[Call for ideas] SPIDER launches a call for ideas to expand the use of BELLA

Create tangible value with the potential of BELLA

Digital cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and Europe is enhancing competitiveness, innovation, and social inclusion, though challenges remain in maximising its impact.

The BELLA programme, developed by RedCLARA and national research and education networks with the EU’s support, has established high-speed submarine connectivity between Europe and Latin America regions. This infrastructure creates connections between companies, startups, research centres, and educational institutions that advance shared objectives and collaborations in education, science, and technology. Building on this foundation, the SPIDER project aims to unlock BELLA’s full potential and foster a human-centred EU-LAC digital transformation.

Why a Call for Ideas?

Innovation plays a very important role in identifying opportunities for transatlantic cooperation. By implementing the Ideatón methodology, we seek to raise ideas for multi-actor and multi-region solutions in the face of well-defined problems.

Thus, SPIDER and RedCLARA, are organising this call for ideas to stimulate the collaborative generation of projects and ventures that use BELLA to drive the digital transformation of both regions.

All interested people are invited to register and submit a brief Concept Note, which must answer the question:

How to enhance the digital ecosystem and entrepreneurship using BELLA, through solutions in AI, cybersecurity and the use of digital resources in Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe?

Key Focus Areas:

The call for ideas will specifically address three key areas:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Harness cross-continental data and computing power to develop innovative applications that bridge EU-LAC expertise.
2. Cybersecurity – Design robust protection frameworks that safeguard international digital collaboration across BELLA.
3. Digital Resource Sharing – Create efficient systems for collaborative resource utilization (e.g. databases, high-performance computing capabilities, scientific instruments) that maximize the impact of EU-LAC partnerships.

Who can apply?

This call is open to individuals and work teams from Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean:

• SMEs and Startups
• Research and innovation centres
• Universities and Academic organisations
• Large research infrastructures (Copernicus, SCALAC, Supercomputing Centres, etc.)
• Collaborative and associative organisations
• Government entities (linked to Innovation and Technology issues)

Benefits for Selected Participants

• Visibility of your proposals
• Connection with investors and key players in the digital ecosystem
• Participation in 2 webinars: digital maturity diagnosis/assessment and go-to-market strategies
• 2 hours of one-on-one mentoring (pitch deck development tutoring session and pitch deck review + mock individual pitch training)
• Dissemination of service portfolios collected from organisations participating in SPIDER  Twinning Programme for EU-LAC digital partnerships
• Top 10 Ideas Presentation at Final Pitching Day

Evaluation Criteria

The proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Innovation and creativity: Does the proposal introduce a novel or disruptive approach?
2. Relevance to BELLA: How does it contribute to the use of BELLA?
3. Clarity of the idea: Is it well-structured and does it have clear objectives?
4. Technical feasibility: Are there technologies available to develop the idea?
5. Potential impact: Does it have concrete applications with a significant impact on digital cooperation?
6. Idea maturity: Identify the maturity level of the idea, project, prototype, or solution according to the TRL scale

Important Dates

• March 10: Registration opens
• March 17-21: Motivational talks
• March 21: Registration closes
• March 26-31: Evaluation and selection
• April 2: Publication of selected ideas
• April 3: Closing Session

 Language Disclaimer

Applications for this Call for Ideas may be submitted in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Please select the language you are most comfortable with to express your ideas clearly and comprehensively.

Information & Contact

For more information about the Call for Ideas, please contact:

• info@spidernetwork.org
• colaboracion@redclara.net

Learn how to draft a comprehensive concept note!

Are you interested in submitting your idea? Please review these guidelines for detailed information on how to create your Concept Note.