The call is aimed at undergraduate and graduate university students who are carrying out their thesis or memoirs.

Promoting a culture of science-based innovation is the main objective of the University Research Valuation Contest (VIU), implemented by CONICYT through its FONDEF Program.

Applications for its eighth version are open until May 30, according to what was stated by the CONICYT executive, Gabriel Rubio, in a dissemination talk held at the University of La Serena, convened by the Directorate of Research and Development, dependent on the Vice-Rector's Office for Research and Postgraduate Studies.

The call is aimed at undergraduate and graduate university students who are carrying out their thesis or memoirs, and will provide up to $26 million to materialize the initiatives, which must be executed in two stages.

“The idea is that with the undergraduate and graduate theses different ventures can be developed in all areas of knowledge,” said the professional during his presentation at the ULS.

Students from accredited national universities and/or accredited postgraduate degrees can participate, who must have the support of the university to which they belong and also a guiding professor. The latter must have participated as a researcher in basic and applied science, development and technological innovation projects, whether financed by State funds or agencies, or by their own university.

The work and business plans presented by students are evaluated by a panel of experts, made up of leading professionals from the academic and business sectors.

Each student must also commit full dedication to the project and consider the participation of business mentors (for example, a technical support panel of multidisciplinary experts) with experience in creating technology-based companies. These should support the development and validation of prototypes, or facilitate the connections necessary for the implementation of the business model.

More details of the call are available at: http://www.conicyt.cl/fondef/2018/04/16/octavo-concurso-de-valorizacion-de-la-investigacion-en-la-universidad-viu/#tab-02.