The program’s grand finale took place in Puerto Varas, marking the conclusion of a unique initiative led by Fundación Luksic’s International Training division in collaboration with Babson College. Over 40 students from various technical and vocational fields across Puerto Montt and Llanquihue participated in the course, gaining essential skills to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and prepare for future challenges.
The course was delivered in partnership with IP & CFT Santo Tomás, Duoc UC Puerto Montt campus, CFT Estatal de Llanquihue, AIEP Puerto Montt, and the Technical Institute of the University of Los Lagos. It combined five weeks of online classes with two in-person sessions in Puerto Varas, where Babson College faculty led group activities focused on innovation, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“At Fundación Luksic, we aim to connect Chile with the world and empower individuals to maximize their knowledge, talents, and skills. We are thrilled to have collaborated with Babson College, a top-tier institution recognized globally for its leadership in entrepreneurship education,” said Trinidad García, Director of International Training at Fundación Luksic.
Throughout the program, students worked in teams across different fields and institutions, tackling challenges designed to enhance their learning. On Saturday, the winning team was announced. The four students will travel to Boston in July 2025 to participate in Babson Build, a week-long immersion program in entrepreneurship and innovation.
The winning team includes Gloria Mansilla from AIEP Puerto Montt, Marilyn Moris from CFT Estatal de Los Lagos, Crysthel Hernández from IP & CFT Santo Tomás in Fresia, and Matías Gangas from Duoc UC Puerto Montt. “This was an incredible experience. We started as strangers and ended as a united team. The bond we formed was key to our success and overcoming the challenges,” said Matías Gangas.
“For me, this has been incredibly emotional. At 43, after going through a challenging time in life, I feel like I’m in my prime. I’m graduating this year, and now this opportunity has come—a priceless gift. It’s proof that anything is possible,” shared Marilyn Moris.
Empowering Students Through International Training
The course content was adapted from Babson College’s Entrepreneurial Mindset program, which focuses on equipping individuals with skills applicable not only to launching a business but also to navigating life’s challenges.
Babson professor Andrew Corbett noted, “The entrepreneurial mindset was shaped by the students themselves, through the ideas they shared and the experiences they had. Over these past few days, we defined this mindset as being curious, open, optimistic, and most importantly, resilient.”
Professor Lily Crosina echoed this sentiment, praising the students’ enthusiasm: “When I think about the students we met in Los Lagos, the words that come to mind are bright, fun, committed, and hardworking. It was a pleasure to work with them, and they taught us about the power of building community and mutual support. Even when we announced the winners, everyone shared in the joy—a rare and beautiful thing.”
As part of the final sessions, students participated in dynamic exercises and visited local entrepreneur Magdalena Saldivia, owner of Hidrosur Cultivos and a winner of Impulso Chileno. She shared firsthand insights into the entrepreneurial journey. All activities were supported by simultaneous translation to ensure active participation from everyone.
Felipe Vargas, an AIEP Puerto Montt student studying risk prevention engineering, described the program as extraordinary: “It was a true learning opportunity. The classes helped us uncover our skills and strengths, analyze our surroundings, and reflect on the opportunities within our own communities.”
