InspiraTEC 2026 awards recognize three Chilean STEM entrepreneurs

The tenth edition of the InspiraTEC 2026 awards recognized three regional entrepreneurs for their scientific and technological innovations in STEM fields. The ceremony, led by Undersecretary of Economy Karlfranz Koehler, highlighted talent developed outside of the Metropolitan Region.

Carolina Jara, founder of Agroindustria AYC SpA in Coyhaique, won the ‘Empresaria STEM’ category. Her company utilizes a circular bioeconomy model to develop high-value functional ingredients from native Patagonian fruits and agro-industrial waste. Her work has reached international markets, including South Korea.

Rayén Inostroza from Chillán received the ‘Emprendedora STEM’ award for ChatLPO, an AI platform designed to assist teachers with lesson planning, material generation, and administrative governance.

Additionally, 16-year-old Laura Álvarez from Collipulli was named ‘Joven Inspiradora’ for her project, Synautis. This technology aims to support the well-being and inclusion of students on the autism spectrum by helping educational institutions respond to stress or anxiety in real time.