Innovation
Leaders
Desert Resilience
for
Transforming Drought Challenges into Innovative Solutions
After tackling desertification challenges
in Sub-Saharan Africa, the innovation leaders’ program
is excited to continue to its next destination, this time in the driest place on earth – the Atacama Desert.
Using open-innovation tools and processes we will solve critical drought-related challenges related to:
Water Management
Renewable Energy
Sustainable Agriculture
Infrastructure
Key players from
Peru,
Bolivia,
Chile,
and
Argentina,
will come together to foster collaboration and deploy transformative technologies where needed most.
The program includes online hands-on training to identify the challenges, followed by a scouting process to source cutting- edge technologies, and a field seminar in Chile to jointly build the collaborations. Eventually, selected projects will receive funding and support for implementation.
Atacama Desert and Impacted Regions
The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, stretches across southern Peru, northern Chile, and beyond, covering 105,000 sq. km. Its extreme conditions are a stark reminder of the challenges posed by desertification—not only within its boundaries but across the region, affecting Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
That’s why the 2nd cohort of The Innovation Leaders Program is open to organizations from all four countries tackling drought-related challenges.
Goals of the program
Learn pilot design tools based on a challenge-centric approach
Discover first-tier desert technologies
Selected innovative pilot projects will receive funding and implementation support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), offering a unique opportunity to address critical challenges and make a real impact in combating drought
Execute open innovation process
Join peer-to-peer learning sessions with key players addressing drought challenges in the region’s innovation ecosystem
Implement innovative solutions in your region
Tackle your desert challenges
Connect with entrepreneurs, high-tech executives, and global organizations specializing in desert innovation.
Highlights
Timeline
December 2024
Program Public Launch
UNCCD COP 16
February 2025
Acceptance Announcement
April -May 2025
Solution Scouting
Market Square Challenge Publication
June – July 2025
Project Follow-ups
January 9th -
February 17th 2025
Call for Applications
Online Workshop
March 11th, 2025
SESSION 1 – Challenge Identification Intro
March 18th, 2025
SESSION 2 – Diving Deeper to Challenges and Solutions
April 1st, 2025
SESSION 3 – Building Working Groups
April 8th,2025
SESSION 4 – Pilot Design Tools
June 10th -13th, 2025
DESERT SEMINAR
Chile
August 2025
Pilots Funding Selection
Meet the Team
Tal Biran Ben Gal
Chief Business Officer, Israel Innovation Institute
Noam Sonennberg
Director of Global Climate Tech Projects, Israel Innovation Institute
Sharon Goldberg
Director, Catalyst, Israel Innovation Institute
Inbal Klausner
Program Coordinator, Israel Innovation Institute
Meet the Cohort
Alejandro Escudero
Head of Planning and Development Division, Regional Government of Atacama
Chile
Claudia Nelly Romero Saavedra
Program Coordinator – Peru & Bolivia, Green Empowerment
Peru
Farlley De León
Corporate Project Manager, Coazucar S.A.
Peru
Jhonny Rolando
Taquichiri Kussy
Head of the Planning Unit, Local Service of Aqueducts and Sewage Oruro (SELA)
Bolivia
Luis Dante Zubia Cortéz
Planner, Regional Government of Moquegua
Peru
María Florencia Barbarich
Andean Natural Resources & Climate Change Researcher, National Institute of Agricultural Technology – Abra Pampa Experimental Station
Argentina
Vania Versalovic
Manager of the Water Efficiency Program – Atacama, Gedes
Chile
Andres Guerrero
Corporate Head of Sustainability and Continuous Improvement, REDONDOS S.A.
Peru
Constanza Millan
Coastal Zone Analyst, Regional Government of Atacama
Chile
Freddy Romero Lucero
Field Production Manager, groaurora S.A.C.
