A. M. Startups Kazu Real State and Industrias Quantum were recognized as winners of the 4th Silver WorkerTech Innovation Challenge, promoted by CASATIC, with the support of the European Union, IDB Lab, and the accompaniment of Agrisal’s Hub Crecenta, as a strategic partner.
The Fourth WorkerTech Challenge focused on promoting digital solutions that improve the quality of life of independent workers over 50 years of age, in sectors such as freelancers, drivers/riders, and domestic and care workers.
The call for proposals gathered 28 proposals from organizations operating in El Salvador. Eight of them were selected as finalists and presented their solutions in a pitch day before a multidisciplinary jury made up of representatives from IDB Lab, the European Union, Agrisal, Fundación Atlántida, and Innogen Capital Ventures. Ultimately, two winning projects were selected:
Kazu Real Estate, a platform that seeks to help real estate agents over 50 digitize their work with tools, training, and financial support. It will facilitate their sales, improve their income, and connect them in a collaborative community.
Industrias Quantum, a financial inclusion and mobility service that offers a rent-to-own model that allows people over 50 to access electric vehicles for passenger transportation, with insurance and maintenance included. It reduces costs and increases income by up to 70%, improving their cash flow and access to more trips.
“This award is a testament to how technology can transform lives. At KAZU, we will continue to drive digital inclusion for the silver community, making them an active part of the real estate evolution in the region”, said Héctor Meza, director of Operations, Kazu Real Estate.
Manuel Díaz, Executive director of Industrias Quantum, said: “SmartDrive promotes financial inclusion in the silver economy and the democratization of technology by facilitating access to efficient electric vehicles. The WorkerTech project and Hub Crecenta, with support from the European Union and IDB Lab, will strengthen this ecosystem to ensure sustainability and increase the impact on independent workers”.
Each project will receive technical support and co-financing of between US$25,000 and US$40,000, with matching funds, to implement their solutions for the benefit of independent workers over 50 years of age in the country. This effort is part of the WorkerTech Project’s commitment to improving the working conditions of at least 10,000 independent workers in El Salvador, ensuring that at least 40% are women.
