Tecla Academy: The EdTech Startup That Took Off After IFE Launch
Tecla Academy made a key pivot after IFE Launch 2024: it now develops AI math tutors and is expanding its educational impact in Mexico, Colombia and Peru.
Tecla Academy was founded in 2021 with a clear mission: to democratize access to technology education in Latin America. Its goal is to train people who have historically been excluded from the digital education and labor systems, equipping them with skills in programming, design and other digital competencies. Through an accessible, employment-focused approach, Tecla has supported thousands of students—especially women, young people and underrepresented communities—as they pursue new opportunities in tech.
Its focus is not just on teaching, but on opening real doors to the digital economy. And the results speak for themselves: hundreds of graduates have landed remote jobs at startups and international companies, building a growing network of Latin American talent with global impact.
But everything changed in 2024, after it was selected for IFE Launch.
“IFE Launch was a huge validation. It showed us that what we were doing had value and that we could go much further,” recalls Lucila Cole, Tecla’s co-founder.
IFE Launch: the turning point for Tecla Academy
For Tecla Academy, every part of the process was key. The immersion in Silicon Valley allowed the team to see the future of education from a different perspective.
“San Francisco was a reality check. It opened our eyes and showed us where the tech world is headed. That’s what led us to develop AI math tutors,” says Lucila.
In addition, taking part in the IFE Conference 2025, as part of the EdTech Summit, raised the company’s profile among educational institutions and industry experts, expanding its network of partners to scale its solution.
IFE Launch is more than an accelerator program. It’s a transformative experience. The program offers high-level support and benefits such as:
- Immersion with experts from Silicon Valley
- 3 months of acceleration in Monterrey
- International exposure at the IFE Conference and the IFE EdTech Summit
- Access to the USC EdTech Accelerator
What’s next for Tecla Academy
After participating in IFE Launch, Tecla Academy entered a new phase: developing AI math tutors, designed to complement teachers’ work and strengthen learning among elementary school students.
The team is currently working on pilots with schools in Mexico while expanding its presence in Colombia and Peru, betting on partnerships with governments and organizations to scale its impact regionally.
Be part of IFE Launch 2025
Tecla’s story proves that it’s not just about having a good idea, but about being in the right place to grow it.
IFE Launch 2025 is more than an opportunity—it’s a real springboard to grow, connect and make a difference. If you lead an impact-driven EdTech startup, applications are now open.
