Chile opens applications for InspiraTEC Award to boost women in STEM

Chile's Ministry of Economy, Fomento and Turismo is seeking applications for the 10th InspiraTEC Award, an initiative designed to spotlight and encourage girls, young women, and women in STEM disciplines. The program aims to recognize projects and innovations at various development stages, with national applications open until August 2.

Sarita Undurraga, head of the Ministry of Economy's Division of Smaller Businesses, highlighted the award's importance in addressing the significant gender gap in Chile's scientific and technological ecosystem. Despite women making up 52% of higher education enrollment, they constitute only 20.8% of STEM careers. "We lack role models to show and inspire women, so they realize they can study and start businesses in these fields," Undurraga stated.

The InspiraTEC Award features three categories: "Joven Inspiradora" for middle and high school students; "Emprendedora STEM" for founders of tech-based startups under five years old; and "Empresaria STEM" for leaders of established and expanding businesses. "This is not just for great entrepreneurs with incredible ideas. They are invited, but also little girls in school or young women with ideas they are about to launch, who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey and don't even have sales yet, can also apply," Undurraga explained. "It's a great opportunity to showcase their venture and inspire other women to follow their path."

Beyond individual accolades, all participants join the InspiraTEC Network. This community fosters collaboration and intergenerational exchange, offering training in essential skills such as pitch development, artificial intelligence, and accessing public funding.