Chile

The strong binational relationship between Chile and Germany is evident in interlinked strategic projects that address global challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and resource security. Initiatives such as the Chile-Germany Academic Forum (promoted within the framework of IECO) and the KIT-Chile Cluster (crucial for the emergence of IECO and its further development), together with other programs, promote interdisciplinary research, innovation and education, consolidating relations and creating mutual benefits.

From  this collaboration, several projects have been developed, including:

KIT-Chile Cluster: Founded in 2015, this network of KIT scientists and Chilean institutions aims to initiate and consolidate research structures,  linking science and industry on issues related to industrial ecology and sustainable development. This initiative served as the basis for the conception of the IECO project.

IECO (Institute for Eco-Industrial Development): A virtual institute created by KIT in partnership with Chilean universities and funded by the German BMBF. The aim is to design and establish a research framework in the field of industrial ecology, aiming to develop strategies for sustainable regional development and technology transfer in Chile.

ASCENDANCE (German-Chilean research network for advanced decentralized renewable energy solutions): Its goal is to establish a research network to develop decentralized renewable energy solutions, including the production of green hydrogen and power-to-X technologies, thereby promoting research and development and facilitating the entry of German companies into the Chilean clean energy market.

BRIDGE (German-Chilean Institute for Brine Element Extraction and Integrated Geological Reservoir Modelling): This initiative concentrates on the sustainable extraction of critical raw materials (CRM), such as lithium, from geologic reservoir fluids. It generates essential and critical knowledge for industries in both countries and addresses the security of key resources.

Chile-Germany Academic Forum: Established in 2023, this platform aims to enhance cooperation between Chilean and German universities, fostering new collaborations to address the challenges posed by climate change through interdisciplinary knowledge and the development of sustainable solutions.