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Uruguay al Mundo: a new program to drive the internationalization of MSMEs and startups
Uruguay is taking a new step to strengthen its productive development with the launch of Uruguay al Mundo, a program designed to help more micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups grow through internationalization.
The initiative is the result of a strategic partnership among LATU, the National Development Agency (ANDE), Uruguay XXI, the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII), and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining (MIEM), within the Uruguay Innova program led by the Office of the President in coordination with ministries, agencies and specialized institutes. It aims to foster a more dynamic, innovative and sustainable economy, strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem.
Each institution contributes capabilities, technical knowledge and experience to build an end-to-end pathway that supports Uruguayan MSMEs and startups at every stage of the export process. This inter‑institutional coordination reflects a central message: Uruguay needs more companies to grow and sell to the world, and the State is aligned to support them.
Exporting companies are more productive, adopt innovation, generate better employment opportunities and help diversify the country’s export basket. However, many still face barriers to going global, such as lack of information, validation costs, limited knowledge of target markets, or the need for specialized technical support.
Uruguay al Mundo was created to reduce these gaps and bring internationalization opportunities within reach of more companies—making the export journey clearer, more accessible and achievable for all.
The program offers a flexible pathway tailored to each company’s needs, organized into two tracks that MSMEs and startups can apply to based on their stage of development:
- Export track: Supports companies in preparing and scaling their production so they can meet demand in destination markets. Funding covers up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum of USD 10,000.
- Internationalization track: Aimed at companies with prior experience that seek to consolidate and scale operations in new international markets. Funding covers up to 80% of project costs, with a maximum of USD 20,000.
Both tracks may include an initial phase to design the activity plan and define a strategy aligned with each company’s objectives.
The call for applications will open in early 2026.
Above all, Uruguay al Mundo showcases the value of working together. It is the result of coordination among institutions that are pooling their capabilities, knowledge and resources to help MSMEs and startups reach new markets.
A nationwide effort that reaffirms internationalization as a development priority, a strategic bet, and a forward‑looking State policy.
