The initiative, spearheaded by Know Hub and the Chilean Navy’s Center for Technological Innovation, has established itself as a benchmark for dual innovation in the country, bringing together science, defense, and industry to address strategic challenges. As part of the second Dual Hub Summit, the closing ceremony for the fourth edition of the Avante Challenge was held, marking the culmination of a ten-month collaborative process among these sectors. During the event, three finalist teams—Mine Analytics, the Moderniza Innovation Center, and Bosses—were recognized for their outstanding technological solutions, which have significant potential to impact both the naval sector and civilian industries, thereby reaffirming the relevance of the Avante program within the national innovation ecosystem.
The event took place at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Chile, bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, representatives from the Armed Forces, universities, and public and private entities. Taky Parvex, senior innovation manager at Know Hub Chile, emphasized that “Avante is much more than an open innovation program; it is a unique platform where science, technology, entrepreneurship, and defense come together to tackle real-world challenges.” Launched in 2020, this program has evolved from a pilot initiative into a robust ecosystem of cross-sector collaboration, establishing itself as an effective model for integrating knowledge and resources.
In this fourth edition, the main focus was on shipbuilding, a strategic sector for Chile that offers extensive opportunities for development. First Lieutenant Francisca Lema, from the Navy’s Center for Technological Innovation, noted that many of the projects presented are not only relevant to the naval industry but are also generating positive impacts in areas such as healthcare, mining, and logistics. This demonstrates the potential of the dual model, which seeks to foster competitiveness and sophistication across multiple industries through innovative and practical solutions.
The finalists of the Avante Challenge provided concrete examples of the value that can be generated through cross-sector collaboration. Mine Analytics presented software to optimize project planning and management in shipyards; the Moderniza Innovation Center developed advanced tools for cost and schedule control; and Bosses proposed a hybrid propulsion system that promises to reduce fuel consumption in small vessels. Now, these projects are moving into a second phase of development, supported by the institutions that are part of the collaboration network, which were highlighted during the closing ceremony.
With its latest edition, Avante continues to establish a replicable model of open innovation that not only addresses defense needs but also promotes the country’s industrial diversification and technological development. Parvex concluded by stating that it hopes this model will serve as the foundation for addressing future challenges and strengthening Chile’s technological autonomy. With phases carried out in key cities such as Viña del Mar and Talcahuano, Avante is emerging as a fundamental tool for fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that transcends the boundaries of science and industry.