Energy in Chile Inspiring Startups Analysis¶
Inspiring Startups¶
The Chilean energy value chain is witnessing the emergence of innovative startups that are driving change and introducing new business models, primarily in response to the accelerating energy transition and the need for greater efficiency and sustainability. These companies are leveraging technology and novel approaches to impact various stages of the value chain, challenging traditional models and creating new opportunities.
A prominent example is EMMA, a Chilean startup focused on revolutionizing energy efficiency in businesses. Founded in 2022, EMMA utilizes advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to monitor energy consumption in real-time and provide personalized recommendations for optimizing operational and environmental efficiency. Their Software as a Service (SaaS) platform allows companies to manage energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and make informed decisions based on precise data. EMMA's business model is based on a subscription system with easy integration, targeting medium and large companies across sectors like mining, agroindustry, and retail, as well as SMEs through their SKADI carbon footprint program. This startup primarily impacts the Distribution stage by influencing the demand side (reducing consumption) and potentially creating new service opportunities related to energy management for distribution companies or third parties. It also indirectly impacts the Generation and Transmission stages by contributing to overall system efficiency and potentially lowering the need for peak capacity.
In the realm of distributed generation and energy access, startups like Ciudad Luz are inspiring changes by aiming to democratize access to solar energy. Founded in 2013, Ciudad Luz focuses on developing accessible solar energy projects for homes, businesses, communities, and public services through innovative business models and financing solutions. Their purpose is to make the installation of solar systems attainable without requiring significant upfront investment from the client, utilizing models like energy purchase agreements where customers pay a reduced rate for the generated electricity. This directly impacts the Generation stage by increasing distributed solar capacity and the Distribution stage by altering the flow of energy at the local level and potentially reducing reliance on grid supply for these customers. Their model challenges the traditional centralized generation and distribution structure.
Startups are also innovating in areas critical to supporting renewable energy and decarbonization. Suncast, for instance, is a startup creating predictive models using artificial intelligence for wind and solar energy generation. This technology provides generation forecasts to the Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional (CEN), which is crucial for the efficient operation and dispatch of a grid with increasing intermittent renewable penetration. Suncast's work directly impacts the System Operation (managed by CEN) and indirectly benefits the Generation stage by improving the predictability and integration of renewable assets, and the Transmission stage by aiding in grid management.
Another inspiring startup is Quempin, dedicated to energy efficiency with a focus on optimizing the use of fuel gas in industrial processes. Quempin has developed technology based on radiant combustion for furnaces, boilers, and dryers, achieving significant reductions in consumption and emissions. Their technology improves heat transfer efficiency, leading to energy savings and reduced operating costs for companies. Quempin's impact is primarily on the demand side within the Distribution segment, particularly for industrial free customers who are large energy consumers. By improving the efficiency of gas-based processes, they contribute to overall energy optimization within these companies' operations.
While not exclusively a startup, Transelec Ventures, the open innovation vehicle of the main transmission company Transelec, is actively engaging with startups and technology companies to find innovative solutions for the energy industry's infrastructure challenges. Their focus areas include optimizing energy storage and preventing failures in transmission lines. By seeking external innovation, Transelec Ventures inspires startups to develop solutions relevant to the Transmission stage, aiming to improve the resilience, efficiency, and management of the high-voltage network. This initiative fosters a collaborative model between a large incumbent player and emerging technology providers.
The increasing focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is also enabling new specialized technology providers and potentially future startups in this space. While the provided text highlights major players like Colbún investing in BESS with Tesla, the growing market for energy storage solutions, including recycling of lithium batteries by companies like Ecominería, indicates an emerging ecosystem of specialized companies supporting this critical technology that impacts Generation, Transmission, and potentially Distribution.
Furthermore, programs like Quintil Lab, supported by Corfo, are actively seeking and accelerating startups with solutions in clean energy, decarbonization, and sustainable mining, providing funding, mentorship, and access to investors. This initiative, based in Antofagasta, is fostering the growth of startups focused on areas like green hydrogen, decentralized energy systems, and sustainable mobility, indicating a pipeline of future innovators impacting various parts of the value chain.
These inspiring startups and initiatives, although varied in their specific focus, collectively demonstrate a trend towards greater innovation and the introduction of new business models within the Chilean energy sector. They are leveraging technology to address key challenges related to energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, grid management, and decarbonization, contributing to the evolution of the value chain beyond the traditional large-scale generation, transmission, and distribution model.
