Where the Future Begins

Wawa Labs

Every idea is a wawa—vulnerable, full of possibilities, deserving of care that only a committed community can provide. We help turn early ideas into real-world solutions.

Discover How We Help

The Wisdom of Wawa

There's a word in Kichwa that changes everything about how we see potential: wawa. It means 'baby,' but for the Andean peoples of Ecuador, it's so much more.

A wawa is the future taking shape, hope brought to life. Indigenous mothers carry their wawas close to their backs, keeping their future safe while they build the present.

Like those indigenous mothers, we help carry each idea close—sharing our experience, our perspective, our strength—until it's ready to walk on its own.

Because the difference between an idea that dies and one that transforms the world isn't talent. It's care.

Innovation from the edge, with roots on the ground

We work with people, not just data. We build early, fast, and together. We know when to pivot, grow, or let go.

How We Help Ideas Take Their First Steps

Research & Validation

Journey mapping to understand user experiences
Assumptions mapping to test what matters early
Co-creation with you, your users and communities

Design & Prototyping

UX/CX design with rapid prototyping
Product storytelling and visual design
Brand experience design

Strategy & Business Models

Business model design rooted in real-world value
Organizational culture development
Strategic planning and execution

Success Stories

Nostalgia Drinks

A local beverage venture came to Wawa Labs with a bold but simple question: "Can we take a centuries-old Ecuadorian drink and make people feel something new?"

They weren't just looking for a label or a formula — they were looking to evoke nostalgia, spark curiosity, and connect with Ecuadorians abroad and young consumers at home.

We helped them create an entire experience — not just a drink, but a feeling. The result? A product designed to awaken pride, conversation, and emotion, while staying rooted in Ecuadorian tradition.

WawaLabs helped us turn a drink into a story — one that people want to share.

Hola Speech Therapy

Hola Terapia had earned its place as the most trusted speech therapy center in town. But there was one growing problem: Parents were missing too many sessions.

We partnered with Hola to design a simple yet powerful mobile app that would remind and motivate parents, keep families engaged, and create positive habits that support their children's progress.

The result: Shorter treatment times, increased income and efficiency, and fewer idle hours for therapists. We helped turn discipline into progress — and no-shows into success stories.

Wawa Academy

The training branch of Wawa Labs. We provide the mindset, tools, and knowledge needed to become more innovative.

Just-in-Time Training

Focused learning for what your team needs right now

Accelerated Programs

Bootcamps on Innovation, UX/CX, Design Thinking, and more

Hands-On Learning

Skip theory overload and go straight to building and testing

Real Challenges

Work on actual problems, not fake case studies