SANTIAGO — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Fundación Chile have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote entrepreneurship, digital talent development, education, and water security in Chile.
As part of this new agreement, IDB Lab, the IDB's innovation and venture capital arm, and Fundación Chile also committed to strengthening startupLab.01 (formerly, the Startup Campus initiative), as the first hub in Chile to integrate laboratory spaces, support programs for dynamic entrepreneurship and initiatives that accelerate the growth of startups with a socio-environmental impact.
This framework aims to boost economic growth by enhancing productivity through improved logistics, technology adoption, business management, and expanded access to financing for innovation and R&D. It also creates new opportunities to strengthen innovation, education, and sustainable water management in Chile. The agreement includes technical workshops for entrepreneurship programs, sessions on international collaboration for technological transformation, and a public-private alliance to scale successful educational practices. Additionally, workshops on international best practices will address challenges in digital talent development.
In the area of water security, the agreement promotes the dissemination of studies to offer insights into sustainable water management and provides advisory services to support water resource management reforms, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency.
One of the first tangible outcomes of this collaboration is the support for developing startupLab.01, (formerly, the Startup Campus initiative), a hub designed to accelerate the growth of science- and technology-based companies. With $1.3 million from IDB Lab, which complements the contribution of the Chilean Production Development Corporation (CORFO) and Fundación Chile, this initiative will provide access to collaborative workspaces and cutting-edge shared infrastructure. It will support programs for dynamic entrepreneurship and initiatives that accelerate the growth of startups, such as biological science laboratories, electronics labs, and prototyping facilities.
The new hub will integrate public and private entrepreneurship programs into a flexible, multi-path support framework, streamlining scaling and growth strategies. Additionally, it will offer specialized scientific and technological advisory services, networking opportunities, ecosystem events, international speakers, and access to corporate open innovation programs.
This initiative will enable the IDB to strengthen synergies with Fundación Chile in key areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, talent development, sustainability, and water security. Through this collaboration, we will promote innovation-driven solutions to drive Chile’s economic growth and productivity.
“I'm pleased that today we can already see one of the first outcomes of this partnership with the signing of a technical cooperation agreement between the IDB and Fundación Chile. By fostering technological transfer, enhancing the quality of public education, and promoting public-private collaboration, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and innovative future. This partnership will not only equip communities in Chile with the digital skills they need but also contribute to the vital goal of water security, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable environment for generations to come,” said Ana María Ibáñez, the IDB's vice president for sectors and knowledge.
"Through our collaboration with the IDB under this agreement, we aim to generate a positive impact in Chile and other countries in the region. Throughout Fundación Chile’s nearly 50-year history, we have worked alongside the IDB and IDB Lab on key initiatives in human capital development, clean energy, technological solutions for mining, entrepreneurship, innovation, and water resource management, among others. This agreement reflects our shared vision and the commitment of both institutions to sustainable development and creating impact across the region”, stated Pablo Zamora, Fundación Chile Executive President.
The agreement was signed during the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the IDB and IDB Invest in Santiago, Chile.
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
About IDB Lab
IDB Lab is the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank. We discover new ways to drive social inclusion, environmental action and productivity in Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB Lab leverages financing, knowledge and connections to support early-stage entrepreneurship, foster new technologies, activate innovative markets and catalyze existing sectors. www.idblab.org
About Fundación Chile
Fundación Chile is a public-private partnership dedicated to driving Chile’s transformation toward sustainable development. For nearly 50 years, it has addressed critical challenges by envisioning and implementing high-impact, long-term solutions. Currently, its work focuses on three key challenges: tackling climate change, promoting inclusive human development, and fostering fair and sustainable economic growth. https://fch.cl/
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