10 Best AI Development Companies in Chile in 2026

Chile has quietly become one of Latin America's strongest AI markets. It leads the region on the AI Index, ahead of Brazil and Uruguay, and is home to CENIA, the research center behind LatamGPT, Latin America's first collaborative large language model. Combined with a stable OECD economy and growing investment in AI, Chile has become a reliable destination for AI development.

For US companies, the biggest advantage is time zone alignment. Santiago overlaps with the US East Coast for six to eight hours each day, making real-time collaboration easy. Combined with strong engineering talent and dependable delivery, it's a cost-effective choice for AI projects. Below are the ten best AI development companies in Chile for 2026. Softaims and Devaims lead the list, followed by the strongest local firms, each with an honest review. You'll also find pricing insights and the key factors to consider before hiring in Chile.

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The Best AI Development Companies in Chile at a Glance

Team sizes and rates reflect public profiles as of mid 2026 and can change. Softaims and Devaims are our two top picks. Use Softaims to hire vetted AI developers directly, in Chile or anywhere. Use Devaims to build the product around them.

The 10 Best AI Development Companies in Chile

The AI development companies in Chile below mix build-for-hire firms with two flagship AI product companies. Softaims and Devaims lead. The local names follow, each with a clear trade-off.

1. Softaims

Best for: Hiring vetted AI developers directly, matched to your needs and budget.

Softaims is a talent marketplace. You hire pre-screened AI developers on your terms. Want someone in Chile for the time zone? You can. Prefer a global pool for a sharper rate? That works too. You filter by skill, seniority, location, and price. Matches arrive within 48 hours. You also skip the cost of a local entity.

The work spans custom AI development and AI agent development. It also covers AI chatbots, generative AI, and OpenAI API integration. You keep the model, the code, and the data. There is no lock-in. Browse the talent pool or check rates to start.

2. Devaims

Best for: Building the AI feature and the product around it with one team.

A model is not a product on its own. It needs a working app, live data, and a real interface. Devaims builds that whole surface. It covers software development and mobile app development. One team owns both sides. So changes after launch stay simple. 

3. Acid Labs

Best for: Software, cloud, and AI at enterprise scale.

Acid Labs is one of Chile's largest software companies. It delivers custom software, cloud, e-commerce, and staff augmentation. Its team spans hundreds of engineers. It serves clients across Chile and the US.

Downside: It is a broad software firm, so a deep research-grade AI problem may need a specialist.

4. Coderslab

Best for: Nearshore development and IT staff augmentation.

Coderslab is a well-known Chilean nearshore firm. It provides timezone-aligned teams for US and LatAm clients. It also runs a large coding academy. That pipeline feeds its talent bench.

Downside: Its strength is staffing and delivery, so define the AI scope clearly up front.

5. Kudaw

Best for: Data analytics and applied AI.

Kudaw is a Santiago firm founded in 2010. It focuses on data analytics, big data, and AI. It helps enterprises turn data into models and insight. That data foundation is where real AI starts.

Downside: Its core is data and analytics, so a consumer AI product may need a product-led partner.

6. GUX Technologies

Best for: Custom AI software for growing businesses.

GUX Technologies is a Santiago firm founded in 2012. It builds AI and custom software for local and regional clients. It fits companies adding AI to a modern product. Its size keeps it flexible.

Downside: As a smaller firm, confirm capacity for a large enterprise programme.

7. Arkano Software

Best for: Enterprise digital and AI transformation.

Arkano Software works across Chile and the wider region. It helps enterprises use AI and cloud for digital transformation. It has offices in several Latin American countries. That reach suits multi-market rollouts.

Downside: Its enterprise focus can be heavier than a startup pilot needs.

8. Raven

Best for: AI and product strategy for complex industries.

Raven is a Santiago consultancy known for strong delivery. It works across travel, banking, and environmental services. It focuses on product roadmaps and customer strategy. Clients praise its cultural fit and responsiveness.

Downside: It leans toward strategy and product, so heavy engineering may need a build partner.

9. NotCo

Best for: AI-driven food technology.

