Starting a business is exciting, but it’s even better when you have support behind you. In Chile, the government plays a big role in helping entrepreneurs and startups succeed. Regardless of whether you’re launching a tech product, building a research-driven business, or expanding your company abroad, there’s likely a grant that can help you take the next step. Even better, many of these business grants are free.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the top government grants available in Chile for 2025, what they offer, who can apply, and how they can help turn your business idea into reality.
ANID Research Grants
If you’re running a startup that focuses on research and development, ANID (Chilean National Agency for Research and Development), formerly CONICYT (National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research), offers some of the most valuable funding opportunities in Chile.
These grants are designed to support scientific research across various fields, including technology, health, environment, and social sciences. Whether you're just starting out or already operating with a research focus, ANID funding can help you grow and innovate.
What You Get:
- Funding for scientific research and development projects
- Support for international collaborations and academic partnerships
- Coverage for research equipment, operational costs, and project execution
Who Can Apply:
- Entrepreneurs or businesses engaged in scientific or tech-driven research
- Research teams affiliated with universities or research centers
- Foreign entrepreneurs or organizations with a presence or partnerships in Chile
How to Apply:
- Visit the ANID official website
- Look under the areas of research and find which one is suitable for you, and look for active funding programs
- Review eligibility requirements and submit your application online with supporting documents
Why It Matters:
This grant is ideal for startups working on cutting-edge innovation, especially if you’re aiming to bring research from the lab into real-world solutions. It also opens doors to collaborate with leading institutions in Chile and beyond.
Female Founder Factor (FFF) – Start-Up Chile
Female entrepreneurs in Chile now have a dedicated launchpad thanks to Female Founder Factor (FFF), a special initiative under the well-known Start-Up Chile program.
FFF is designed to support early-stage startups led by women. It not only provides financial support but also offers business training and access to a strong global network of mentors and investors.
What You Get:
- 15 million Chilean pesos (approx. 15K USD) in equity-free funding
- A 4-month acceleration program based in Santiago
- Mentoring, pitch opportunities, and workspace access
- Global visibility and entrance into Start-Up Chile’s alumni network
Who Can Apply:
- Startups with at least one female founder in a leadership position
- Early-stage ventures from any sector
- Both Chilean and international founders are welcome to apply
How to Apply:
- Visit www.startupchile.org and look for the FFF program
- Submit your application online during an open call
- You'll need to pitch your startup idea, share your business model, and highlight your team’s strengths
Why It Matters:
The FFF is a push toward closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship. If you're a woman ready to take your business to the next level, this is one of the most powerful platforms in Latin America to get started.
Early Stage Tech Fund – CORFO
If you’re building a tech startup in Chile, the Early Stage Tech Fund by CORFO could give you the financial fuel you need to scale.
This fund focuses on high-potential tech companies that are just starting out. Its goal is to help founders develop products, validate their business models, and reach early customers, making it a great stepping stone for future growth.
What You Get:
- Support for product development, go-to-market plans, and team building
- Access to Chile’s startup support ecosystem
- Opportunities to connect with investors and innovation hubs
Who Can Apply:
- Early-stage tech startups operating or planning to operate in Chile
- Companies with annual sales below USD 200,000
- Companies no older than 36 months
How to Apply:
- Visit Early Stage Tech Fund by CORFO and check the calendar for the next application call
- Prepare a detailed pitch and business plan
- Applicants are evaluated based on innovation potential, market opportunity, and team capability
Why It Stands Out:
CORFO’s Early Stage Tech Fund is one of Chile’s most tech-forward funding programs. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs looking to launch, test, and grow a scalable technology-based business with solid support.
High Tech Program – CORFO
If you're aiming to bring deep-tech or science-driven innovations to market, CORFO’s High Tech Program is one of the most ambitious support schemes available in Chile.
This program focuses on advanced technology ventures, especially those in biotech, artificial intelligence, aerospace, renewable energy, and similar high-impact fields. It's designed to help startups move from research and prototyping into commercialization.
What You Get:
- Non-reimbursable funding covering up to 60% of the project cost
- Access to expert mentoring, industry partners, and lab infrastructure
- Business training tailored to high-tech commercialization
- Connections with global innovation networks
Who Can Apply:
- Chilean or foreign-led startups with a strong tech-based project.
- Projects must have a scientific or technological foundation.
- Teams that can demonstrate technical feasibility and market potential.
How to Apply:
- Visit the High Tech Program website and search for the High Tech Program call.
- Submit a technical project plan, including your innovation’s scalability and societal impact.
- Prepare for a rigorous evaluation based on technology readiness and commercial viability.
Why It Stands Out:
The High Tech Program is perfect for founders who are pushing boundaries in science and technology. This is the perfect program for you if you’re all about building bridges between labs, markets, and global tech networks.
Consolidation and Commercial Expansion Program – CORFO
If your startup already has a working product and some traction, CORFO’s Consolidation and Commercial Expansion Program can help you grow even faster.
This grant is built for businesses that are ready to scale operations, enter new markets, or boost revenue. Whether you want to expand across Chile or reach international customers, this program offers funding and strategic support to make that happen.
What You Get:
- USD 125,000 nonrefundable grant
- Funds up to 50% of the total project cost (based on company size)
- Supports scaling up tech innovations, including market entry and commercialization activities
Who Can Apply:
- Chilean or foreign-led companies that are legally established in Chile.
- Businesses that already have product-market fit or steady early sales.
- Companies with a clear plan for scaling or expanding into new territories and countries.
How to Apply:
- Visit the CORFO’s website and search for the Commercial Expansion Program call.
- Submit a business expansion proposal, including a growth strategy and financial projection.
- Be ready to show traction, like sales numbers or customer acquisition data.
Why It Stands Out:
This program is ideal for startups that are past the early stage and now need a strategic push to reach bigger markets. It’s all about helping promising companies take that next big leap—locally and globally.
Final Thoughts
Chile offers a wide range of government grants and programs designed to support startups, researchers, and growing businesses. Whether you’re just starting or planning to expand globally, there’s likely a grant that fits your goals.
From research and tech innovation to female-led ventures and market expansion, these programs can provide not just funding but also mentorship, guidance, and valuable networks.
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