PROA R&D
A program to support scientific and technological research and development that connects R&D ideas and projects with the interests and challenges of the Chilean Navy
APPLICATIONS
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
TESTED MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCTS
ACCELERATED STARTUPS
The PROA R&D program is run by the Chilean Navy’s Center for Technological Innovation (CiTA) in partnership with Know Hub Chile, with the aim of promoting scientific and technological research and development focused on the interests and challenges of the Chilean Navy.
The initiative aims to connect the Navy with research teams across the country by conducting applied research of mutual interest, providing unique opportunities for testing, piloting, and validation in a real-world maritime environment.
Through a process of identifying potential beneficiaries, the program pinpoints the specific support
that the institution can provide to research teams interested in applying for competitive grants, thereby facilitating coordination between the scientific and technological communities and the institution’s needs.
Participating teams receive training in identifying beneficiaries and clients, access to unique naval infrastructure, support in applying for national and international competitive grants (
), and guidance on transferring research findings into practical applications.
🎯 2026 OPEN CALL
Apply for PROA R&D #3!
Third call for proposals focused on autonomous systems and marine robotics
🔬 Research Focus
This edition is seeking R&D projects in the fields of autonomous maritime systems, underwater robotics,
autonomous navigation, and advanced sensors for maritime operations.
May 2026
Projects
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
Access to unique naval infrastructure · Assistance with grant applications · Specialized mentoring ·
Technology transfer · Collaboration network
For more information: proa@knowhub.cl
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
“
“
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 María Technical University · "Technological Advances in WAAM Additive Manufacturing: Fundamentals, Applications, and Transfer Strategies for Industry 4.0"
“
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 Díaz
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
“
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
.
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