NotCo is a Santiago company and a Chilean AI success story. Its Giuseppe AI engine designs plant-based foods that mimic animal products. It works with global food brands. It shows Chile's applied AI at its best.

Downside: It is a foodtech product company, not a general AI development agency.

10. Zippedi

Best for: Retail AI and in-store robotics.

Zippedi is a Santiago company building AI-powered retail robots. Its bots scan store shelves and track inventory. Large retailers use its data to cut stockouts. It reflects Chile's strength in applied vision AI.

Downside: It is a retail-focused product firm, so it fits that sector rather than custom builds.

AI Hubs in Chile

Chile's AI ecosystem is concentrated in Santiago, but several cities have developed strengths in different industries. Together, they provide a mix of research, enterprise software, startup innovation, and industrial AI expertise.

Santiago is the center of Chile's AI industry. It is home to most AI companies, venture capital firms, accelerators, and research institutions, making it the first choice for enterprise AI projects. Neighborhoods like Providencia and Las Condes have become hubs for technology consultancies, software companies, and data engineering teams serving both local and international clients.

Valparaíso contributes through its universities and startup ecosystem, producing engineering talent and supporting research-driven AI companies. Antofagasta stands out for applying AI to mining, logistics, industrial automation, and renewable energy, reflecting the region's importance to Chile's economy. Together, these hubs give businesses access to both cutting-edge AI research and practical industry expertise.

Cost of Hiring AI Developers in Chile

Chile offers a strong balance between cost and quality. While it isn't the lowest-cost market in Latin America, it consistently attracts companies looking for experienced engineers, reliable delivery, and strong English communication. For many US businesses, those advantages outweigh the slightly higher rates.

AI Engineer Salaries in Chile

AI salaries remain competitive compared to North America while reflecting growing demand for machine learning and generative AI expertise. Engineers with experience in LLMs, computer vision, and MLOps command noticeably higher compensation than general software developers.

Sources: SalaryExpert and 2026 market salary data.

Nearshore AI Development Rates

Working with a Chilean AI development company gives US businesses access to senior engineering talent while maintaining significant savings over domestic hiring. Rates are generally higher than the lowest-cost Latin American markets but reflect Chile's reputation for consistent execution and technical quality.

Senior AI developers in Chile typically cost 40–50% less than comparable US engineers. While countries like Argentina or Colombia may offer lower hourly rates, Chile is often chosen for its mature business environment, dependable delivery, and strong English proficiency.

Why US Companies Choose Chile

For many US businesses, the biggest advantage isn't cost; it's collaboration.

Santiago overlaps with the US East Coast for six to eight working hours each day, making daily standups, sprint planning, design reviews, and customer meetings easy to schedule. Teams can work together in real time instead of relying on overnight handoffs, reducing delays and speeding up product development.

Combined with experienced engineering talent and a stable business environment, Chile has become one of the strongest nearshore destinations for AI development.

AI and Data Regulations in Chile

Chile is rapidly modernizing its digital and AI regulations. Businesses building AI products that process customer data should understand these requirements early, especially if they serve international markets.

Law 21.719 is the most significant change. It replaces Chile's outdated privacy framework with a modern data protection law aligned with GDPR principles. The legislation establishes a new Personal Data Protection Agency, strengthens individual privacy rights, and introduces protections around automated decision-making, including the right to request human review in certain situations. The law enters into full force on 1 December 2026, making compliance an important consideration for any company building AI applications that process personal data.

Why Chile Stands Out for AI Development

Chile has become one of Latin America's most attractive destinations for AI development. While it isn't the cheapest market, it consistently ranks among the region's most dependable for engineering quality, business stability, and long-term investment.

• Latin America's AI leader. Chile ranks first on the Latin American AI Index, reflecting its strong research ecosystem, government support, and digital readiness.
• Home to CENIA and LatamGPT. Chile's National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) leads the development of LatamGPT, the region's first collaborative large language model.
• Stable business environment. As the only OECD member in South America, Chile offers lower political and economic risk than many neighboring markets.
• Growing US partnerships. Initiatives such as the 2026 Pax Silica agreement continue to strengthen technology collaboration between Chile and the United States.
• Expanding AI infrastructure. Affordable renewable energy, especially solar power from the Atacama Desert, is driving investment in cloud infrastructure and modern data centers.

