– The call for applications already has more than 70 registered. However, due to the great interest generated and the high number of queries received daily, the organizers decided to extend the registration period until August 31. – The winners will receive a 60% subsidy on the value of a stand at CFIAgrotech, so that they can be part of this first International Congress and Fair of Innovation and Technologies in Agri-Food. Santiago de Chile, July 3, 2023 – Great interest has awakened the call for the contest “Despega Tu Emprendimiento”, framed in the First International Congress and Fair of Innovation and Technologies in Agri-Food, CFIAgrotech, organized by FISA. To date, more than 70 companies have registered for the contest, which is aimed at SMEs in the agri-food sector and agrotech startups that, through the use of new technologies applied to the industry, provide innovative solutions to national producers, enabling them to increase the productivity, efficiency and profitability of their businesses. According to Paula Miranda, CFIAgrotech’s manager, “due to the high number of queries we receive daily regarding the contest, we decided to extend the registration period until August 31. In this way, we will be able to respond to all inquiries and, at the same time, increase the dissemination of the initiative at national and international level”. HOW TO PARTICIPATE? Entrepreneurs who meet the profile of the call must register on the web site www.cfi@agrotech.cl, in the section called “Concurso Emprende”. There, they must complete a registration form and answer a brief survey. Once these simple steps have been completed, they will automatically be registered to participate in a drawing that will randomly award up to 150 companies. The winners, whether SMEs or startups, will be announced during September and will receive a 60% discount on the value of the stand to participate in the fair in areas specially designed for them, with Pitch and Match Making services at their disposal. The information gathered through the survey will be part of a study being developed by researchers from Harvard, Yale, Duke and Boston universities to understand the impact of participating in trade fairs for SMEs and startups. In addition, considering that the State usually implements public policies to encourage companies to participate in this type of trade shows and there is no evidence on the return on investment, it is expected that the results will provide inputs to assess the scope and relevance of such policies. Along with CfiAgrotech and the support of U.S. universities, the study is supported by the Luksic Foundation and CORFO, as well as sponsorship from the National Society of Agriculture, TheYieldLab, Fundación Chile, Imagine Waves, the Ministry of Economy and the National Commission for Evaluation and Productivity (CNEP). NETWORKING AND INCREASED BUSINESS VISIBILITY Why should agtech SMEs and startups participate in CFIAgrotech’s “Despega tu Emprendimiento” contest? In addition to the prize that gives them the opportunity to participate in the First International Congress and Fair on Agri-Food Innovation and Technologies, which will take place for the first time in Chile between October 24 and 26, there are countless benefits to be gained. – Increased visibility: By participating in the competition, they will have the opportunity to make their ventures known to a wider audience, which can increase their visibility and generate potential business opportunities. This will allow them to reach potential customers, investors and strategic partners who may be interested in their proposals and contribute to their growth. – Networking: By participating in the call they will have the opportunity to establish valuable professional contacts within the agrotech sector. They will be able to interact with other entrepreneurs, investors, academics and industry professionals who can generate new collaborations, strategic alliances and joint growth opportunities. – Resources: 150 companies, whether SMEs or agtech startups, will be awarded with a significant subsidy on the value of the stand, which will allow them to access as exhibitors at the fair, where they will have Pitch and Matchmaking services, resources that can boost the expansion of their ventures and scale their projects. – Access to experts: You will be able to interact with experts in the field through our International Congress. For more information about “Despega tu Emprendimiento”, those interested can send their questions directly to concurso@cfiagrotech.cl, before August 31. More information: www.cfiagrotech.cl