Magallanes Launches Training Program for Entrepreneurship in the Green Hydrogen Industry
Today in Punta Arenas, in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region, the “Emprende Negocios Renovables” program was launched. This initiative is designed for higher education students, faculty members, and local entrepreneurs, aiming to foster the development of new businesses and opportunities through the transfer of theoretical and practical knowledge related to the green hydrogen industry and its derivatives.
According to Mauricio Ojeda Silva, Manager of Grupo Singular, this initiative, which will benefit 50 participants, is made possible through a partnership with HIF Chile and support from CORFO. “Our goal in proposing this program was to collaborate with higher education institutions that offer programs related to Non-Conventional Renewable Energies (NCRE) and to support entrepreneurs in the energy sector. The aim is to deepen their knowledge and foster business ideas aligned with the emerging demands of this industry.”
María José Navajas, Regional Director of Corfo, praised the creation of the Viraliza Emprende Negocios Renovables program, supported by Corfo Magallanes. “This is a training program for the creation of dynamic enterprises in our region, and as Corfo, we are very pleased because we know this initiative will generate a significant number of businesses linked to renewable energy.” She added, “What’s particularly interesting is that the program’s target audience includes students, faculty members, and entrepreneurs, fostering a renewable energy business ecosystem.”
Juan Eduardo Gallardo, Corporate Affairs Manager at HIF Chile, emphasized, “This partnership is a very concrete way to create shared value for communities. The hydrogen industry has a promising future, and we need skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who understand these new developments and can provide associated services. We are building a value chain for the region, and we must start now.”
The launch event was attended by the Regional Ministers of Economy, Ruth Saieh; Energy, María Luisa Ojeda; and Science, Verónica Vallejos, along with other local authorities, students, and faculty members participating in the program. Participants include individuals from CFT Magallanes in the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Inacap Punta Arenas, Instituto Santo Tomás, Universidad de Magallanes, Instituto Don Bosco, Liceo Industrial, and the Nobeles Australes NGO.
Over the coming months, expert instructors in entrepreneurship and the green hydrogen industry will guide students through workshops covering topics such as business creation, business models, the green hydrogen value chain, wind farm development and maintenance, and project formulation. The first workshop was led by Juan Eduardo Gallardo, Corporate Affairs Manager at HIF Chile, and Michelle Chauveau, Head of Environmental Affairs at HIF.