Through partnerships with the public and private sectors, SQM has played a key role in the development of electric mobility in Latin America and the world.
For example, in Chile, the company joined the Public-Private Agreement for Electromobility led by the Ministry of Energy, which brings together 142 companies and is associated with various actions, objectives and concrete goals to advance in this area.
On this occasion, SQM Lithium Ventures, SQM’s open innovation division, opened applications for its Global Acceleration Program for seed-stage startups from around the world with solutions related to lithium, water and electromobility.
Through SQM Lithium Ventures, the company seeks to partner with entrepreneurs at all stages of growth, “from Day 1 to Series A and beyond”.
Read also: ECLAC: Electric Mobility among the 15 Growth Opportunities in Ibero-America
Financial Incentives
The 10 selected companies will receive a $25,000 grant and will be eligible for further investment by SQM Lithium Ventures.
To be eligible for funding, the startups must cover different segments such as lithium, with technologies to improve hydrometallurgical processes, chemicals, energy, carbon footprint, or any process related to lithium production.
In the area of water, innovations are sought that promote the efficient consumption of the liquid, reduce loss and evaporation and promote the availability of this important natural resource.
The competition also covers electromobility and will support any initiative to advance or generate value in this key area for the decarbonization of the transport sector and improve the quality of life for users.
The Program, also promoted by Endeavor, includes, in addition to financing, preparation for fundraising with access to local and global networks.
It also includes SQM’s own risk fund for subsequent rounds, an Advisory Board, composed of technical mentors from SQM and Endeavor‘s global network; being part of business workshops, online programs led by experts in relevant areas, among others.
At SQM, sustainability is a fundamental element in its production, which is why it has also joined the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), an international public-private collaboration platform with 70 organizations that seek to consolidate a circular and sustainable battery value chain.
