This report examines three rapidly growing ICT sectors in Chile:
- Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
The global cybersecurity market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.63% between 2025 and 2030 as organizations strengthen protections against rising cyber threats. Chile ranks fifth in Latin America for cybersecurity readiness and continues to increase investment in managed security services.
IoT adoption is transforming industries such as mining, agriculture, aquaculture and energy by improving efficiency, sustainability and real-time decision-making. Mining, which contributes 14% of Chile's GDP, is integrating IoT to improve operational safety and resource management. Agriculture and aquaculture are using IoT for precision monitoring and automation, while the energy sector, particularly renewable energy, is adopting IoT for smart grid management and predictive maintenance.
AI adoption is also accelerating across mining, finance, healthcare, retail and logistics. Growing demand for AI-driven automation, data analytics and decision-making tools presents significant opportunities for Canadian technology providers seeking to enter or expand in the Chilean market.
However, Chile faces challenges in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in these sectors. According to the National Training and Employment Service (SENCE), the country faced an annual shortage of approximately 6,000 IT professionals by mid-2022. This skills gap could limit Chile's ability to fully realize the benefits of these emerging technologies.
A study by Fundación País Digital and Accenture also estimates that Chile could forgo nearly USD 13 billion in economic growth by 2030 if the workforce does not develop the skills needed to support the ICT sector. Addressing workforce shortages through education, training and international collaboration will be critical to sustaining growth in cybersecurity, IoT and AI.
Leading Chilean companies are already advancing the adoption of these technologies. Antofagasta Minerals is implementing AI and IoT solutions to optimize predictive maintenance and improve sustainability in its mining operations. BHP is expanding its use of autonomous systems and real-time monitoring technologies to improve safety and productivity across its sites. Agrosuper is using IoT and data analytics to improve traceability, animal welfare and operational efficiency in food production.
These examples demonstrate strong demand for specialized ICT solutions and create opportunities for Canadian companies with expertise in AI, IoT integration and cybersecurity services. As Chilean industries continue to modernize, Canadian firms can support this transformation by providing advanced technologies, advisory services and workforce development support tailored to the local context.
