Minister Aisén Etcheverry: "CEDENNA is an Example of Scientific Drive for Productive Development"

• Secretary of State Tours Nanotechnology Fair with Two Dozen Business Leaders

"CEDENNA is an excellent example of developing top-notch science connected to the country's real and concrete needs. It's a place where the link between academia and the private sector becomes a reality, which is something we, as a country, need to work on significantly," emphasized Minister Aisén Etcheverry after touring the nanotechnology fair at the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA). She met with researchers and over twenty business representatives from various sectors.

During the tour, the head of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation (CTCI) learned about advancements in fields as diverse as mining, construction, medicine, agriculture, environment, food, energy, and nanosafety.

Highlighted developments included:

• Cancer treatment through magnetic nanoparticles and hyperthermia.
• Sensors for detecting pathogens in food in record time.
• Sensors for detecting pesticides and fungicides in fruits and vegetables.
• Smart packaging with nanoparticles to preserve food's organoleptic qualities for extended periods.
• Mining sensors to detect uncrushable rocks, reducing significant losses in the sector.
• Plant-based nanoparticles for creating eco-friendly pesticides and fungicides and disinfectants for hospital environments.
• Nanoencapsulated biofungicides for Chilean orchards and vineyards.
• The Elpi+ equipment (unique in the region) for measuring environmental contamination in nanoparticles.

Minister Etcheverry was welcomed at CEDENNA by the Prorector of Usach, Cristián Muñoz; the center's executive director, Dr. Juan Escrig; the executive director of Fundación CEDENNA, Dr. Dora Altbir; and board representatives. Together, they toured the exhibition of various developed technologies and learned about the multidisciplinary work generated by this community of 77 researchers from 14 universities, spanning from Arica to Temuco.

At the end of her visit, the Secretary of State highlighted the importance the government places on the union between science and businesses, announcing new opportunities to foster this collaboration.

"The link between science, technology, and industry is an essential link in the Science and Technology system in Chile and worldwide. This is why the ministry is not only promoting the creation of more science and technology-based companies, but the government, with President Boric's vision, is pushing a technology and knowledge transfer project to make this link between industry and academia more fluid, direct, and everyday. Furthermore, science and technology are being incorporated as an essential pillar in all our productive development policies," said Minister Etcheverry.

She added, "Today, when we think about lithium exploitation, green hydrogen, and the food industry, we also consider science and technology as the tools that allow us to advance in development, sustainability, and future industries."

You can watch part of the visit in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2jMw08G9Jw.