Desafío Avante, an initiative of the Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile) and Know Hub, promotes dual innovation, that is, the capacity to collaboratively develop solutions for both the defense and civilian worlds. Applications are open until March 13.
The Chilean Navy and Know Hub Chile have launched a new edition of Desafío Avante, an open innovation program that invites startups and science-based ventures to develop high-impact solutions for shipbuilding.
The initiative seeks to boost dual innovation, integrating developments applicable to both the defense and civilian sectors.
An opportunity for tech startups
Selected startups will receive funding of up to CLP 35 million, specialized mentoring and the opportunity to validate their solutions at the shipyards of Asmar, Chile’s most important shipbuilding center. They will also gain access to strategic industry networks and the opportunity to carry out a soft landing in the United States or Colombia, depending on their scale-up needs.
“Desafío Avante 04 is a unique opportunity for startups with emerging technologies to test their solutions in a real environment, backed by the Chilean Navy and the naval industry. We want to foster public-private collaboration and support the development of technologies with global impact,” says Francisca Lema, head of Planning at CITA.
Key innovation areas Interested startups can submit solutions in three major challenge areas: Sustainable Shipbuilding: innovations that reduce environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency of vessels. Automation and Optimization: development of automated systems to improve vessel assembly and maintenance. Advanced Manufacturing: new lightweight, strong and durable materials for shipbuilding.
Dual innovation and growth in the naval sector Desafío Avante has been key to consolidating dual innovation in Chile since its first edition in 2019. Over the years, it has driven initiatives such as Fortis (Lockheed Martin exoskeletons) and Proa I+D, strengthening collaboration between startups, universities and research centers.
Héctor Cifuentes, innovation coordinator at Know Hub Chile, notes that “this program is a great opportunity for startups with science- and technology-based developments, allowing them to validate and scale solutions that can transform the Chilean naval industry and reach the international stage.”
The application deadline is March 13, 2025. Interested startups can find more information at https://desafioavante.cl.
Read the original article at https://www.24horas.cl/te-sirve/desafio-avante-financiamiento-de-hasta-35-millones-se-extiende-el-plazo-para-postular
