Entrepreneurs from the Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions participated in the Sustainable DNA launch

Led by El Puerto Cowork, SQM and Factor de Cambio Foundation

“For us, it is very important to be present at events highlighting the public-private alliance around entrepreneurship promotion, particularly when these events focus on an area as valuable as sustainability… The entrepreneurs are very happy. The climate is very positive, and we hope that will contribute to regional development,” said Jorge Julio, Tarapacá’s Regional Secretary of Economy, Development and Tourism.

The event featured workshops by Pamela Castro from Modulab and Humberto Salinas from Desafío Circular, who promoted concepts related to innovation and sustainability from a friendlier perspective. They invited reflection and discussion regarding the gaps, needs and challenges for economic development based on a circular economy. The schedule also included El Puerto Cowork dynamics, where entrepreneurs participated actively through fun activities and shared their experiences.

Alejandro Fernández, SQM’s Head of Production Development, commented: “At SQM, it is important to support this type of initiative. It is part of our Activa corporate production development program, which has three primary action areas: Entrepreneurship, Suppliers and Community.”

The SQM executive added, “We are very proud to launch Sustainable DNA. We have been working with El Puerto Cowork for years, developing entrepreneurship and innovation programs that support the finalists from previous initiatives as they create their business models and marketing strategies. The program ratifies our commitment to developing the innovation ecosystem in northern Chile.”

Testimonials

Rocío Bertin, Manager at NanoBio and one of the winners of the Sustainability Challenges program for the Tarapacá Region, is now a Sustainable DNA beneficiary. “I am pleased and grateful because launching an entrepreneurial venture really is difficult. One challenge was my first three-minute pitch experience. Being able to present my idea in such a short time was a learning experience.” She added, “The activities have been great; they are very useful. I hope that new entrepreneurs and eco-friendly companies will continue to join us. We all share the same ultimate focus: protecting the environment.”

Reyna Calle, co-founder of Innova Recicla and one of the winners of the Sustainability Challenges for the Antofagasta Region, is also a Sustainable DNA beneficiary. She remarked, “Training in this network of entrepreneurs has been a growth process as we see other options for improving our business. El Puerto Cowork, SQM and Fundación de Cambio have been super important. We feel that there is a great responsibility and commitment on their part. We appreciate it and hope this continues as far as we want to go.”

Rocío Araya, partner and co-founder of Innova Recicla, said, “I found the workshops very interesting. There are many new things, stories about entrepreneurs and how they come up with new product ideas, and the changes taking place. All that helps us greatly and, ultimately, is part of the experience.”

Héctor Anabalón, Director of El Puerto Cowork and Fundación Factor de Cambio, commented, “The day made a lot of sense to the entrepreneurs, who maintained very high spirits throughout. What comes next is to work together with the El Puerto Cowork team, through consulting and training, to meet the December 2023 goals. That means supporting and accompanying them as they achieve the expected results.”

The Sustainable DNA launch was also attended by several authorities and strategic partners, including the Regional Secretary of Government, Rodrigo Vargas; the CORFO Regional Director Catalina Cortés; SERCOTEC Regional Director Guillermo Vicentelo and representatives from the Tamarugal BC and the Alto Hospicio Production Promotion Office.