- The eighth edition of the CAF Financial Inclusion Lab (LIF) will select up to eight projects, which will gain access to acceleration and investment-readiness programs, as well as opportunities to connect with investors, financial institutions and other strategic partners
BOGOTA, Colombia – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean – has launched the call for applications for the 2026 CAF Financial Inclusion Lab (LIF). In its eighth edition, the initiative is seeking digital solutions capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from demographic change in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The 2026 LIF focuses on the silver economy, seeking solutions that promote greater financial inclusion, financial and digital literacy, and financial well-being for people aged 50 and over, as well as proposals that help people prepare for longer lives at different stages of the life cycle. The call for applications will remain open until October 18, 2026, and is open to legally incorporated companies operating in at least one CAF member country and with technology solutions that are already in active use.
Up to eight projects will be selected as winners and will gain access in 2027 to acceleration programs and personalised support; investment-readiness activities and opportunities to connect with investors, financial institutions, companies and other partners within the LIF network; as well as opportunities to establish business partnerships and advance their regional expansion.
“Longevity is one of the major challenges facing financial systems across the region. Through LIF 2026, we want to demonstrate that digital innovation can support people throughout their lives and turn population aging into an opportunity for development in the region,” said Antonio Silveira, CAF vice president of private sector.
Four areas for innovation
LIF 2026 is looking for digital solutions that are already operational and have demonstrated market traction in four categories:
- Financial capabilities: Financial and digital literacy, cybersecurity, and planning for longer lives.
- Financial products and services: Accessible digital banking, payments, savings, insurance and other innovative solutions.
- Productivity of senior-owned MSMEs: Credit, digital payments, financial management and solutions related to the silver economy.
- Inclusive govtech: Digital identity, social assistance payments, formalisation and public services.
Preparing to scale and attract investment
From the applications received, 20 finalist proposals will be selected to participate in a virtual Pitch Day on December 9. Of these, up to eight will be selected as winners and will begin an acceleration, investment-readiness and potential-partner engagement program in 2027.
Winners will have access to a tailored acceleration program featuring coaching, mentoring, workshops and support to strengthen their business models and impact management. They may subsequently participate in matchmaking opportunities with investors, companies, financial institutions and other CAF partners.
Key dates
- October 18, 2026: Application deadline.
- November 23: Announcement of the 20 finalists.
- December 9: Virtual Pitch Day.
- January–September 2027: Acceleration, investment-readiness and matchmaking programs.