On May 6^th and 7^th, the Dual Hub Summit –Chile's first forum on dual innovation–  takes place at the Universidad del Bío-Bío in Concepción. The event is organized by Know Hub Chile and is sponsored, among other entities, by the Chilean Air Force and the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE 2026).

This summit brings together startups, universities, defense-related companies, investors, and key players in the R&D+I ecosystem. Its goal is to consolidate Chile as a Latin American benchmark for dual-use technologies, by making both national and international leaders and top-tier speakers to participate.

One of the main goals of the Dual Hub Summit is to effectively connect science, defense, industry, and the State. Moreover, the event explores Chile’s potential role in the new space race, focusing on how to activate the country's technological, institutional, and scientific capabilities.

On the first day of the summit, Lieutenant General Luis Sáez Collantes, Commander of the Logistics Command of the Chilean Air Force and President of FIDAE, participated in the second panel, titled “Space Economy: Strategic Opportunities for Chile”, where he made the presentation “FIDAE as a Major Driver for the Development of the Aerospace Industry.” In his remarks, Lieutenant General Sáez emphasized how FIDAE, over its 45-year history, has become a key promoter of the national and regional aerospace sector, as well as a vital bridge connecting industry, academia, and defense.

“FIDAE has established itself as the leading and most widely recognized Aerospace, Defense, and Security Exhibition in Latin America. This success stems from its unique ability to bring together supply and demand, making it the premier trade show in the region with the most balanced and diverse mix of industries. Set in an environment specifically designed for a world-class event, FIDAE serves as the ideal platform for business development, B2B interactions, and networking opportunities. It also features a series of conferences and seminars, offering a comprehensive showcase that continues to evolve alongside the aerospace field," stated Lieutenant General Sáez.

 

 

He added: “The International Air and Space Fair also serves as a major national hub aimed at developing the industry. That is why the participation of FIDAE and the Chilean Air Force in this kind of events is so important. They provide opportunities for discussion and analysis on how to promote research, development, and innovation, and highlight the benefits all this bring to the country.”

The participation of FIDAE 2026 in the Dual Hub Summit reinforces its commitment to fostering innovation and cross-sector collaboration. By actively engaging in initiatives that promote dialogue, FIDAE strengthens its role as a strategic platform for enhancing national and regional capabilities, positioning Chile as a key player in technological advancement.