The acceleration program, which in its fourth edition has the collaboration of Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey, is accepting applications from May 29 to July 16.
On Wednesday, Know Hub Chile opened the call for applications for the fourth edition of Know Hub Ignition, an acceleration program for science and technology startups. This year, the initiative has the collaboration of Mexico’s Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey) and the support of Chile’s National Research and Development Agency (ANID), with Lockheed Martin taking part as partner company.
The competition is designed to advance technological solutions developed by science-based startups (EBCTs), using the I-Corps methodology and benefiting from the input of partner companies. The program will offer a platform for innovators across Latin America to develop and accelerate their projects.
A Latin American call
This year, Know Hub Ignition will award a total of USD 140,000 among the winning teams, organized into two main categories. The first category covers all areas of science and technology, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, software, synthetic biology, sensors and space technologies, among others. The second category will focus on dual innovation, where science and technology become products and services applicable to both defense and the civilian world.
The call is aimed at multidisciplinary teams of entrepreneurs, researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs and other professionals linked to research and development institutions in countries across the region. Each team must have at least two members, and their ability to combine technical and business skills relevant to the challenges of entrepreneurship will be valued.
In addition to the cash prizes, the three winning teams will have the opportunity to take part in an immersion phase in an ecosystem suited to their target market, business model and technology readiness level. Possible destinations include Mexico, Spain, France and the United States, among others, and will be determined during the program.
Those interested in Know Hub Ignition 04 can apply until July 16 through this link.
Strengthening EBCTs
The initiative seeks to strengthen the capabilities of science-based startups (EBCTs) with the support of mentors from Chile and Mexico, focusing on the value proposition and customer segment to accelerate their early and global growth.
Javier Ramírez, executive director of Know Hub Chile, highlighted the importance of the program, saying: “Across its different editions, Know Hub Ignition has proven to be an effective tool for turning science into innovation. In this new edition, in addition to Chile, we will use that knowledge, experience and network to expand our search to Colombia and Mexico.”
Silvia Mora, associate director of Outreach, Market Strategy and Fund Management at Tec de Monterrey, said that joining the Know Hub Ignition 04 program is a great opportunity. “With this training and through our mentors, we will be able to identify and guide Latin American entrepreneurial talent so they can create their EBCTs and connect with the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mexico and our EBCTec-Bridge softlanding program,” Mora said.
Read the full story at:
https://www.emol.com/noticias/Economia/2024/05/29/1132166/concurso-know-hub-chile.html
