Two Chilean startups internationalize in France thanks to the Trophée Startup

With a comprehensive program that will enable their international expansion, Qisa3D and TheodoraAI, the Chilean startup winners of the Trophée Startup 2024, completed their period of full immersion in the French innovation ecosystem. After participating in the pre-internationalization phase, which culminated in training sessions at Inria Chile, the startups undertook their immersion in France, receiving training, mentorship, and presenting their projects to key players in the Franco-Chilean ecosystem at high-impact events such as VivaTech.

To know about their experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations for future applicants, we spoke with Rodrigo Rivera, CEO and co-founder of Qisa3D, a technology startup dedicated to innovating in the medical field through in vitro models with 3D printing to simulate endovascular embolizations of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and other vascular pathologies. We also spoke with María José Martabit, CEO and co-founder of TheodoraAI, an artificial intelligence company that analyzes texts to detect and mitigate biases in legal documents, judicial texts, advertising, contracts, emails, and social media posts, among others. Both reflected on their experience in an important step towards their expansion into French markets.

Rodrigo: My experience in France as part of the Trophée Startup was incredibly enriching for our company. We had the opportunity to participate in meetings with key players in the French innovation ecosystem, meet other international entrepreneurs, and gain firsthand insight into how the French and European markets operate. We were able to spend time at the Paris&Co incubator, which opened its doors to provide us with valuable information about the local market and how to establish ourselves in France. Additionally, we participated in VivaTech, one of the most important technology events in the world, where we were able to present our startup at the dedicated event organized by Inria Chile and generate highly valuable contacts. Undoubtedly, it was an intense, challenging, and highly educational experience.

María José: Our experience in France as winners of the Trophée Startup was profoundly valuable. We participated in strategic meetings with key players in the French ecosystem and had personalized sessions with Inria and ProChile France. We were able to showcase our work in high-level spaces such as VivaTech. It was a key week for establishing relationships with institutions, funds, and relevant technology hubs for our European expansion.

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Inria Chile

Rodrigo: Being present at VivaTech was a milestone for Qisa3D. It allowed us to validate our project on a global stage, receive direct feedback from experts, and open conversations with potential strategic partners and international clients. It was very exciting to see the genuine interest generated by our models, especially in the context of medical training. Presenting our startup in such a space not only gave us visibility but also helped us better understand how to position our value proposition outside of Chile. Additionally, it gave us the opportunity to listen to and see major figures and players in the world of international innovation, to learn what is happening today and what the opportunities are for a Chilean company in the current technological world.

María José: Presenting Theodora AI at VivaTech was a turning point. It validated the relevance of our work on algorithmic bias before a global audience and sparked the interest of potential European partners. It was also a unique opportunity to listen directly to leaders in the technology industry.

Rodrigo: The prior activities in Chile were fundamental. The workshops, mentorships, and preparation sessions we had as part of the program helped us refine our pitch, understand the cultural and commercial dynamics of the French market, adjust our expectations and strategies, and receive guidance on the concrete steps for internationalizing in France. I particularly highlight the preparation on how to effectively present to European investors and potential partners.

María José: The previous sessions in Chile and preparation meetings were key to fine-tuning our pitch, defining concrete objectives, and arriving with a strategic narrative adapted to the French market. This preparation allowed us to maximize each opportunity on the ground, with focus and clarity of purpose

Rodrigo: This experience opened concrete doors for us to begin our expansion in France. Thanks to the Trophée Startup, we were able to be at the Paris&Co incubator, where we had workspace and training in human resources, pitching, setting up in France, and specifically in the Paris region. We had access to the local ecosystem and specific mentorship in healthtech. It also helped us identify the regulatory and commercial adjustments we need to consider to successfully enter the European market.

Rodrigo: Our next steps are focused on establishing a commercial presence in France, strengthening strategic alliances with local companies, and actively participating in European medical congresses. The Trophée Startup experience confirmed that France is the next natural step for our growth. It also allowed us to accelerate decisions we were evaluating, such as starting to adapt our products and documentation to the European market and structuring a team that can manage international relations.

María José: Yes, this experience was decisive in accelerating decisions. We will begin our internationalization in France with a pilot plan for technological implementation during the second half of 2025. Additionally, we have started conversations with academic and corporate institutions for strategic alliances in Europe

María José: We invite them to apply. Because, beyond the prize, the Trophée Startup is a platform for international visibility. It is an opportunity to challenge yourself, validate the global potential of your solution, and connect with global networks. For Theodora, it was the perfect boost.