RUN NUR

In Bolivia, the problem of unemployment, exacerbated by a predominantly informal labor market, presents a critical challenge, especially for young people and women. According to the Institute for Advanced Development Studies (INESAD) in 2023, only 15% of the Bolivian workforce is formally employed, leaving a large sector submerged in informality. This situation is further aggravated by data provided by Rojas Callejas (2021), which reveals that more than 90% of young people between the ages of 18 and 24 face extreme and moderate levels of labor precariousness. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these problems, with an alarming 80% of workers operating in informal conditions, according to reports from the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2022.

Labor precariousness not only limits access to formal jobs but also affects the conditions under which these jobs are developed. The lack of formality brings with it the absence of social security, labor benefits, and a stable income, leading to significant economic vulnerability. This scenario is reflected in the high proportion of women who are self-employed, many of whom do not have access to labor benefits or contractual protections, further complicating their situation in an already challenging labor environment.

Unemployment and underemployment have profound repercussions on the social and economic fabric of the country. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) in 2020 indicates that the urban unemployment rate among professionals reached 14.9%, affecting more than 250,000 individuals. This figure not only highlights the lack of adequate job opportunities but also the disconnect between educational training and market demands.

The Center for Labor and Agrarian Development Studies (CEDLA), cited by Andia in 2024, points out that 40% of young people work as commission agents, a form of employment that generally does not guarantee a fixed salary or additional benefits such as health insurance or contributions to social security. This form of employment, predominantly precarious, underscores the urgency of developing strategies that not only generate employment but also improve the quality of available jobs.

Faced with this situation, the need to address the problem of unemployment in Bolivia is more urgent than ever. The creation of stable and sustainable job opportunities is crucial for improving the quality of life of Bolivians and fostering inclusive and equitable economic development. Strategies must focus not only on job creation but also on the formalization of existing jobs, ensuring that all workers have access to the benefits and protections they deserve.

In this context, a business incubator can play a crucial role by providing young entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support needed to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. These new companies can be a vital engine for economic growth and formal job creation, offering attractive and viable alternatives in a labor market characterized by its informality and precariousness. This approach not only benefits the entrepreneurs and their direct communities but also contributes to the overall economic well-being of the country, promoting a more dynamic and diversified economy.

The proposed solution to address youth unemployment and stimulate socioeconomic progress in Santa Cruz de la Sierra involves the design and implementation of a technology-based incubator at Universidad NUR. This incubator is specifically aimed at supporting university entrepreneurial projects and facilitating the transition of innovative ideas into formal and operational business entities.

The structure of the incubator is divided into four critical phases: inspiration, exploration, foundation, and application. Each of these stages is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for success in today's competitive market:

Inspiration: This phase focuses on awakening entrepreneurial interest among students and providing visions of what can be achieved through workshops, talks with successful entrepreneurs, and case studies.

Exploration: Entrepreneurs receive specific training in ideation methodologies and idea validation to ensure that their projects are viable and sustainable.

Foundation: In this phase, selected projects develop detailed business plans, market studies, and functional prototypes. The incubator provides access to specialized mentors, advanced technological resources, and support in critical areas such as intellectual property and legal compliance.

Application: Finally, entrepreneurs launch their businesses into the market with ongoing support from the incubator. This includes assistance in finding financing, digital marketing, and establishing business contacts.

Continued support beyond the initial launch phase ensures that not only do businesses start well, but they also thrive and grow. The incubator also promotes the creation of microenterprises that contribute to the diversification and strengthening of the local economy.

Furthermore, the initiative seeks to establish itself as a sustainable entity that does not solely rely on external funding. This will be achieved through the establishment of strategic partnerships with local and international companies and the generation of its revenue, such as through consultancy services and specialized events offered by the incubator.

Implementing this incubator not only promotes economic and social development but also positions Universidad NUR as a regional benchmark in promoting university innovation and entrepreneurship. Over time, the incubator hopes to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus, where young people can project their careers within a framework of growth and economic stability, thereby addressing the challenge of youth unemployment and improving the quality of life in the community.

Our solution is specifically designed to address the needs of university students and recent graduates of Universidad NUR who are particularly affected by youth unemployment in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This target population faces high rates of unemployment and underemployment in a work environment marked by informality and a lack of stable, well-paying opportunities. Currently, many of these young people are neglected by conventional labor policies and employment programs that fail to effectively address the specific needs of young entrepreneurs and business creators.

