In a new chapter that reaffirms the potential of cross-sector collaboration in Chile, the fourth edition of Desafío Avante, driven by Know Hub Chile and the Chilean Navy’s Technological Innovation Center (CITA), came to a successful close as part of the second Dual Hub Summit. The closing ceremony, held at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of Universidad de Chile, highlighted ten months of work in which science, entrepreneurship and defense came together to address strategic challenges, consolidating Avante as a benchmark for dual innovation in the country.
The event brought together key players in the national ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, representatives of the Armed Forces, universities, research centers, and public and private entities. Three finalist teams, Mine Analytics, Centro de Innovación Moderniza and Bosses, were recognized for the impact and potential of their technology solutions, designed to meet naval needs but with clear applications in civilian sectors such as health, mining, food systems and logistics.
An open innovation model with tangible impact
Since its launch in 2020, Desafío Avante has evolved from a pilot initiative into a robust ecosystem that brings together science, technology and defense. In its fourth edition, the program focused on “Shipbuilding“, a strategic sector for Chile that not only strengthens the Navy’s operational capacity but also opens up opportunities for the country’s scientific and productive development.
“Avante is not just an open innovation program; it is a space where capabilities converge to tackle real challenges with concrete solutions,” said Taky Parvex, senior innovation manager at Know Hub Chile, during the ceremony. “The value of this program lies in its ability to connect diverse players and generate solutions that go beyond the military sphere, impacting other industries,” he added.
For her part, Lieutenant Francisca Lema of CITA highlighted the dual nature of the solutions developed: “Most of the projects have shown potential that goes beyond the naval sphere, generating benefits in sectors such as health, mining and logistics, which strengthens the competitiveness of our industries.”
Innovative solutions with dual potential
The three finalist teams presented proposals that combine technological innovation with practical applications. Mine Analytics developed software that optimizes project planning and management in shipyards, integrating data from various operating units to improve coordination and productivity. Centro de Innovación Moderniza, meanwhile, proposed advanced tools to control costs and timelines in naval projects, addressing one of the sector’s main challenges. Finally, Bosses presented a hybrid propulsion system for small vessels that can cut fuel consumption by up to 30%, resulting in lower operating costs and a smaller environmental impact.
These solutions, selected after a demanding validation process, now move on to a maturation and piloting stage, with support from CITA, Know Hub Chile and the Avante Collaborator Network, which includes institutions such as ASMAR, DTS, Open Beauchef, Universidad Austral de Chile, Centro Científico Tecnológico de Valparaíso (CCTVal), Centro de Innovación y Diseño Avanzado (CINNDA) and the Asociación Nacional de Armadores (ANA).
Recognition and international reach
During the ceremony, special recognition was given to Sonia Wolff, Associate Science Director at the Office of Naval Research Global (ONR-G), for her steady support since the program’s early days. The collaboration with ONR-G has been key to positioning Avante as a dual innovation model recognized both in Chile and abroad. “Bringing civilian and military players together drives the development of technologies that strengthen the country’s technological autonomy,” said Lieutenant Lema.
This edition had a strong territorial component, with activities held in Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, Concepción, Talcahuano and Santiago. The participation of self-funded teams also stood out, reflecting the high value entrepreneurs place on the program. “Early interaction with users and expert support have been essential for the solutions to address real problems based on evidence,” Parvex emphasized.
A promising future for dual innovation
With this fourth edition, Avante consolidates an open innovation model that not only meets specific defense needs but also drives Chile’s productive diversification and technological sophistication. “We hope this model will be replicated to tackle other major challenges and contribute to the country’s scientific and productive development,” Parvex concluded, anticipating an even greater impact in the coming years.
In a context where cross-sector collaboration is key to competitiveness, Avante is positioned as a strategic instrument for strengthening national technological autonomy and promoting a culture of innovation that transcends borders and disciplines. With a long-term vision, the program will keep connecting capabilities and generating solutions that position Chile as a benchmark in dual innovation. (Luis Andrés Lautaro)
Read the original article at https://www.defensa.com/chile/armada-chile-know-hub-coronan-mine-analytics-moderniza-bosses-04
