National Challenge for Innovation with Social Impact

Week 1

July 21–28, 2026 – Innovation Challenge

This week marked the official start of the challenge. The launch took place on July 21 with 46 students participating across confirmed and pending groups, including two additional groups added by Da Vinci. On July 28, General Session 1, “Shaping Innovation,” was held, facilitated by David Fernández (TDM International) along with Cristina and Eliza, innovation consultants for the regional in-person sessions.

Xavier and Amarilis, from the Fundación Bi team, presented the official challenge and the context of Community Savings and Credit Groups in Guatemala.

The focus of this first stage, based on the methodology of the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI), is to understand the challenge before attempting to solve it: “Define – Solve.” The teams do not yet choose a solution; instead, they build the strategic framework that will guide all their subsequent research.

Learning

The initial challenge was confirmed: How can a scalable model be developed that promotes financial inclusion and education for women in Guatemala and helps reduce gaps in access to financial resources, strengthen their capabilities, and expand opportunities for savings, financing, and entrepreneurship?

The framework for innovation is built on three elements: Reason for Change (Why innovate?), Impact Gap (What change are we seeking?), and Investment Profile (Under what conditions?). These elements do not solve the challenge; rather, they establish a shared starting point.

The Autoahorro groups were created by Oxfam in 2005; currently, only 64% of Guatemalans have access to financial products, and within that percentage, women are in the minority—hence the challenge’s specific focus.