Corfo ups IT fund by 50%

Chile's state-owned business development agency Corfo plans to increase its fund oriented to IT programs to US$35mn this year, up 50% compared to the funds available in 2004, the government said in a statement. IT programs this year include a quality improvement initiative to help SMEs from the sector obtain international certification for their processes and products as well as certification by Innova Chile, which promotes IT innovations. Companies that qualify for funding will receive support on the understanding that they will invest the same amount themselves, Corfo's executive VP Oscar Landerretche said in the report. The Innova Chile program promotes the design and implementation of new supporting mechanisms for innovation projects and generates contacts between companies, universities and technology organizations. At the same time, the program includes tools to boost IT penetration among firms. During the celebration of Corfo's 66th anniversary, Landarretche highlighted the construction of an IT facility in Valparaíso and the deployment of a new platform to coordinate efforts related to the application of e-government solutions.