Chile isn't the lowest-cost option in Latin America. Instead, companies choose it for reliable delivery, experienced engineering teams, and a business environment built for long-term partnerships.

How to Choose an AI Development Company in Chile

The best AI partner isn't always the one with the biggest portfolio or the lowest hourly rate. Focus on a company's ability to solve real business problems and deliver production-ready AI systems.

• Prioritize real product experience. Ask what AI solutions they've deployed in production, not just what technologies they know.
• Verify time-zone availability. One of Chile's biggest advantages is real-time collaboration with US teams. Make sure your development partner actually works overlapping business hours.
• Review AI expertise carefully. Look for hands-on experience with LLMs, machine learning, computer vision, AI agents, or the technologies your project requires.
• Understand their compliance approach. If your product handles personal data, ask how they prepare clients for Chile's new privacy law (Law 21.719) and international standards such as GDPR.
• Request customer references. Named clients, measurable outcomes, and long-term partnerships provide stronger proof than generic case studies.
• Clarify IP ownership early. Your contract should clearly state that you own the source code, AI models, training data, documentation, and all project deliverables.
• Start with a pilot project. A small paid engagement is often the fastest way to evaluate communication, technical quality, and delivery before committing to a larger partnership.

A good AI development company should feel like an extension of your team, not just another vendor. Prioritize technical expertise, transparent communication, and a proven ability to deliver real business outcomes.

FAQs About AI Development Companies in Chile

Why hire AI developers in Chile?

Chile leads Latin America on AI and offers strong engineering talent. It shares US working hours and has excellent English. It is the region's most stable economy. Costs sit below North America.

How much do AI development companies in Chile charge?

Nearshore rates run about $23 to $35 per hour for mid-level developers. Seniors sit at $35 to $50. ML and LLM specialists reach $50 to $63. Boutique consultancies charge more.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Chile?

A software or AI engineer averages around CLP 50 million a year, roughly $52,000. Seniors and specialists earn more. That is 40 to 50% below equivalent US pay.

Does Chile have a data protection law?

Yes. Law 21.719, passed in 2024, aligns Chile with GDPR. It takes full effect on 1 December 2026. It creates a new Personal Data Protection Agency and covers automated decisions.

Why is Chile good for nearshore AI work?

Santiago overlaps six to eight hours a day with the US East Coast. That allows real-time collaboration. Chile also offers reliable delivery and strong English, which US buyers value highly.

Which Chilean city leads in AI?

Santiago dominates, with most firms, investors, and research. Districts like Providencia and Las Condes host many consultancies. Mining regions apply AI to industry and energy.

Do Chilean firms work with international clients?

Widely. Most serve US and Latin American clients. Remote and hybrid delivery is standard, helped by the shared time zone and strong English.

Conclusion

Chile has established itself as one of Latin America's strongest destinations for AI development. Its combination of skilled engineering talent, a stable business environment, growing AI research, and overlapping US working hours makes it an excellent choice for companies building AI products. While it isn't the lowest-cost market in the region, it consistently delivers the reliability and collaboration that many businesses value more than the lowest hourly rate.

The right partner ultimately depends on your goals. If you want a Chile-based AI company with strong local expertise and real-time collaboration, the firms above are among the best choices. If you need to scale an AI team quickly without setting up a local entity, Softaims can connect you with vetted AI developers in Chile and around the world within 48 hours, giving you the flexibility to build faster without long-term commitments.

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My name is Jordan G. and I have over 4 years of experience in the tech industry. I specialize in the following technologies: HTML, JavaScript, Bootstrap, WordPress, React, etc.. I hold a degree in Associate of Science (AS). Some of the notable projects I’ve worked on include: Proabition – Speakeasy-Inspired Website Design, Minimalist WordPress Website for Academic Portfolio, Casa Mia Group, Estrella Taqueria Lounge, Cyber Rental Properties, etc.. I am based in Phoenix, United States. I've successfully completed 12 projects while developing at Softaims.

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