Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV

What Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV does

Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV is the entrepreneurship unit of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, operating under the university's Vice-Rectorate for Research, Creation and Innovation (VINCI) and headquartered in Valparaíso, Chile. Founded in 2009 and staffed by 37 employees (11 core team members, 70% women), it runs the structured TIM incubation methodology across Beginner, Explorer and Adventure tracks and acts as a sponsoring entity for CORFO Semilla Inicia and Semilla Expande grants. Since inception it has supported 41 startups, trained more than 500 entrepreneurs and engaged more than 250 female-led ventures, with 15 new startups incorporated in 2024. The organization has been recognized three times as a UBI Global Top Challenger (2014, 2015, 2019) and extends its physical presence across the Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Maule and Los Lagos regions of Chile.

The incubator's product set spans four delivery surfaces. Operationally, it runs in-person incubation cohorts, mentorship matching via the Chrysalis Connect program (51 startups and 300+ mentorships), and corporate entrepreneurship programs delivered to clients including AIEP, Duoc UC, PF Alimentos, the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas, LMIL and ASIVA. Digitally, the Campus Virtual Chrysalis e-learning platform hosts 29 accredited courses. Commercially, it provides technical sponsorship of CORFO-funded entrepreneurs and serves as a co-developer of municipal open-innovation challenges, most visibly the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge involving Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Concón, EY, CChC, BancoEstado, Chilquinta and IF-ITP. Portfolio ventures include MIVOS (AI sign-language translation), Vendify (AI matching for government procurement), Charly.io (AI-based startup valuation) and Wegou (mobility program).

As a non-profit university entity, Chrysalis does not report revenue. Its operating economics rest on three pillars: institutional budget allocation from PUCV, government funding flowing through CORFO sponsorship contracts, and fee-based corporate programs sold to enterprises and regional associations. The organization's go-to-market is therefore a hybrid of public-sector stewardship and B2B service delivery rather than a price-ticketed SaaS or transaction model.

Name

Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV

Legal name

Incubadora de Negocios Chrysalis PUCV

Website

https://chrysalis.cl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV is a non-profit university business incubator in Valparaíso, Chile, providing structured incubation programs (TIM tracks), CORFO project sponsorship, corporate entrepreneurship training and a free e-learning campus for early-stage founders and Chilean institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Incubation Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

Keywords

• Business incubation services
• Startup mentorship programs
• Corporate innovation training
• Entrepreneurship e-learning
• Government subsidy sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Valparaíso, Valparaiso Region

HQ country

Chile

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Incubation Programs: Provides incubation services to startups and entrepreneurs through structured programs (TIM Beginner, Explorer, Adventure) with 3-4 month durations offered twice yearly. Services include mentorship, strategic management, and accompaniment.
2. Corporate Training Programs: Customized programs for enterprises and institutions including convocatoria design, formation/training, entrepreneurship support, and innovation programs. Provided to organizations such as AIEP, Duoc UC, PF Alimentos, and others.
3. Project Sponsorship (Patrocinio): Technical and commercial support for entrepreneurs awarded government subsidies (CORFO Semilla Inicia, Semilla Expand). Chrysalis acts as sponsoring entity, providing project management, financial monitoring, and strategic accompaniment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV provides structured incubation programs (TIM Beginner, Explorer, Adventure) plus project sponsorship, individual mentorship, advisory boards, demo days, and speed mentoring for early-stage entrepreneurs. For enterprises and institutions, it designs customized programs covering convocatorias, training, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It also operates the free Campus Virtual Chrysalis e-learning platform built on CORFO's 'El Viaje del Emprendedor' methodology, plus the Red de Perks benefits network and Red de Mentores PUCV.

Product overview

Chrysalis is a university business incubator offering an integrated portfolio of structured programs and services for early-stage startups. The core offering consists of three progressive incubation programs (TIM Beginner for ideation stage, Explorer for traction generation, and Adventure for scale-up) supplemented by sponsorship services for CORFO-funded projects, individual mentorship with 4-session formats, an advisory Board de Directores, and a virtual campus for asynchronous learning. For corporate clients, Chrysalis delivers customized programs in competition management, training, entrepreneurship support, and innovation facilitation. The ecosystem also includes a mentors network and perks network providing preferential access to partner services. The portfolio is designed to support ventures from initial idea through expansion, with services including pitch training, workshops, demo days, and strategic consulting.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TIM (Trayecto de Incubación y Mentoría): Incubation programs for startups including TIM Beginner, Explorer, and Adventure tracks.
• Chrysalis Connect
• Campus Virtual Chrysalis