The proposal for a technology business incubator at Universidad NUR aims to radically change this situation by providing young people with the tools, resources, and mentorship to develop their ventures. This will not only employ them but also create job opportunities for others, contributing to reducing the overall unemployment rate and improving the quality of available employment in the region.
The incubator will offer specialized programs that guide young people through the entire process of creating a business, from ideation to commercialization. This will include workshops on innovation, brainstorming sessions for idea development, education on business structures and legal matters, and strategies for accessing financing. Additionally, special emphasis will be placed on emerging technologies and sustainable businesses, preparing young people to lead in key sectors that are destined to grow and sustain the local economy in the future.
This approach not only fosters job creation but also enhances the quality of life for young people and the community at large. The businesses that emerge from the incubator will be better positioned to offer innovative services and products that meet local needs, from green technology to digital health solutions, thus contributing to the well-being of the entire community.
Moreover, by fostering an entrepreneurship ecosystem on campus, the incubator will help create a culture of innovation and collaboration that can have multiplying effects, inspiring more young people to become entrepreneurs and to view business creation as a viable and exciting career path.

Our team is exceptionally well-positioned to implement this solution due to our deep connection and commitment to both the university community of Universidad NUR and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Our relationship is based on coordination with NGOs such as Juventud Empresa, a leading organization in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, followed by the Association of Entrepreneurs of Bolivia - ASEB, as well as support from Santa Cruz Innova and some accelerators in the region.

As the team leader, I have a personal connection with the university community, having been a student, researcher, and current director. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by students and recent graduates in terms of employability and entrepreneurship. Additionally, I have collaborated on various projects within the entrepreneurial ecosystem aimed at improving economic opportunities for local youth, allowing me to establish significant relationships both within and outside the university campus.
Our team as a whole reflects the diversity of the university community, including members from various academic, cultural, and institutional fields. This diversity allows us to address the problem of youth unemployment from multiple transdisciplinary perspectives, ensuring that our solutions are inclusive and effective. Moreover, several team members have started their ventures in the past, providing practical and realistic knowledge of what is needed to support new entrepreneurs.
Community involvement in the design and implementation of our solution is a priority for us. We regularly seek and apply input from students, faculty, and local entrepreneurs to ensure that our initiatives are aligned with the community's needs and aspirations. This includes feedback sessions, community forums, and collaborative working groups that allow us to gather new ideas and adjust our approach as necessary.
Additionally, we work closely with local organizations and community leaders to ensure that our incubation activities are synchronized with the broader economic and social agendas of Santa Cruz, such as cooperation with the Indigenous University of the Guarani Peoples APIAWUAKI - TUMPA. By doing so, we aim not only to solve the problem of youth unemployment but also to contribute to the sustainable development of the region, as we plan to extend our program to this university to encourage young people to remain in their indigenous communities through the creation of new job opportunities.

So far, our incubator at Universidad NUR has achieved several significant milestones in its pilot phase, known as the RUN NUR program, which symbolizes a race for entrepreneurship. This initial stage was crucial to validate our model and understand the specific needs of our young entrepreneurs.

Since the launch of the pilot program, we have successfully legally established a total of seven startups, with two companies founded in 2022 and five additional ones in 2023. These companies not only represent a variety of sectors, including technology, professional services, and e-commerce, but also reflect the innovative potential and entrepreneurial spirit of our student community.

One of the most notable achievements of this program has been job creation. Collectively, these new companies have generated more than a dozen decent and stable jobs for young people between 18 and 35 years old. This achievement is particularly significant considering the context of high labor informality and youth unemployment in the region. These jobs offer not only fair compensation but also safe working conditions and access to social benefits, thus significantly improving the quality of life of young employees.

The impact of the program is not limited to creating companies and jobs; it has also fostered a collaborative environment and support network among entrepreneurs. By facilitating a space where young people can share ideas, resources, and challenges, we have seen how solidarity and joint innovation thrive.

Furthermore, the feedback received from participants during this pilot phase has been invaluable. We have been able to adjust our mentoring services, workshops, and training sessions to more closely align with the actual needs of the entrepreneurs. For example, a particular demand was identified for deeper knowledge in areas such as digital marketing and financial management, which led us to incorporate experts in these fields as part of our mentoring program.

