Imagine Waves announced its new call for aquaculture startups, which provides a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about transforming the future of sustainable food. The institution will have a space at the Aquasur 2023 Dinner to strengthen the participation of local aquaculturists. For Imagine Waves, startups have a fundamental role in driving innovation and the development of disruptive solutions. That is why they have launched this call, with the objective of identifying and supporting early stage ventures, that is, from prototype stage until they have their first sales, in the aquaculture sector. “We are very excited about our partnership with AquaSur to combine Imagine’s experience, methodologies and tools to identify concrete challenges, connect and collaborate efficiently with the actors of this ecosystem (Startups, Producers, Suppliers, Science). In this line, through our collaboration we put our extensive experience to further strengthen the proposal that has highlighted AquaSur as one of the most important fairs globally around aquaculture,” said Max Johansson, Director of Imagine Waves. Since its inception, the aquaculture industry has grown significantly. In recent years it has been faced with different challenges, thanks to which, today, it is able to open a space for entrepreneurs to provide innovative solutions. Imagine Waves is looking for solutions, among them: – Search and/or Information Analytics, Data-driven Intelligence, Automation and/or Monitoring, Robotics and/or Equipment, Predictive Solutions, Pattern Recognition (imaging, acoustics, others), Traceability. – Solutions for feeding, nutritional, nutrient absorption and growth acceleration, barrier or disease fighting technologies. – Solutions for Human Resources areas, collaboration tools, process/people control and management. – Climatech Solutions, Impact Remediation. – New business models for companies, new protein production processes. Likewise, the institution seeks for the solutions to be scalable and global in nature. To this end, entrepreneurs, technology startups or SMEs applicants must present solutions or projects that have: – A medium or high degree of innovation or differentiation with respect to their competitors or other solutions. – A state of development from basic prototype (technology startups). – A team dedicated to the company and with time to be part of the program. – At least one technology leader to address the technological development of the solution. Selected startups will have access to a platform that will allow them to grow in an accelerated manner, considering funding opportunities, networks of experts, decision makers and industry leaders, who will provide invaluable guidance and support along the way. To apply, interested entrepreneurs should visit our official website at https://imagine-waves.com/convocatoria-de-startups-acuicultura/, where they will find all the details and requirements to participate. Rafael Clement referred to the call for applications and commented that “through conversations with the main food producers, sector suppliers and associations, we have seen that there is a high level of interest in the development of an investment and linkage vehicle of this type”. The call will be open until July 14 (early application) and August 4 (application deadline for the first BATCH). Selected startups will be announced on Monday, August 14 and will begin receiving support and resources provided by Imagine Waves shortly thereafter. ABOUT IMAGINE WAVES: Imagine Waves is an organization dedicated to driving innovation in the aquaculture industry. Our goal is to support and empower startups and entrepreneurs developing disruptive and sustainable solutions in aquaculture. Through our comprehensive platform, we provide funding, resources and a network of experts to drive the growth and success of selected ventures. ABOUT IMAGINE: Imagine is an innovation company supported by Microsoft, and for the fifth consecutive year is ranked as one of the best incubators in the country according to Corfo’s benchmark, has invested in more than 120 startups and currently offers services focused on support and investment in startups, consulting, project design and mobilization, and digital solutions ecosystem, tells how its aquaculture past has inspired its return to the sector from venture investment. For more information contact: Rafael Clement Imagine Waves Ecosystem Coordinator rafael@grupo-imagine.com +569 6629 9280 Max Johansson Imagine Waves Director max@grupo-imagine.com +569 7668 5851