Products and services

• TIM Beginner
• Explorer
• Adventure
• Patrocinio (Sponsorship)
• Mentorías
• Board de Directores
• Campus Virtual Chrysalis
• Programa de Convocatoria
• Programa de Formación
• Programa de Emprendimiento
• Programa de Innovación
• Diploma Chrysalis
• Red de Mentores PUCV
• Chrysalis Connect

Quantifiable outcome

• 250+ female-led ventures supported since 2018
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ASIVA (Asociación de Empresas de la V Región)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2021Strategic alliance with ASIVA, a multi-sector association of 130 companies contributing 30% of regional GDP. Collaboration includes speed mentoring, entrepreneurship promotion, and innovation activities across the Valparaíso region. ASIVA generates employment for more than 50,000 people.
• Emprende tu MentecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Strategic partnership with Emprende tu Mente (ETM), a non-profit corporation connecting entrepreneurs with large companies through a free digital platform called EtMmeet with AI-powered matching. Chrysalis uses this channel to connect its portfolio startups with mentors, executives, and investors.
• CORFOcoreOthers · 1 January 2019CORFO is the primary government funding partner, providing subsidies (Semilla Inicia, Semilla Expand) that Chrysalis sponsors and manages. Chrysalis is also a certified Entidad de Asistencia en Formación for El Viaje del Emprendedor methodology. Programs include SSAF-Desafío Maule funded by CORFO and the Regional Government.
• VICerrectoría de Investigación, Creación e Innovación (VINCI) PUCVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChrysalis is part of VINCI, the Vice-Rectory of Research, Creation and Innovation of PUCV, established in 2014. This institutional affiliation provides academic credibility, access to university resources, and integration with broader innovation strategy.
• OrganizaMeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. OrganizaMe offers electronic invoicing, expense tracking, and payment processing solutions for entrepreneurs and small businesses at preferential conditions.
• Pedro ContadorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Pedro Contador provides tax education and compliance services for entrepreneurs and SMEs across Chile.
• BCI (Banco Crédito e Inversiones)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. BCI offers differentiated value propositions for new entrepreneur clients as part of the Nace program for Santiago and regions.
• Smart CFOminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Smart CFO manages SME finances in Chile, providing recommendations based on short, medium, and long-term business objectives.
• DADNEO CapitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. DADNEO Capital provides capital-raising support and business strategy advisory for startups, including pitch and deck preparation.
• Centro de Innovación UCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Centro de Innovación UC fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through meetings and networks between academia, private sector, and government, contributing to sustainable quality of life improvement.
• Bericul Smart SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Bericul Smart Solutions provides technology for monitoring, control, and automation of processes, helping clients optimize resources and promote sustainability.
• EficaguaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Eficagua is a biotechnology company improving water efficiency in agriculture through innovative solutions that reduce plant stress and promote sustainable agriculture.
• LexgominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Lexgo is the first automated legal service for companies in Latin America, enabling faster legal processes at a fraction of traditional lawyer costs.
• Hub LegalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Hub Legal provides legal advisory for startups and SMEs covering contract review, company formation, financing rounds, trademark registration, and employment contracts.
• AlsterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Alster provides legal services using technology to make legal practice simpler, more flexible, and more efficient.
• Picnic (Estudio Picnic)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Picnic is a creative consultancy helping brands create and communicate with significant impact using business mindset and creativity.
• PulsolineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Pulsoline is a creative advertising and sales consultancy using Go Local methodology, considering cultural, economic, political, linguistic, and geographic variables.
• MedulaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Medula helps transform identity and emotion into unique visual experiences, enhancing brands through creative and strategic solutions.
• Carbon Neutral+minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Carbon Neutral+ is a climatech company helping businesses achieve carbon neutrality through measurement, reduction, and compensation of carbon footprint under international certification.
• Grys ConsultoraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Red de Perks network. Grys Consultora aims to reduce environmental compliance and training gaps in companies to make them more competitive, providing specialized environmental regulatory management for productive and recycling industries.
• AIEPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIEP (Instituto Profesional) has implemented Chrysalis corporate programs for entrepreneurship and innovation training. Testimonial cites good disposition, dedication, and coordination from Chrysalis team.
• Duoc UCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuoc UC has partnered with Chrysalis on corporate programs. Testimonial highlights Chrysalis as a committed, helpful team with high resolution capacity, noting the Demo Day was especially relevant.
