A New Wave of Innovation in Santiago
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the heart of Santiago became the epicenter for regional innovation as 70 startups kicked off their participation in the latest acceleration cycle at Start-Up Chile. The cohort, known as 'BIG 11'—referencing the program’s three pillars: Build, Ignite, and Growth—brings together entrepreneurs from across Latin America, Spain, and Germany. While 74% of the selected ventures are Chilean, the remaining 26% represent a diverse group of international founders who have relocated to the country to pilot their solutions and scale their operations.
Comprehensive Support for Scaling
Over the coming months, these startups will benefit from a robust support ecosystem. Depending on their specific program track, participants are eligible for equity-free co-financing ranging from $15 million to $75 million CLP. Beyond capital, the program provides essential resources, including dedicated coworking spaces, expert mentorship, and direct access to corporate partners and venture capital investors. For international founders, the accelerator facilitates a two-year work visa, ensuring they can focus entirely on developing their business models within the Chilean market.
Javiera Araneda, Executive Director of Start-Up Chile, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. "We are beginning an intensive, dynamic process. Our goal is not only to provide the necessary tools for business growth but also to foster an environment where peers can exchange valuable ideas and experiences," Araneda stated.
Industry Trends and Tech Focus
This year’s selection process was highly competitive, drawing a record-breaking 1,337 applications. Among the chosen ventures, Agriculture and Natural Resources—with a notable emphasis on mining—and IT solutions emerged as the leading sectors, each representing 13% of the cohort. Other sectors represented include Fintech, Edtech, and Retail.
Technologically, Artificial Intelligence stands out as the primary engine behind most of these ventures, followed by Cloud Computing and Big Data. These choices reflect a global shift toward data-driven decision-making and automated efficiency in business operations.
Commitment to Diversity
Start-Up Chile continues to prioritize gender equity in the technology sector. Women represent 21.4% of the current cohort, and these founders will receive specialized support through the 'Female Founder Factor' initiative. This program offers tailored networking opportunities and differentiated co-financing for ventures in advanced stages, aiming to bridge the persistent gender gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As these 70 startups embark on their four-month acceleration journey, the focus remains on transforming early-stage ideas into market-ready, scalable businesses. With a blend of local talent and international vision, the BIG 11 cohort is poised to make a significant impact on the regional economic landscape.
