ChileGlobal Ventures and BHP launch contest to find startups to fight climate change

Contxto – Climate change affects everyone. But rather than sit on the sidelines and wait for more pictures of sad polar bears on icebergs to be released, BHP, a natural resources company, and ChileGlobal Ventures are calling in the cavalry—er, startups.

Specifically, the pair have launched the “Súmate” (“join in” in Spanish). This contest wants projects that are scalable and can help two regions in Chile—Tarapacá and Antofagasta—to be better prepared to face climate change.

And the prize is a pretty one: US$5 million. This amount is to be distributed among five winners so they can materialize their project within a term of one to five years. 

ChileGlobal Ventures shall also consider projects for additional funding as well as networking opportunities with its array of angel investors.

The deadline to apply is March 29.

Innovative solutions for climate change

Even if this contest targets two specific parts of Chile, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, as Súmate is open to applicants from around the world.

There are three focal points under which a startup or anyone with a project in the works can apply. They all emphasize the use of technology to help these regions of Chile, but for different challenges. 

Here they are:

• Self-sustaining: Projects that help people use natural resources in a way that’s sustainable and harmonious with the environment.
• Decentralization: Solutions that provide new models for using water and energy sources. Projects in urban planning, logistics, and means of transportation are also welcome in this category.
• Infrastructure and services: Initiatives for the construction industry apply here, as well as projects that help communities better manage their resources.

Read all the guidelines for the competition here. And anyone that’s interested in applying may do so here.

But hurry, hurry, the beautiful regions Tarapacá and Antofagasta of Chile need you.

No, scratch that.

The world needs you.

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-ML