The initiative brings together 30 startups and technology ventures from across Chile to showcase innovative solutions addressing some of the mining and energy sectors’ most pressing challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, sustainability, safety and digital transformation.
With a day dedicated to technology, entrepreneurship and collaboration, EXPONOR 2026 officially unveiled Pitch Your Innovation, a new platform designed to connect technology entrepreneurs, supplier companies and mining and energy operators, fostering innovation focused on solving the industry's most significant challenges.
Located in the Molybdenum Pavilion at the AIA EXPONOR exhibition grounds, the program features 30 startups and technology ventures from different regions of Chile. Throughout the four-day exhibition, participants will present solutions related to artificial intelligence, industrial monitoring, automation, operational safety, efficiency, circular economy and sustainability.
The opening day featured the official launch of the platform, a technology showcase including a humanoid robot demonstration, and the first round of innovation pitches presented before industry representatives and visitors.
Marko Razmilic, President of the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), organizer of EXPONOR, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative. "Pitch Your Innovation represents one of EXPONOR’s fundamental objectives: creating spaces where innovation connects with the real needs of industry. Talent, creativity and knowledge come together here with the challenges facing the mining and energy sectors, transforming new ideas into concrete opportunities for the country’s productive development."
Along the same lines, Bárbara Torres, Deputy Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Corfo Antofagasta, emphasized the value of the initiative. "Being part of Pitch Your Innovation today, contributing funding and helping this platform grow, is extremely important for us. Enabling entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors, customers and the broader innovation ecosystem is essential for accelerating growth and creating opportunities for international expansion."
During the event, attendees discovered proposals from technology companies and startups including PULSO SpA, Hi Mining, DEVCODERX SpA, Virtual Brain, Smart Rental Equipments SpA, Lavor Mining Technology, Totew SpA, ZigoMin Online, Neuritiva SpA, Duhomec SpA, Tomos, Rukian Tech, IAP Solutions SpA, SPF Ingeniería SpA, Neuro4B SpA, RHENÜ SpA, Neos AI, GUNJOP Chile SpA, ZIZCAR SpA, BQSense SpA, AMV LATAM, SentryApp, PURELI SpA, Matter of Trust Chile, Zuvar Control, Faena Control, ISANTO Security, Warriors Innova SpA, Sogeco Norte Grande SpA and Agro Arcadia SpA.
Gonzalo Verdugo, founder of ZigoMin Online, a technology platform specializing in geolocation, geological field data collection and mineral exploration, highlighted the importance of the initiative. "For me, EXPONOR represents a gateway to the global mining industry, as well as a source of support and recognition for technology entrepreneurs who are developing valuable solutions for the sector."
Verónica Valenzuela, CEO of Pulso Tec, a startup that develops high-precision nanometric sensors to monitor the structural health of industrial assets ranging from astronomical infrastructure to mining haul trucks and shovels, also emphasized the value of the platform. "It is incredible to have a space like this where we can meet industry leaders, showcase our technology and build the partnerships needed to scale our innovation."
The day concluded with a keynote presentation by renowned Chilean entrepreneur Reinaldo Lippi entitled "Failure and Redemption: The Human Side of Innovation."Reflecting on the initiative, Lippi commented: "Platforms such as Pitch Your Innovation represent a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs because they allow them to showcase their ideas, connect with potential customers and validate their solutions before an industry that is constantly seeking new challenges. When I began my entrepreneurial journey in the 1980s, I would have loved to have had a platform like this to present my projects to the market and the world. Opportunities like these can make an enormous difference in the development and growth of those who dare to innovate."
Pitch Your Innovation will continue throughout the four days of EXPONOR 2026, during which the 30 participating ventures will present their solutions to representatives of mining and energy companies, investors and industry specialists. Following the evaluation process, ten finalists will advance to Thursday’s grand finale, where the winning innovation of this year’s edition will be selected.
Through initiatives such as Pitch Your Innovation, EXPONOR 2026 reinforces its role as a catalyst for technological development, entrepreneurship and collaborative innovation, creating new opportunities that strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Chile’s mining and energy industries while projecting local talent onto the global stage.
