In this new generation of Corfo's public accelerator, technology-based projects with innovative solutions for the Education, Financial Services and Health industries predominate.
March 2024 – A new generation of entrepreneurs officially began their participation in Start-Up Chile, Corfo's public accelerator. This group, known as BIG 7, comprises 58 national and international startups that will receive support, networking opportunities, and co-financing through the Build, Ignite, and Growth programs.
Among the selected startups, technology-based projects with innovative solutions for the Education, Financial Services, and Healthcare industries predominate. Also noteworthy are 15 startups led by women (26% of the total selected projects), which will receive a higher percentage of co-financing and exclusive networking opportunities. This aligns with Start-Up Chile's Female Founder Factor initiative, which includes special benefits for female entrepreneurs to strengthen their participation in the ecosystem.
Winners of Valparaíso
It is worth noting that five startups were selected in the Valparaíso region. These are: Greentest.ai, an AI-enhanced software testing platform; Doctor 911, a platform that defines itself as a leader in preventive health in Chile, where users can purchase medical exam orders; eClariti, a company that uses the Alepa algorithm to facilitate the management and organization of various critical operational variables; Discovery, a company dedicated to AI-based digital solutions for the well-being of operators and process KPIs; and Remote Waters, a company that designs, integrates, installs, and maintains rapidly deployable water purification systems for communities with limited access to drinking water.
Etienne Choupay, regional director of Corfo Valparaíso, praised the quality of the regional companies that won the Start-Up competitions. “They submitted attractive, diverse products with great growth potential. We have a platform that brings preventative healthcare closer to people, and another that allows water to be purified anywhere in the region, an initiative that improves the quality of life for our residents. Our region has top-tier entrepreneurs and innovators whom we must continue to support to strengthen their growth and the productive development of our territory.”
Some of these projects are part of the Sustainable Productive Development (DPS) program led by the Ministry of Economy and financed with resources from Corfo, which seeks to promote productive development in the country that is sustainable in social and environmental terms, through the incorporation of greater knowledge and technology into productive activities.
“Today marks the beginning of a very exciting process, not only for the entrepreneurs who will experience an intense acceleration period, but also for everyone at Start-Up Chile, who will witness the development of innovative projects selected from over 900 applications. This year, as Corfo celebrates its 85th anniversary, we have a new generation of ventures to continue contributing to generating a positive impact on people and the socioeconomic growth of our country through productive diversification, which is what we strive for most as a public accelerator,” commented Carmen Contreras, CEO of Start-Up Chile.
Regarding the nationality of the Big 7 generation, 36% are foreign entrepreneurial teams, specifically from the United States, Spain, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Nigeria, and Ghana. As for Chilean startups, six are from regions other than the Metropolitan Region, including Antofagasta, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and La Araucanía.
The new portfolio also includes startups that have already participated in Start-Up Chile. For example, Adara, Lank, Búho, Reite, and Savia were part of previous cohorts and are now beginning a new acceleration process at a more advanced stage.
While Generation 7 enters the program, Start-Up Chile is preparing the next call for BIG 8, whose applications will open during the month of April.
The complete list of the current generation of the Corfo accelerator is available at www.startupchile.org.