View metadata

dc.titleStartups x AI: An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Latin America and the Caribbean
dc.contributor.authorStubrin, Lilia
dc.contributor.authorAsinsten, Julián
dc.contributor.authorZornada, Carlos
dc.contributor.authorCastillo Leska, Ana
dc.contributor.orgunitIDB Lab
dc.coverageLatin America
dc.coverageThe Caribbean
dc.date.available2026-05-15T00:05:00
dc.date.issue2026-05-15T00:05:00
dc.description.abstractThe technical note analyzes the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by startups in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), within a global context where AI is consolidating as a general-purpose technology with high transformative potential for productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. The report focuses on non AI-native startups that incorporate AI as a strategic lever in their products, processes, and business models. Based on a regional survey and case studies, the analysis identifies adoption patterns, benefits, obstacles, and structural gaps that affect their ability to scale. The findings show that AI is already part of the competitive core of many startups in the region, with strong adoption of generative (85%) and predictive (75%) technologies, particularly in strategic functions such as marketing, product development, and decision-making. However, this adoption is heterogeneous and structured around three profiles: developers, integrators, and explorers which reflect different levels of technological and organizational maturity. The study also highlights critical challenges: talent gaps, financing constraints, limited adaptation of global solutions to local contexts, weak regulatory awareness, and still emerging governance practices. It also reveals limited coordination with key ecosystem stakeholders, particularly the public sector and investors. Based on these findings, the report proposes lines of action aimed at strengthening capabilities, improving governance, and accelerating more effective and responsible AI adoption, positioning startups as key actors in the regions productive and inclusive transformation.
dc.format.extent67
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0014037
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Startups-x-AI-An-Overview-of-Artificial-Intelligence-Adoption-in-Latin-America-and-the-Caribbean.pdf
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/spanish/document/Startups-x-AI-Un-panorama-de-la-adopcion-en-America-Latina-y-el-Caribe.pdf
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherInter-American Development Bank
dc.subjectArtificial Intelligence
dc.subjectStartup
dc.subjectResearch and Development
dc.subjectInnovation
dc.subjectScience and Technology
dc.subjectInfrastructure Development
dc.subjectRegulation
dc.subjectHealth
dc.subjectGovernance
dc.subjectVenture Capital
dc.subjectDigital Transformation
dc.subjectSmall Business
dc.subjectProductivity
dc.subject.jelcodeG24 - Investment Banking • Venture Capital • Brokerage • Ratings and Ratings Agencies
dc.subject.jelcodeO33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences • Diffusion Processes
dc.subject.jelcodeM13 - New Firms • Startups
dc.subject.keywordsartificial intelligence;startups;innovation;Technology adoption;Venture capital;Digital Transformation;AI governance;Productivity;entrepreneurial ecosystem.
dc.typeTechnical Notes
idb.identifier.pubnumberIDB-TN-03339
idb.operationBK-C2176
Return to Publication