Chile’s SQM Lithium Ventures has launched the third generation of its corporate acceleration programme focusing on innovative startups offering solutions within the lithium industry.

The acceleration programme will focus on proposals in three key verticals: water, lithium and electromobility. The first aims to discover applied technologies that enhance efficiency in water consumption, loss, evaporation and availability in Chile. The second seeks initiatives that improve hydrometallurgical, chemical, energy, and/or carbon footprint processes applicable to lithium production. The third will drive projects adding greater value, social impact, and speed to a market experiencing exponential global growth.

The call for applications is open until February 19, at 11:59 pm (Chile time).

Following the application period, the evaluation team, including technical specialists from SQM and business design experts from Endeavor, will preselect 25 entrepreneurs or startups. The top ten solutions will receive a $25 000 contribution, become part of the Acceleration Programme, and benefit from strategic support provided by both organisations through an advisory board, workshops, and sessions designed to boost their proposals, refine business models, exchange experiences, and share best practices.

Later in the year, selected participants will present their projects at the "demo day”, offering a final opportunity on how their proposals address future challenges and how they envision a collaborative relationship with SQM.

"At SQM Lithium Ventures, our goal is to foster innovation, networks, and applied technology through a startup scaling strategy that generates positive impact on our stakeholders, the environment, and the lithium business. This encompasses defining the search, selection and financing stages of startups, as well as the incorporation of a coherent model that anchors to all existing innovation initiatives in the company, allowing the accelerated integration of these companies for corporate value addition and capture,” explained SQM Lithium Ventures director María de los Ángeles Romo.

Corporate venture capital is consolidating as a valuable alternative for new or emerging companies with a scientific and technological foundation, emphasising innovation and scalability. For startups, this approach provides access to corporate leverage, intelligent financing, networks, and brand recognition. For SQM, it represents an external source of creativity, enabling exploration into new products and markets, refreshing corporate culture, incorporating new talent, creating value for the company and its customers, discovering new technologies, and connecting with the local and global entrepreneurial ecosystem.