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What we do

Know Hub Ignition

Know Hub Ignition is an acceleration program for science- and technology-based startups (EBCTs), created by Know Hub Chile in 2019.

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Final pitch day of Ignition 2023.

What it involves

Its goal is to help researchers and entrepreneurial teams turn research results and technologies developed at universities and R&D centers into science- and technology-based startups with market potential. Considered one of the first programs in Chile to systematically support the creation and growth of EBCTs, Know Hub Ignition provides specialized training and support in technology transfer, intellectual property, commercial validation, business development and market connections.

  • Who it's for

    Researchers and entrepreneurial teams with research results and technologies developed at universities and R&D centers.

  • What it offers

    Specialized training and support in technology transfer, intellectual property, commercial validation, business development and market connections.

  • Goal

    Turning research results into science- and technology-based startups with market potential.

By the numbers

editions
6
applications, approximately
300
innovations in the portfolio
115

Photio: inspired by nature to clean up the world

Photio won Ignition in 2020 and today works with clients such as Constructora PAZ, Echeverría Izquierdo and Banco de Chile.

Track record

  1. 2026: Know Hub Ignition 06

    The sixth edition of Know Hub Ignition offered eight weeks of specialized training and expert support for science- and technology-based startups, focused on the commercial validation of their technologies, intellectual property strategy and the development of a sustainable business model.

    The Know Hub Ignition 06 teams at the awards event. A Know Hub Ignition 06 winner receives her award. Another Know Hub Ignition 06 winner with her award.
    participating teams
    8

    Winners

    • Altavitae
    • ChemiBosk
    • Minibiota

    Taking part in the program was a challenge that helped me sharpen our goals, consolidate what we needed to do and keep growing. I definitely recommend it.

    María Fernanda Albornoz ChemiBosk, winning team of Ignition 06

  2. 2025: Know Hub Ignition 05

    The fifth edition of Know Hub Ignition focused on strengthening the capabilities of science- and technology-based startups through training and specialized mentoring, addressing market validation, the protection of their technological developments and the preparation of strategies to bring their innovations into the productive sector.

    The Know Hub Ignition 05 winners with their awards. Participants and guests at Know Hub Ignition 05. A presentation at the Know Hub Ignition 05 final event.
    participating teams
    9

    Winners

    It's a very enriching experience, both professionally and for our team and startup. We learned a lot about building interview strategies and also about building and refining our startup's business model.

    José Duguet CTO of Luyef Biotechnologies

  3. 2024: Know Hub Ignition 04

    The fourth edition of Know Hub Ignition called on teams from across Latin America, in collaboration with Tec de Monterrey, Chile's National Research and Development Agency (ANID) and Lockheed Martin. The program covered science- and technology-based startups and dual-use innovation, with training and mentoring to strengthen value propositions, customer identification and growth strategies.

    Know Hub Ignition 04 teams. Guests at the Know Hub Ignition 04 final event. A team receives its award at the Know Hub Ignition 04 final event.
    teams from across Latin America
    147

    Winners

    • Soquimat
    • Umov
    • Life Nanotechnologies

    In my experience, the I-Corps methodology was extremely enriching, especially for getting closer to potential customers. As finalists and part of the Know Hub portfolio, we fully recommend working with them.

    Patricia Barros CEO of Soquimat SpA

  4. 2023: Know Hub Ignition 03

    The third edition, run with the University of California, Riverside and in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and CircularTec, focused on strengthening the value propositions and customer identification of science- and technology-based startups.

    The call included an open category and another focused on cybersecurity, circular economy in agribusiness and climate change.

    Participants and guests at Know Hub Ignition 03. Guests at the Know Hub Ignition 03 final event. A presentation at the Know Hub Ignition 03 final event.
    applications from across Latin America
    100+
    participating teams
    10
    winners
    3

    Winners

    • Drop It
    • Beloop
    • Bioproc

    Know Hub Ignition has the level of rigor needed to scale and unlock Bioproc's sales, and to build a national and international reach that expands our goals and long-term roadmap. Combined with the work of the mentors and executives who strengthen us, it is a way to raise the limits and goals we set for ourselves.

    Gabriela Villouta CEO and co-founder of Bioproc

  5. 2020: Know Hub Ignition 02

    The second edition of Know Hub Ignition ran online during the pandemic and supported 16 science- and technology-based startups through 15 weeks of training based on the I-Corps methodology.

    The program took a gender perspective, with 38% of teams led by women, and its teams held more than 300 interviews with potential customers from 13 countries.

    The Elementum team, one of the 2020 winners, with their technology. Products from Photio, one of the 2020 winners. The MOV headband, from one of the 2020 winners, which helps blind people get around.
    applications
    66
    participating teams
    16
    interviews with potential customers from 13 countries
    300+

    Winners

    Ignition was key to maturing our idea and fully understanding its potential. It's the best program for a science- and technology-based startup.

    Matías Moya CEO and co-founder of Photio, Ignition 02 finalist

  6. 2019: Know Hub Ignition 01

    The first edition was a pioneering milestone in Chile, designed to turn university research into viable technology companies (EBCTs) with global reach. The program was developed in strategic collaboration with the University of California, Riverside.

    Teams from the first edition of Know Hub Ignition with their certificates. The audience at a Know Hub Ignition 01 event.
    applications from across Chile
    53
    participating teams
    11

    Winners

    • PriMe Tech Universidad de Chile
    • Dacetix BM iTek, Universidad de Concepción
    • Podasana Universidad Católica de Temuco
    • Fitokill Universidad Católica de Temuco

    This program pushed us out of the lab, and I finished consolidating the team.

    Luis Aguilar Founder of BMiTek, creator of Dacetix

Other programs

Let's connect your challenge with scientific capabilities.

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Contact us

Or write to us at contacto@knowhub.cl

Funded by:

Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación y ANID, Gobierno de Chile