Start-Up Chile 🎁 Program
Corfo public accelerator with equity-free funds of CLP 15-75 million (up to about $100,000) for startups from anywhere.
| What you get | Up to $100k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Founders from any country; team leader over 18 (10%+ shareholding for Ignite and Growth); full-time commitment and presence in Chile as set out in each call. |
| Open in | Latin America, Worldwide |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | next call not yet announced (BIG 12 closed) |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About Start-Up Chile
What you get
Start-Up Chile is the public accelerator of Corfo, the Chilean government's development agency, and gives equity-free funding with its programmes. Build (four months, for projects from prototype to validated MVP) gives CLP 15 million (about $15,000 by the programme's own estimate). Ignite (four months, for startups with a functional product and early validation) gives CLP 25 million, with a possible CLP 20 million extension, and women-led startups can get up to 90% funding. Growth (eight months, for expansion-stage companies using Chile as a platform) gives CLP 75 million (about $100,000). You also get board sessions, training and access to investor and corporate networks.
Who qualifies
Founders from any country and industry. The team leader must be over 18; for Ignite and Growth the leader must hold at least 10% of the company. Ignite is for startups with less than three years of development. Each programme lists further requirements on full-time dedication, scalability and technology, and presence in Chile; read the terms and conditions, which become your contract with Corfo.
Good to know
Applications run in calls ("generations"), roughly two Build and two Ignite generations a year. The BIG 12 call has closed (59 startups from 10 countries were selected in July 2026 out of more than 1,296 applicants) and the next call is not yet announced: the site says "stay tuned" for Build and "applications opening soon" for Ignite and Growth.
Verdict
One of the best-known government accelerators for international founders, with real equity-free cash. Be ready to spend time in Chile and to apply as soon as the next call opens.
How to apply
- Pick the right track: Build (prototype to MVP), Ignite (functional product) or Growth (expansion stage).
- Download and read the terms and conditions for that track.
- Watch startupchile.org for the next call opening.
- Apply through the online application platform linked from the site during the call.
- If selected, sign the contract with Corfo and join the generation in Chile.
Who it is for
Steps Start-Up Chile helps with
Pros
- Equity-free money from CLP 15 to 75 million
- Open to founders from any country
- Extra support for women-led startups
Cons
- Closed between calls; next date not announced
- Requires being in Chile during the programme
Similar startup programs
All startup grants →NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) 🎁 ProgramFree
Up to $2 million of zero-equity seed funding from NSF for deep-tech startups, starting with a short Project Pitch.
America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) 🎁 ProgramFree
Equity-free US federal R&D awards from 11 agencies, from proof of concept (Phase I) to prototype (Phase II).
EIC Accelerator 🎁 ProgramFree
Grant of up to EUR 2.5 million (about $2.9 million) for deep-tech startups and SMEs, with optional EIC equity.
SR&ED Tax Incentive (Canada) 🎁 ProgramFree
Refundable 35% R&D tax credit for Canadian-controlled private corporations on up to C$6 million of R&D a year.
R&D Tax Incentive (Australia) 🎁 ProgramFree
Refundable R&D tax offset of your company tax rate plus 18.5% for Australian companies with turnover under A$20 million.
WBSO (Dutch R&D tax credit) 🎁 ProgramFree
Dutch payroll-tax credit of 36% (50% for starters) on R&D wage costs up to about EUR 391,000, then 16%.