The competition organized by IE University, and promoted by the U.S. Department of State and Microsoft, reached its grand finale and named the Chilean company that represented South America as the winner.
The final of Tech4Democracy, an award that recognizes startups that strengthen democracy in the world, took place in the framework of the Summit for Democracy held in Washington.
The winners of the competitions in South America (EVoting - Chile), North America (Atlos - USA), Europe (Citibeats - Spain), Asia Pacific (Right2Vote - India) and Africa (FloodGates Limited - Ghana) competed against each other.
The finalists were chosen based on their contribution to democratic values, technological innovation, feasibility/scalability and interest of potential investors. In addition to the experience, knowledge, skills and diversity of their teams.
In the final, each startup had to present about its organization and answer questions from the judges at the end; the Chilean company was represented by its CEO, Mario Novoa.
After the presentations, Ginny Badanes, Senior Director of Microsoft’s “Democracy Forward” initiative, declared EVoting the winner of the global competition.
“We, as a technology company, have some principles in place when it comes to this space. So we are doing our part to contribute to it (….) Mostly, we are inspired by people like you, who are foundationally considering the role of business, particularly technology in forming and improving democracy,” stated Badanes, as he presented the award.
After receiving the award, Mario Novoa thanked the judges for their recognition and said he was “proud” to be part of a company that contributes to the strengthening of democracy in the world.
The ceremony took place during the Summit for Democracy, which is being held in the U.S. capital and co-hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden.