Context

The housing deficit in Guatemala has become a major challenge in recent years, with 1.6 million families lacking a home of their own (Anacovi, 2022). To address this situation, the government and private companies have joined forces to accelerate the urbanization process in the country.

However, in the short term, the supply generated is failing to meet the latent demand due to the scarcity of resources of the vast majority of the population, whose socioeconomic situation makes it difficult for them to have access to traditional sources of financing to acquire their own property.  However, this housing deficit is not only quantitative, but also has a qualitative aspect since a large part of Guatemalan households lack the provision of certain basic services, especially water. The decrease in rainfall, as well as the contamination and overexploitation of water resources are generating conflicts in their distribution due to their scarcity. Nowadays, nearly 20% of the country's inhabitants do not have access to drinking water (WHO, 2023). 

In this fifth edition of the Exponential Changemakers, Progreso X addresses these challenges through the search for innovative technology-based solutions that will speed up the construction process and make it safer, while attending the needs of financing and responsible water management.  If your start-up has a disruptive technology to face these challenges, this is your opportunity to participate in an initiative that can transform the reality of the country and the region. Apply now and be part of the change!