Peru
Leonardo Sanabria
Technical Manager, GITEC IGIP GmbH
Bolivia
María Carolina Veroitza Cisternas
Manager, Subterranean Water Community Sector 4 Mal Paso - Copiapó
Chile
Mauro Daniel Martinez
Manager, Water Laboratory of Comodoro Rivadavia
Argentina
Juan Pablo Covarrubias
Technical Advisor and Community Liaison, supporting community engagement and coordination within the IDB project, Independent Union of Divers and Artisanal Fishers, Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno
Chile
Carola Romina Brizuela
General Director of Renewable Energy, Energy Secretariat of La Rioja
Argentina
Evelyn Nathalie
Torres Ruiz Huidobro
Deputy Manager of Environmental Management, Regional Government of Tacna
Peru
Gabriela Lourdes Acosta
Agricultural Engineer / Extension Specialist, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA)
Argentina
Luis Alberto
Maldonado Cueva
Quality Control Specialist – Water & Sanitation, SUNASS
Peru
María Fernanda Prohens Poblete Chile
Manager, Subterranean Water Communities 1, 2, and 3 of the Copiapó Aquifer (CAS123)
Chile
Stephan von Borries
EuroClima execution to reduce forest fire risks through early warning systems and local engagement, Expertise France
Bolivia
María Paulina Díaz Araya
Strategic Programs and Developing Territories Analyst, Regional Government of Atacama
Chile
Previous Cohort
The DeserTech Innovation Leaders program for the Great Green Wall (GGW) was created in 2023 by DeserTech, the UNCCD Global Mechanism, and the GGW accelerator to boost the implementation of the Great Green Wall initiative through technology. Active leaders from 10 Sub-Sahara countries have been working collaboratively from January 2023 - May 2023 in online sessions and a seminar in israel’s Negev, to fight desertification with innovation. The cohort identified the most burning challenges of life under the threat of desertification and drought and met startups and experts to co-develop 16 concrete projects to be implemented in 10 different countries.
Q&A
I’m not an innovation leader per se but I deal with challenges related to water scarcity in my daily work, should I apply to the program?
Yes! Don’t worry about your innovation-related skills and let us take care of that. If you are dealing with desertification challenges and are eager to learn how to use innovative technologies & processes to address those challenges, your place is with us!
Is this program designed for private or public sector participants?
This program is open to both private and public sectors. As long as you have what it takes in terms of either an innovation-driven role or desert-related expertise and influence – you are more than welcome to apply!
Are there any costs for me or my organisation if I'm accepted to the program?
The program is almost entirely funded by our partners, covering the online sessions and the majority of the program's components. The only potential cost involves participation in the on-site seminar in Chile, where organizations may be asked to contribute to expenses such as flights or accommodations. This small investment ensures access to a transformative experience that includes hands-on learning, networking with global experts, and co-creating solutions that will make a real impact in tackling drought-related challenges.
I am a key player in the desert innovation ecosystem, but don’t live in Peru/ Bolivia/ Chile/ Argentina. Can I participate?
No, the program is exclusive to players from the Atacama Desert Region.
Which language will be used throughout the program?
The program will be in English, and Spanish assistance will be provided.
What is the application process?
The application process consists of two stages. First, you are asked to complete the application form, which will help us screen and shortlist candidates. Selected applicants will then be invited for an online interview as the final step in the selection process.
How much time will I need to dedicate to the program if accepted?
We’ve designed the program to be impactful while respecting your busy schedule. Here’s a general idea of the time commitment:
-
12 hours of engaging online sessions spread across March.
-
From April to May, you’ll meet with solution providers about every two weeks for a brief, focused 2-hour session.
-
The exciting onsite seminar in June is an immersive experience and isn’t included in this calculation.
-
Follow-ups in June and July will include 1-hour weekly meetings to keep the momentum going.
You’ll also have the opportunity to complete occasional, action-oriented assignments with your team and management to shape your challenges and success criteria.
This flexible structure is designed to maximize learning, collaboration, and innovation while staying manageable within your ongoing commitments.
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