Chile: Leader in Artificial Intelligence in Latin America

Chile’s AI leadership is not a coincidence. The combination of advanced infrastructure, clear policies, and a collaborative ecosystem positions the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment in technology.

Technological development has become a determining factor for global economic growth and a key element of countries’ competitiveness. In this context, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key tool for economic growth, innovation, and national competitiveness, Chile stands out as an undisputed leader in Latin America, consolidating its position as a strategic hub for AI.

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index 2024 (ILIA 2024), prepared by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and ECLAC with support from international organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and UNESCO, ranks Chile in first place as a pioneer in the region.

This recognition highlights the country’s commitment to AI development through robust policies, strategic investments, and significant advancements in infrastructure.

A robust ecosystem for AI

Chile implemented its National Artificial Intelligence Policy in 2021, updating it in 2024 to address current technological challenges. This strategy not only establishes a clear framework for AI development, but also promotes public-private collaboration and the creation of national capabilities in research and development (R&D).

World-class infrastructure

Chile is the third-largest data center market in Latin America, with a colocation capacity of 150 MW. Additionally, it is the only country in the region with a National Data Center Plan, which projects investments of US$2.5 billion and the installation of 28 new data centers.

Currently, Chile hosts 58 data centers, 22 of which are operated by global companies.

But the focus on infrastructure doesn’t stop there. The country has allocated US$116 million to fund AI research over the next decade, strengthening its position as an attractive destination for technology investment.

A developing regulatory framework

Chilean Congress is set for an intense legislative debate in 2025 regarding AI regulation, demonstrating the country’s commitment to ensuring the ethical and safe use of this technology.

This evolving regulatory framework aims to balance technological development with the protection of rights and sustainability.

The AI landscape in the region

While countries like Brazil and Uruguay also stand out as pioneers in AI, and Argentina and Mexico are notable adopters, Chile leads the way with its comprehensive approach that combines advanced infrastructure, clear public policies, and a collaborative multisectoral ecosystem.

• Brazil

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index 2024 (ILIA 2024) ranks it among the pioneering countries. Brazil stands out for its robust technological infrastructure and its Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (EBIA), which addresses education, the labor market, and productive sectors.

With 159 data centers and a projected capacity of 2 GW by 2028, Brazil leads the data center market in Latin America. Additionally, the government will invest US$4.1 billion to develop a supercomputer and advanced language models in Portuguese. However, intellectual property restrictions in the recent AI bill create uncertainty for investors.

• Uruguay

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index 2024 (ILIA 2024) ranks it among the pioneering countries. Uruguay updated its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2024, laying a solid foundation for governance and encouraging public-private investment, although the country hosts only nine data centers.

Despite this progress, the limited presence of global data center providers poses a challenge to its competitiveness.

• Argentina

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index 2024 (ILIA 2024) ranks it among the adopters. Argentina aspires to become a global leader in AI, but faces significant obstacles. Although it has had a National Artificial Intelligence Plan (PNIA) since 2019, challenges such as a lack of connectivity and a low density of data centers—with only 32 certified facilities—persist.

The country stands out for its human talent and favorable weather conditions for data centers. However, it needs to improve public-private collaboration and attract investment in technological infrastructure.

• Mexico

The Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index 2024 (ILIA 2024) ranks it among the adopters. Mexico is the second-largest data center market in the region, with 53 facilities and a projected investment of US$9.19 billion over the next five years. However, it lacks a specific national strategy for AI, which limits its ability to compete with other regional leaders.

The country faces a significant digital gap, particularly in rural communities, and a developing 5G network. Establishing a national AI policy and closing these gaps could position Mexico as a more significant player in the regional artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Opportunities for investors

Chile not only leads in AI, but also offers a favorable environment for foreign investment in technology.

Chile’s AI leadership is not a coincidence. The combination of advanced infrastructure, clear policies, and a collaborative ecosystem positions the country as an attractive destination for foreign investment in technology.

As AI continues to transform industries, Chile is emerging as the epicenter of innovation in Latin America, offering a model to follow for the region.

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