Table of potential impact of the startups¶
| Inspiring Startup/Initiative | Primary Focus Area | Key Technology/Approach Used | Potential Impact on Value Chain Stage(s) | Potential New Business Models/Changes Inspired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMMA | Energy Efficiency (Businesses) | AI-powered real-time monitoring & recommendations (SaaS) | Distribution (Demand Side) | SaaS model for energy management; Data-driven efficiency services; Reducing overall energy consumption for businesses. |
| Ciudad Luz | Distributed Solar Energy | Innovative financing (e.g., energy purchase agreements) | Generation (Distributed), Distribution | Accessible solar installation models (no upfront cost); Community-based energy projects; Democratization of solar access. |
| Suncast | Renewable Energy Forecasting | AI-powered predictive modeling (Solar & Wind) | System Operation, Generation, Transmission | Improved integration and dispatch of intermittent renewables; Enhanced grid stability through better forecasting data. |
| Quempin | Energy Efficiency (Industrial) | Radiant combustion technology | Distribution (Industrial Demand Side) | Technology solutions for optimizing energy use in industrial processes; Reducing fuel consumption and emissions. |
| Transelec Ventures | Transmission Infrastructure | Open innovation platform connecting with technology startups | Transmission | Collaboration models between incumbent transmission companies and startups for infrastructure solutions; Fostering innovation in grid management. |
| BESS Focused Companies/Tech | Energy Storage | Battery Energy Storage Systems, Recycling processes | Generation, Transmission, Distribution | Services for grid flexibility, ancillary services, energy time-shifting; Circular economy models for battery materials. |
| Quintil Lab (Program) | Startup Acceleration (Clean Energy) | Incubation, funding, mentorship for clean energy startups | Cross-Cutting (Potential in all stages) | Fostering development of startups with disruptive potential in green hydrogen, decentralized energy, etc. |
References¶
- EMMA: Startup chilena impulsa la eficiencia energética en las empresas con tecnología avanzada - Corresponsables. https://www.corresponsables.com/actualidad/emma-startup-chilena-impulsa-eficiencia-energetica-empresas-tecnologia-avanzada (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Startup apuesta por democratizar el acceso a la energía solar - Revista Electricidad. https://www.revistaelectricidad.cl/generacion/startup-apuesta-por-democratizar-el-acceso-a-la-energia-solar/ (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Las innovaciones que buscan acelerar la transición y adopcion delas energías renovables | Diario Financiero. https://www.df.cl/sostenibilidad/energias-renovables/las-innovaciones-que-buscan-acelerar-la-transicion-y-adopcion-delas (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Edify: Energía solar sin costo inicial desde Chile - El Ecosistema Startup. https://elecosistemastartup.cl/noticias/edify-energia-solar-sin-costo-inicial-desde-chile/ (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Convocan a startups y empresas tecnológicas a desafío para optimizar infraestructura de energía - El Mostrador. https://www.elmostrador.cl/agenda-pais/2024/09/13/convocan-a-startups-y-empresas-tecnologicas-a-desafio-para-optimizar-infraestructura-de-energia/ (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Expo Energía 2025 | Revista ElectroIndustria. https://www.revistaelectroindustria.cl/eventos/expo-energia-2025/ (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Almacenamiento de energía en Chile - ICEX. https://www.icex.es/icex/es/documentos/doc/resources/informes-de-mercado/2024/NOV/5998521.pdf (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Energy Challenge Germany 2024. https://chile.ahk.de/es/events/energy-challenge-germany-2024 (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Top startups in Energy Storage Tech in Chile (Apr, 2025) - Tracxn. https://tracxn.com/d/top-startups/energy-storage-startups-in-chile (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Reporte Evaluación Ex Ante de Diseño 2025 - Impulsa Transición Tecnológica - Dipres. https://www.dipres.gob.cl/glosa.pdf?id=34923 (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Schneider Electric impulsa el futuro del hidrógeno verde en Hyvolution Chile 2024. https://new.schneiderelectric.com/b2b/admin/documents/content/soluciones/hyvolution-chile-2024.jsp (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Cadena de Valor del RH2 en Chile - Plan de Acción de Hidrógeno Verde. https://www.energia.gob.cl/sites/default/files/2023-12/Informe%20Final%20Cadena%20de%20Valor%20del%20H2V%20en%20Chile.pdf (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Día Mundial de la Eficiencia Energética: Startups chilenas destacan en innovación climática. https://www.portalagrochile.cl/noticias/energia-y-combustibles/dia-mundial-de-la-eficiencia-energetica-startups-chilenas-destacan-en-innovacion-climatica (Accessed May 10, 2025).
- Quintil Lab 2025 abre convocatoria para startups con soluciones en energías limpias, descarbonización y minería sostenible - Mch. https://www.mch.cl/2025/04/03/quintil-lab-2025-abre-convocatoria-para-startups-con-soluciones-en-energias-limpias-descarbonizacion-y-mineria-sostenible/ (Accessed May 10, 2025).