Corfo launches digital transformation contest for 600 Tarapacá SMEs

Chile’s state development agency Corfo opened the "Red de Asistencia Digital Fortalece Pyme" call, with applications accepted until 27 August. The program aims to support the digital transformation of up to 600 small and medium enterprises in the Tarapacá region over a three‑year period.

Funding can cover up to 80 % of total project costs, with a ceiling of 550 million Chilean pesos and a 36‑month implementation window. Eligible participants must be legal entities registered in the first tax category with annual revenues between 2,400 UF and 100,000 UF. Required services include digital‑gap diagnostics, technical assistance, training in artificial intelligence and data analytics, technology transfer, management‑software implementation, AI‑driven process automation, IoT, cloud solutions, and energy‑ and water‑efficiency systems.

The first‑year focus sectors are energy, mining and related services; agriculture and food sustainability; manufacturing; transport, logistics and international trade; and tourism. Evaluation criteria cover regional relevance, technical quality, executor experience, expected impact, coverage and budget consistency. Regional director Espártago Ferrari Pavez said, "this is a great opportunity for regional bodies to apply, as it is intended to support the digital transformation of Tarapacá’s SMEs through specialized technical assistance and technology transfer."