In conclusion, the pilot phase of the RUN NUR program has provided concrete evidence of the value and effectiveness of the incubator, demonstrating that it is a viable and crucial initiative to foster entrepreneurship and youth employment in our community. These results not only validate our initial approach but also provide a solid foundation for the continued expansion and refinement of the incubator in the future.

One of our most significant assets in expanding our incubator program is the potential for networking, particularly through platforms like Solve that connect us with a global community of innovators and experts. By integrating ourselves into Solve’s network, we anticipate not just an expansion of our project but a transformation in how we support and develop entrepreneurial ventures at the University NUR.

Networking through Solve would enable us to forge relationships with like-minded organizations and professionals who share our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and social innovation. These connections are crucial as they can help us navigate the complex legal and market challenges that often confront startups, particularly in Bolivia where many young entrepreneurs lack business experience. The expertise and mentorship available through such a network would be instrumental in ensuring that the startups we support are not only compliant but also sustainable in the long term.

Moreover, the exchange of ideas and strategies that Solve facilitates would significantly accelerate our progress. By engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders, we can learn from their experiences, adapt successful strategies, and implement best practices that enhance the effectiveness of our programs. This rich exchange is vital for creating a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where a substantial portion of the workforce is engaged in informal employment.

Ultimately, the networking opportunities provided by Solve would help us not only scale our initiatives but also ensure that they lead to substantial social and economic impacts. By connecting with potential partners and resources, we can better equip our students with the tools they need to succeed, thereby generating quality employment opportunities and contributing positively to the regional economy. Through this collaborative and supportive network, we aim to transform lives by empowering our students to create and grow sustainable businesses.

Our solution innovatively integrates technology and entrepreneurial education within the university setting to address youth unemployment and labor informality comprehensively. Unlike traditional incubators that focus solely on financial and business development aspects, the Universidad NUR incubator employs a three-dimensional approach:

• Curricular integration: We introduce entrepreneurship and business skills courses directly into undergraduate curriculums, ensuring all students, regardless of their major, gain fundamental knowledge on business creation and management.
• Technology and data: We utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to personalize mentoring and support for entrepreneurs. This method allows for precise interventions based on data analysis to identify specific project needs and optimize resources for maximum success.
• Community and global collaboration: We foster collaboration within the university and with the global entrepreneurial ecosystem, including businesses, NGOs, and local government. We establish connections with other incubators and international experts, enriching our students' entrepreneurial experience through knowledge and resource exchange.

This model of integrating education, technology, and institutional collaboration broadens the positive impacts in the entrepreneurial space. By educating students in entrepreneurial and technological skills from the start of their university education, we are creating a new generation of entrepreneurs better equipped to tackle global market challenges. Additionally, by opening our activities to a wider network, we enhance our students' opportunities and contribute to the advancement of business practices worldwide.
Our incubator has the potential to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in Santa Cruz and beyond, setting new standards for integrating business education in universities and fostering a more collaborative and technologically advanced environment for future entrepreneurs. This approach not only meets immediate employment and economic development needs but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth and continuous innovation in the region.

To articulate the expected impact of our solution on youth unemployment and the creation of entrepreneurial ventures at NUR University, we employ a theory of change that outlines how our activities will lead to desired outputs and long-term outcomes. This framework not only maps our interventions but also demonstrates the causal pathways through which these interventions affect our target population of university students and recent graduates.

Activities:

• Curricular integration of entrepreneurial education: implement entrepreneurship-focused courses across all departments.
• Enhanced technological support: use AI and big data analytics to tailor support for individual entrepreneurial project.
• Community and global networking: foster connections with local and international experts, businesses, and NGOs to enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased entrepreneurial knowledge: students gain comprehensive entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, essential for starting and managing businesses.
• Tailored business support: each entrepreneur receives customized guidance, enhancing their business's viability and growth potential.
• Expanded network opportunities: entrepreneurs access a broader network of potential advisors, partners, and funders.

Long-term Outcomes:

• Higher business creation rates: An increase in the number of viable startups launched by students.
• Sustainable employment opportunities: new businesses create job opportunities, reducing youth unemployment.
• Economic development: startups contribute to the local economy, promoting regional economic growth and stability.

Evidence to Support Links:

• Curricular integration: research from the Kauffman Foundation indicates that comprehensive entrepreneurship education significantly enhances students' ability to start and sustain businesses.
• Technological support: data from our pilot program shows that projects utilizing our AI-driven analytics saw a 30% higher success rate compared to those that did not.
• Networking: feedback from our alumni surveys indicates that 70% of participating entrepreneurs attribute their success to connections made through our network expansion activities.

