The development of desalination in Chile is not only expanding the country's capacity to produce water from the sea. It is also generating new technological needs related to process efficiency, infrastructure monitoring, data use, resource recovery, and waste and materials management.
That was the area that the 2026 Open Innovation Call for Proposals "Water Security and Efficiency" , promoted by theChilean Desalination and Reuse Association, Acades, along withClimatech Chile.This brought together client companies and developers of technological solutions in a process aimed at connecting specific industry problems with capabilities available in the innovation ecosystem.
The initiative received 36 applications, of which 14 companies were selected to participate in the Demo Day recently held.
The proposals were presented to executives from BHP, Sacyr, Aguas CAP, Econssa, Aguas Pacífico and Oneka Technologies , companies that had previously raised the challenges they sought to address.
Unlike a traditional Demo Day, the process wasn't designed to choose a single winner. The idea was that each client could explore different options, evaluate their suitability, and potentially move forward with one or more of them.
The chosen ones
The selection phase has now concluded and allowed us to identify the solutions that will continue to move forward with each company:
In Challenge 1 , related to the monitoring and detection of losses, failures or operational anomalies, Zensi was selected by Sacyr , and SPF Ingeniería by BHP and Aguas CAP .
In Challenge 2 , focused on prediction and optimization of water processes, Ainwater was chosen by BHP .
Challenge 3 , brine valorization and resource recovery, selected Kendel, by Aguas Pacífico . The company had submitted a proposal focused on recovering valuable elements, with a particular emphasis on magnesium.
In Challenge 4 , on membrane reuse and material valorization, Remote Waters was chosen by Econssa , and Eureka Agri Foods Hub by BHP and Oneka Technologies .
The fact that both SPF Ingeniería and Eureka Agri Foods Hubfuesen were selected by two client companies also shows how the same technology can find applications in different industry contexts.
Acades and Climatech Chile emphasized, however, that the process does not necessarily close the door on other participating firms; the clients maintain the records of all applicants, so new approaches could be made if they identify opportunities for collaboration with any of the solutions they learned about during the process.
Participating startups and their technologies
Beyond the selected solutions, the 14 startups that participated in the process demonstrate the diversity of capabilities that currently exists in the water-related technology ecosystem:
Monitoring and early detection
Zensi develops smart metering solutions using IoT sensors and data analytics platforms to monitor water, gas, and electricity networks, facilitating the detection of losses and anomalies.
BLASS. A technology company specializing in solutions based on the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize infrastructure and process management.
HRA Ingenieros. Specializing in hydraulic engineering and water resource management, developing solutions for the analysis, monitoring and optimization of water systems.
SPF Engineering. Develops advanced monitoring and analytics solutions for industrial processes, incorporating artificial intelligence tools and data analysis to support operational management.
Prediction and optimization
Calmly Data. Focusing on solutions based on artificial intelligence and data science to optimize processes and support decision-making through advanced analytics.
X-Analytics. Develops advanced analytics tools aimed at transforming operational data into information to improve the performance and efficiency of industrial processes.
AInwater uses artificial intelligence to monitor, analyze, and optimize processes related to water management and treatment.
Danfoss. A global company specializing in automation, control, and energy efficiency technologies for industrial applications.
Valorization of brines
K-UTEC. Its focus is on technologies for mineral processing and the recovery of valuable compounds present in brines and other industrial streams.
Kendel develops technologies aimed at the recovery and valorization of elements present in industrial liquid streams, including solutions for recovering resources from brines.
CISES. A science and technology-based initiative focused on developing solutions for resource utilization and the valorization of waste streams under a circular economy approach.
Reuse and recovery of waste
Remote Waters. Develops technological solutions aimed at improving the efficiency of water management and treatment processes.
Bluera. A company focused on the management and valorization of industrial waste through circular economy solutions and alternatives for the use of materials.
Eureka Agri Foods Hub. Innovation hub focused on the development and articulation of circular economy solutions and resource utilization.
The outcome of this call for proposals sends a message that extends beyond the eight selected solutions. The expansion of desalination and water reuse is creating a growing demand for technologies capable of making its processes more efficient and addressing the impacts and challenges associated with its operation.