• Servicio Nacional de Aduanas de ChilecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Customs Service of Chile collaborated with Chrysalis on the 'Impulsando la Innovación' program for customs officers, showcasing Chrysalis's ability to deliver government-sector programs.
• Llama Gas Natural (LMIL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLMIL has worked with Chrysalis on entrepreneurship programs, contributing to the network of institutions implementing Chrysalis corporate services.
• Aguas DécimasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAguas Décimas has implemented Chrysalis programs, part of the expanding institutional network for Chrysalis corporate services.
• Ilustre Municipalidad de ValparaísocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Municipality of Valparaíso partnered with Chrysalis on the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge funded by CORFO, working to transform Valparaíso into a smart city.
• Ilustre Municipalidad de Viña del MarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerViña del Mar municipality collaborated with Chrysalis on the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge and continues to work with Chrysalis on innovation projects through SECPLA.
• Ilustre Municipalidad de ConcónminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConcón municipality participated in the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge coordinated by Chrysalis and funded by CORFO.
• Ilustre Municipalidad de QuillotaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuillota municipality signed an agreement with Chrysalis for pilot testing and commercial validation of Wegou mobility application.
• EsvalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEsval partnered with Chrysalis on the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge, contributing as a private sector partner alongside municipalities.
• ChilquintaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChilquinta partnered with Chrysalis on the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge, contributing as a private utility company partner.
• Cámara del Comercio Regional de ValparaísominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Regional Chamber of Commerce of Valparaíso participated in the CON-VI-VA Smart Cities Challenge as an industry partner.
• Ministerio de Transporte y Telecomunicaciones (Unidad de Ciudades Inteligentes)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications's Smart Cities unit supported Wegou's creation and launch through Chrysalis incubation.
• ProChileminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProChile supported Wegou's creation and launch as part of Chrysalis incubation support for the mobility startup.
• ChiletecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChiletec (Chilean Technology Association) supported Wegou's creation and launch through Chrysalis ecosystem support.
• Universidad Adolfo IbáñezminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversidad Adolfo Ibáñez partnered with Chrysalis for pilot testing and commercial validation of Wegou mobility application.
• Universidad de Los AndesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversidad de Los Andes partnered with Chrysalis for pilot testing and commercial validation of Wegou mobility application.
• Gobierno Regional del MauleminorOthersThe Maule Regional Government co-funded the SSAF-Desafío Maule program with CORFO, implemented through Chrysalis.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• NXTP Labs: Latin American early-stage accelerator with programs across the region. Comparable to Chrysalis as a pre-seed/seed accelerator providing mentorship, corporate connections and follow-on capital support, though at a regional rather than Chile-only scale.
• Start-Up Chile: Chile's flagship government-backed startup accelerator run by CORFO. Directly comparable to Chrysalis as a Chilean startup-support program sourcing from the same CORFO ecosystem, though Start-Up Chile operates at a national/international scale while Chrysalis is regionally anchored.
• UDD Ventures: Venture and incubation arm of Universidad del Desarrollo in Chile. Comparable as another Chilean university-affiliated entrepreneurship vehicle competing for the same founder pool, CORFO sponsorship mandates and corporate training clients.
• 3IE – Instituto de Innovación y Emprendimiento, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez: University-affiliated innovation and entrepreneurship institute at UAI that runs incubation, acceleration and venture programs. Direct competitor for Chilean university-linked founders and corporate training mandates, with similar ties to regional entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Socialab: Chilean and Latin American open-innovation and social entrepreneurship platform that runs convocatoria-style programs, mentoring and corporate challenges. Highly comparable to Chrysalis on event-driven open calls, corporate program delivery and mentorship-driven venture support.

Broad incumbents

• Endeavor: Global high-impact entrepreneurship support organization with active operations in Chile. Comparable in mission (selecting and scaling high-potential founders), though Endeavor focuses on later-stage scale-up support and mentorship networks rather than pre-seed incubation.
• Wayra (Telefónica Movistar): Telefónica's corporate accelerator operating across multiple Latin American countries. Comparable as a broader incumbent that runs incubation, corporate-startup collaboration and demo-day programs serving similar founder and corporate-client segments, but with corporate backing and regional scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/CHRYSALIS_PUCV
• Facebookfacebook.com/incubadorachrysalis
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/incubadora-chrysalis
• Instagraminstagram.com/incubadora_chrysalis
• TikToktiktok.com/@chrysalis_pucv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Incubadora Chrysalis PUCV