Monitoring and Evaluation:
To ensure the effectiveness of our theory of change, we implement ongoing monitoring and evaluation. This includes collecting feedback through interviews with participants, tracking business launch and survival rates, and assessing job creation statistics. Annual reviews adjust strategies based on outcomes and emerging needs.

By closely linking our activities to tangible outputs and measurable outcomes, and grounding our approach in evidence from both internal data and external research, our theory of change provides a clear and compelling roadmap for how the incubator will significantly impact youth employment and entrepreneurship development at NUR University. This logical framework not only guides our efforts but also ensures accountability and continual improvement of our interventions.

Our solution at NUR University’s incubator aims to have a transformational impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs by fostering an environment conducive to innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Our impact goals align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on:

1. No Poverty (SDG 1): Reduce poverty by empowering young entrepreneurs to create viable businesses that contribute to their economic independence.
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

 Impact Goals and Measurement Indicators

1. No Poverty (SDG 1)
Goal: Empower at least 100 young entrepreneurs each year to start businesses that will sustain not only their livelihoods but also create jobs for others.
Indicators:
  - Number of businesses created annually that remain operational beyond one year.
  - Annual income levels of entrepreneurs who have graduated from our incubator, measured against the local poverty line.

2. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Goal: Support the creation of 300 new jobs by the end of three years through businesses incubated within NUR University, contributing to economic growth, and reducing unemployment rates among university graduates.
Indicators:
  - Employment rate of graduates from our incubation program compared to regional averages for university graduates.
  - Number of new jobs created directly from businesses established through our incubator.
  - Growth in earnings for employees working in startups that were part of the incubator.

3. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Goal: Enhance innovation capacity among young entrepreneurs and support the development of a minimum of 50 startups that introduce new products or services to the market within the next five years.
Indicators:
  - Number of startups introducing new products or services to the market.
  - Investment attracted by incubated startups, which is a direct measure of the market’s trust in the innovation capacity of these enterprises.
  - Partnerships established with local industries to support business scaling, product development, and infrastructure usage.

 Monitoring and Evaluation:

To ensure we are on track to achieving these goals, we employ a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that includes:

- Quarterly reviews of business progress against set milestones.

- Annual surveys of entrepreneurs to assess income levels, employment rates, and satisfaction.

- Feedback sessions with local industry partners to evaluate the effectiveness of collaborations and the infrastructure support provided.

Data collected through these methods allows us to adjust our strategies and programs in real time to better meet the needs of our entrepreneurs and ensure alignment with broader economic goals. This adaptive approach ensures our incubator remains a vital contributor to economic development and innovation in our community.

The main technology driving our solution at NUR University's incubator is the advanced use of Big Data and data analysis. This technology allows us to monitor, measure, and optimize the performance of the incubated startups, effectively addressing challenges related to sustainability and business growth.

Implementation of Big Data:

• Data collection: we use various sources to collect large volumes of data from each incubated startup. This includes operational, financial, market, and customer interaction data, gathered through digital platforms, surveys, and integrated business management systems.
• Predictive and descriptive analysis: we apply machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze these data. Predictive analysis helps us identify patterns and trends that predict the success or potential failure of a project, while descriptive analysis provides a deep understanding of the current state of each company.
• Customized mentorship: insights generated from the analysis of Big Data allow us to offer highly personalized mentorship and support. We can adjust our intervention strategies for each entrepreneur based on their specific needs, market potential, and identified operational challenges.
• Continuous improvement and learning: the collected data are not only used for a particular project but are also used to continually improve the incubation program. The machine learning of our systems ensures that each incubation cycle is more effective, adjusting our educational programs and support to better align with the changing needs of the entrepreneurs and the market.

Benefits of Big Data technology:

• Operational efficiency: optimizes the resources of the incubator, ensuring that the support provided is the most effective for the current needs of the startups.
• Data-Based decisions: empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions based on solid evidence, significantly increasing their chances of success.
• Adaptability and scalability: facilitates the adaptation and scalability of startups by providing a clear understanding of the business landscape and market opportunities.

