miami

○      Startup Angels

○      Mano Americas

When: The contest was announced on April 14, 2016 and began accepting applications on May 16th. 10 winners will be announced on October 10th, 2016.

Prizes:

  • Two-week visits for two representatives of each winning business or cooperative to one or more of following participating accelerator programs: Techstars, 500 Startups, Boomtown, NXTP Labs, and the School of Engineering at Stanford University.

  • An immersive tour of the tech startup ecosystem in one or more of the following cities: 

    • Boulder, Colorado  
    • Miami, Florida
    • Palo Alto & San Francisco, California
    • Mexico City, Mexico

  • From Rackspace: Cloud credits for one year.

  • Dell / EMC: Two laptops per winner.

  • From iTutorGroup: Online courses and live lessons in English and Mandarin.

  • From American Airlines: miles to cover flight expenses between the United States and Cuba.

  • Fully-covered lodging expenses, plus visas and customs duties for equipment taken back to Cuba.