ITL and CORFO Sign Historic Agreement Marking the Start of the Country's Largest R&D Investment

The Institute of Clean Technologies (ITL) signed an agreement with CORFO, officially launching the largest investment in applied research and development in Chile's history: over $240 million to be executed over 10 years, from the Antofagasta Region, to transform the country productively and environmentally through clean technologies.

The project includes the design, piloting, and scaling of technological solutions . in key areas such as renewable energy, green mining, hydrogen, electromobility, and the circular economy, leveraging the capabilities of industry, academia, the state, and local communities

"For the first time, this level of resources is being invested in applied knowledge to address the challenges of the productive sector. The territorial anchor will be in Antofagasta, and this will open opportunities for local entrepreneurs, students, and scientists," highlighted José Miguel Benavente, Executive Vice President of CORFO.

The event was attended by national and regional authorities, as well as representatives from academia, trade associations, and industry, who agreed that this signing marks a milestone for decentralizing innovation and creating a high-value ecosystem from the north of the country.

"Never before in 100 years of mining in the region has value-added research been promoted as we are doing now. This center opens new opportunities for employment, technology, and knowledge from Antofagasta," stated Regional Governor, Ricardo Díaz..

"The mining industry will need over 34,000 new jobs in the coming years. Having the ITL linked to local universities is essential to prepare that regional talent," added Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams..

Mr. Carlos Portillo, Chairman of the ITL Board,valued the event as "a key step towards consolidating the Institute as a national technological platform for mining and energy," and emphasized the importance of "promoting new technologies and training human capital for the country's sustainable development."

From the productive sector, AIA President, Marko Razmilic, stressed that "Antofagasta is the engine of the country's growth, and what is produced here generates benefits for all of Chile."

The signed agreement formally seals the operational start of the ITL and represents a new chapter for public and territorial innovation, based on applied science, public-private collaboration, and a vision of a cleaner, more competitive, and decentralized country..