Full-time staff: 6

Part-time staff: 3

Contractors or other workers: 5

Universidad NUR has been cultivating its entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives since 2017, starting with an overhaul of the undergraduate curriculum to include entrepreneurship courses. This laid the groundwork for the RUN NUR program launched in 2023, which offers direct support and resources to emerging entrepreneurs. In 2024, we expanded these efforts with the inauguration of the NUR Incubator, designed to further support the development of viable and sustainable businesses. This progression demonstrates our long-term commitment and a strategic approach to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of our students and the broader economic landscape.

At NUR University's incubator, we also promote inclusion through a scholarship program for indigenous communities. This initiative provides opportunities for students from indigenous groups such as the Guarayos, Guaraní, Chiquitano, Ayoreo, and Yuracaré to enter the RUN NUR entrepreneurship program. We prioritize their business ideas that focus on their underserved communities, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of these areas. This effort reflects our commitment to equity and inclusion, encouraging the participation of diverse voices and promoting equal opportunities in entrepreneurship.

1. Social Value Proposition
We facilitate the development and consolidation of innovative technology companies within the student community, providing comprehensive advising, access to critical resources, and strategic connections. Our mission is to transform entrepreneurial ideas into successful projects that generate employment and promote economic and social development in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

2. Beneficiary Segments
Students and recent graduates: Young innovators seeking support to launch their business initiatives.
Local community: Indirectly benefited by the economic growth and job creation stemming from new businesses.
3. Channels
Digital platforms: For training, mentorship, and networking.
In-person events and workshops: Held on campus to foster learning and collaboration.
Outreach programs: In collaboration with faculties and local organizations to extend reach and impact.
4. Relationships with Beneficiaries
We foster an entrepreneurial community through networking events and continuous support.
We offer personalized mentorship and access to specialized consultancy services.
We provide ongoing post-incubation support to ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of emerging businesses.
5. Revenue Streams
Specialized services: Fees for advanced mentorship, masterclasses, and knowledge transfer.
Grants and funding: From entities supporting socioeconomic development.
Donations and support: From alumni and benefactors contributing to the seed capital fund and incubator resources.
6. Key Resources
A team of entrepreneurship experts who provide mentorship and manage the daily operations of the incubator.
Robust technological infrastructure that supports both virtual and in-person activities.
Agreements with strategic partners that expand available resources and capabilities.
7. Key Activities
Design and delivery of training and business development programs.
Effective management of the mentor network and collaboration with strategic partners.
Continuous impact assessment and strategy adjustment based on feedback and outcomes.
8. Key Partnerships
Collaboration with technology companies to ensure access to cutting-edge tools and knowledge.
Alliances with academic institutions and NGOs to broaden impact and reach.
Relationships with government entities and economic development agencies for support and recognition.
9. Cost Structure
Operational costs including administrative, management, and financial expenses.
Investments in information technology and communication tools.
Marketing expenses to promote the incubator and highlight success stories.

1. Revenue Streams

   - Service Fees: Charging for specialized services such as mentoring, workshops, and access to coworking spaces within the incubator.
   - Grants and Subsidies: Actively applying for grants from governmental and non-governmental organizations that support innovation and entrepreneurial development, such as Universidad NUR, the Departmental Secretariat of Industry and Commerce of the Autonomous Departmental Government of Santa Cruz, and the Secretariat of Economic Development and Employment of the Autonomous Municipal Government of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
   - Corporate Sponsorship and Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with local and international companies interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that align with educational support and entrepreneurship, including the Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz, Juventud Empresa, Santa Cruz Innova, Hub Santa Cruz, Fundación Trabajo, GIZ, the German Sparkassenstiftung, and the Federation of Private Entrepreneurs of Santa Cruz.
   - Alumni Contributions: Encouraging successful founders who have benefited from the incubator to give back, either through donations, mentorship, or investing in upcoming startups, thereby creating a cycle of support and growth.
   - Investment Capital: Seeking investment from angel investors and venture capitalists for startups showing high potential, providing a return on investment through equity stakes.

2. Evidence of Success
   - Grants Received: To date, the incubator and previous programs have secured a grant from Universidad NUR in operating capital that has supported the initial investment and operational costs.

3. Long-Term Financial Goals
Our long-term financial goal is to balance our revenue streams so that by 2026, our income from service fees, sponsorships, and alumni contributions covers 100% of our operational costs, reducing our dependence on unpredictable grants. We are also working on a seed fund, financed by a combination of contributions from alumni and external investors, which will provide a sustainable funding source to support new startups emerging from the incubator.