How to apply to Start-Up Chile?

Before you begin: get your cards ready

Start-Up Chile is a public program and, as such, has clear rules regarding the projects it seeks and the responsibilities of those selected. Therefore, before you begin, it is essential to understand the rules of the game. Review our technical and administrative guidelines, available here.

You should also be clear about which program you want to apply to. We do not want you to arrive at the table with the wrong cards. Remember that we offer three programs aimed at different stages of development:

Build

For early-stage projects, ranging from a validated idea to initial prototypes, with less than one year of commercial development.

Ignite

For projects with at least an MVP and less than three years of commercial development.

Growth

For projects in the scaling stage, with sales of approximately USD 100,000 to USD 1.1 million over the past year.

For BIG 13, you can apply to only one program, so check your cards and make sure you are sitting at the right table.

During the application: play your best hand

To apply, visit our website and click the “Apply” button. You will be redirected to the Charly.io platform, where you can create an account, if you do not already have one, and complete the application form.

On the platform, you will find the BIG 13 call for applications and a countdown showing how much time remains before the deadline.

Once you begin, you will be able to review all sections of the application form. You do not need to complete them in order or answer everything at once. Your progress will be saved, allowing you to work on your application at your own pace.

When answering, present the information clearly and concisely. Use data whenever possible, explain what makes your solution innovative, and ensure consistency between the problem, the solution, the market, and your team’s capabilities. Once you have completed all the sections, you will be ready to play your best hand! Remember to submit the form so that your application is officially registered.

Did you make a mistake or receive new information? As long as the application period remains open, you can make changes. Simply withdraw your submission, edit the information, and submit your application again.

Before submitting, keep these recommendations in mind:

1. Do not leave your application until the last minute. On average, startups selected in previous cohorts took eight days to complete the application form.

2. Use artificial intelligence as a support tool, not as a replacement. You may use these tools to review or improve your writing, but your answers must accurately reflect your project, experience, and team. During the interview, you will be expected to elaborate on the information provided.

3. Do not forget to submit your application! Completing the form is not enough: you must submit it before the application deadline.

After applying: stay in the game

Once the cards are on the table, the evaluation process will begin. First, we will verify that your application meets the requirements of the selected program. If it does, it will be assessed by internal and external experts, who will assign scores based on different criteria.

Based on these results, we will create a ranking for each program and invite the startups that move forward to an online interview with our team.

Finally, the most anticipated moment will arrive: the announcement of the results. We will let you know whether your application has advanced to the next stage of the process.

Luck may be on your side, but a strong application takes preparation. Check your cards and play your best hand.

Remember: this blog is a practical guide. In the event of any discrepancy, the technical and administrative guidelines governing the call for applications will always prevail.

Are your cards ready? Apply to BIG 13 before the deadline.

Have questions? Email us at hello@startupchile.org. We will be happy to help.