From Chile to Philadelphia: A Fellow’s Exchange Experience with Host Partner WorldUpstart

Through World Affairs' partnership with IREX, WorldUpstart was honored to host Francisco Jara Montecinos, a fellow in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) program. Francisco, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of the Santiago, Chile-based biotech company Bionaute, traveled to Philadelphia to participate in the four-week professional exchange.

Rooted in a shared commitment to mentorship, innovation, and international collaboration, the exchange provided an opportunity for Francisco to share his entrepreneurial perspective from Chile while building connections within Philadelphia's life sciences and startup community.

In this Global Exchange Profiles feature, World Affairs highlights Francisco's experience with WorldUpstart through a conversation with Francisco and WorldUpstart Founder and CEO Karina Sotnik. Together, they reflect on the fellowship, the value of cross-cultural exchange and mentorship, and the lasting relationships and insights that emerged from the experience.

Read the full story on World Affairs Council of Philadelphia