The National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) and the Network of Technology Managers of Chile (Red GT) recognized two women innovators on March 26 for their contributions to technological development, specifically in quantifying heavy metal bioaccessibility in mining waste and applying biotechnology to sustainable treatment and monitoring of industrial contaminants.
This recognition is part of an initiative aimed at highlighting the role of women in science, technology, and entrepreneurship. The event took place during International Women’s Month as part of the fourth edition of “Women Leaders in Technological Innovation,” a collaboration between INAPI and Red GT intended to foster a more equitable innovation ecosystem.
During the ceremony, Karlfranz Koehler, Undersecretary for Economy and Smaller Businesses, said: “Es muy importante que dos mujeres chilenas hayan transformado sus ideas en algo concreto, registrable, en una propiedad industrial, y que eso luego se transformara en un activo que se integra a la economía, generando beneficios para las empresas y, por cierto, para la sociedad.”
Esteban Figueroa, National Director of INAPI added: «hoy celebramos la cuarta edición de un reconocimiento que es mucho más que un premio; es un testimonio del impacto transformador de las mujeres en el desarrollo de nuevo conocimiento para Chile». He also highlighted the inclusion of the World Intellectual Property Organization as a partner: «Esta alianza nos permite asegurar que el talento chileno no solo permita el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías, sino que sepa protegerla y proyectarla globalmente con las mejores herramientas del mundo».
Álvaro Ossa, President of Red GT said: “Estamos muy contentos de reconocer a dos grandes mujeres que lograron llevar sus desarrollos desde el laboratorio a resolver problemas concretos en la sociedad y en el mercado. Necesitamos más mujeres que lleven adelante este tipo de soluciones. Las capacidades existen pero no las mismas oportunidades. Ese es el compromiso que como Red de Gestores Tecnológicos tenemos para poder seguir visibilizando el rol de la mujeres en la ciencia”.
Carolina Parodi from Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana received the award for Outstanding Woman in Technology Transfer for inventing MABIOMET—a patented portable device that analyzes soil samples onsite to quantify real-time bioaccessibility of heavy metals from mining tailings. This technology was used in an environmental study commissioned by Chile’s Ministry for Environment in Arica to help protect over 240 thousand residents. Parodi said: “estas oportunidades relevan el impacto que tenemos las científicas en avanzar en tecnología al poner la ciencia a disposición de la comunidad. Eso es lo que me mueve, hay que realmente creer y no salirse del foco de lo que uno está haciendo.” Her laboratory is currently unique within South America offering this service with ongoing efforts to protect her invention internationally.
Daniela Sepúlveda—doctoral candidate at Universidad de Concepción and co-founder of BIOPROC—was recognized as Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur in Technology. Her company uses native microorganisms to sustainably treat industrial gas emissions and wastewater while reducing environmental impacts. Sepúlveda leads BIOPROC’s intellectual property strategy which she says strengthens their position as they prepare international market entry: “ha sido una instancia muy enriquecedora… ya estamos viendo frutos… nuestra estrategia de propiedad industrial está robusta para salir a la venta a otros países”.
The ceremony included representatives from INAPI and Red GT along with members from Chile’s innovation community. Both winners participated in discussions sharing their experiences as innovators.
The “Women Leaders in Technological Innovation” initiative aims to promote female leadership within science-based entrepreneurship while encouraging future generations through recognition.
