PROA R&D
A program to support scientific and technological research and development that connects research capabilities with challenges of interest to the Chilean Navy.
🎯 2026 OPEN CALL
Apply for PROA R&D #3!
Third call for proposals focused on applied research to address real-world challenges
🔬 Research Focus
This call for proposals is open to proposals from various fields of knowledge, provided they have the potential for application in real-world contexts of interest to the Chilean Navy.
September 2026
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
PROA R&D 3 provides methodological support to strengthen applied R&D proposals, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders in the Chilean Navy to understand real needs, enhance the relevance of solutions, and prepare more competitive proposals for future applications for competitive research and development grants.
For more information: proa@knowhub.cl
MAIN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Institutional support: The team must be affiliated with or have formal support from an institution of higher education and/or a national research center.
- Applied R&D project: Based on science or technology and with potential for application in real-world contexts.
- Interdisciplinary teams: Proposals are welcome from the fields of natural sciences, engineering and technology, health, agricultural and veterinary sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, provided they have the potential for application in real-world contexts of interest to the Chilean Navy.
- Minimum team size: 3 members with complementary skills.
- Technology readiness level: Validated TRL 2 or higher, with scientific or technological evidence to support the proposal.
- Commitment to the program: Willingness to participate in PROA R&D 3 activities and to position the initiative for a future application for competitive R&D grants.
Review all requirements, eligibility criteria, and restrictions in the Terms and Conditions for this call for applications.
What is PROA R&D?
This program was jointly developed by the Chilean Navy’s Center for Technological Innovation (CiTA) and Know Hub Chile, with support from ANID and Corfo, and aims to strengthen scientific and technological research and development projects by linking them to challenges of interest to the Chilean Navy.
Through a process of methodological guidance, the program connects scientific and technological capabilities with institutional needs, promoting an understanding of the problem, an analysis of its relevance, and the strengthening of applied R&D proposals.
During the program, the teams work alongside specialists to strengthen their projects, understand the needs of the Chilean Navy, and develop more robust proposals for future R&D funding calls.
APPLICATIONS
SELECTED TEAMS
PROJECTS AWARDED PUBLIC FUNDING
Learn about PROA R&D
CAREER
Previous editions
Linking scientific capabilities with strategic challenges in the maritime sector
#2
PROA R&D 2025
SECOND EDITION
This second edition builds on the collaborative model between researchers, technology centers, and naval personnel. It incorporates methodological improvements and more standardized processes based on lessons learned from the first edition.
RESEARCH AREAS
 Technological Advancement in Additive Manufacturing WAAM
Principal Investigator:
Karem Tello
Automatic security system with AI technology for image recognition and voice access
Principal Investigator:
Néstor Becerra Yoma
Prototype for aerial detection of illegal fishing activity
Principal Investigator:
Sebastián Fingerhuth
SELECTED TEAMS
RESEARCHERS
Teams from the First Cohort Have Moved On to the ANID Grant Application Process
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
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The PROA R&D program allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines, enriching the learning process. I was also able to validate my project with the Navy and industries that require on-site spare parts manufacturing or reduced metal consumption.
Karem Tello
Federico Santa MarÃa Technical University · "Technological Advances in WAAM Additive Manufacturing: Fundamentals, Applications, and Transfer Strategies for Industry 4.0"
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The beneficiary discovery methodology helped us focus our research on real-world problems with the potential for significant impact. PROA R&D not only connected us with a discerning user but also opened the door to international funding.
Dr. Patricia Silva
Project Manager · New Energy Sources
#1
PROA R&D 2023
FIRST EDITION
This was the first initiative to validate the collaborative working model between researchers and the Navy. It highlighted a growing demand for R&D projects that have a direct impact on operational, technological, and logistical capabilities.
2023 FINALIST TEAMS
Navy Fuel Cells
Principal Investigator:
Isaac DÃaz
Hydrophones for ship detection
Principal Investigator:
Federico Fuentes
New Technology for System Oxygenation
Principal Investigator:
Flavia Zacconi
Marine Fouling
Principal Investigator:
Felipe Montoya
SELECTED TEAMS
FINALISTS
UNIVERSITIES
FINALISTS' TESTIMONIALS
Project awarded under the FONDEF IDEA R&D 2025 program
For my team, participating was a transformative experience. We were able to turn an idea we had been exploring in our research into a solution with real-world impact. PROA provided us with the tools, support, and strategic connections we needed to take our research to the next level.
Dr. Flavia Zacconi
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile · New Technology for System Oxygenation
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The program connected us with an end user who has a deep understanding of their needs. This collaboration allowed us to focus our hydrophone research on solutions with real-world applicability and the potential for commercial scaling
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Dr. Federico Fuentes
Pontifical Catholic University · Hydrophone Project
“
PROA R&D gave us the opportunity to tackle a complex and significant problem. The support we received in structuring proposals for competitive grants and the network of contacts we built were just as valuable as the technological development itself.
Dr. Federico Fuentes
Pontifical Catholic University · Hydrophone Project
Partner organizations that make PROA R&D possible
