How many AI companies are there in Latin America?

AI companies in Latin America are shaping the region’s technological landscape, although growth remains uneven across different countries. Brazil, Chile, and Mexico lead the AI ecosystem, while other nations are making steady progress. Below, we explore how this sector is evolving in the main Latin American markets.

Brazil: the regional leader in AI

Brazil stands out as the country with the largest number of artificial intelligence companies in Latin America, with 154 active firms. This leadership reflects the size of its economy, investments in innovation, and the crucial role played by the private sector.

Brazil’s AI ecosystem benefits from incentive programs and public-private partnerships. Brazilian companies excel in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and digital commerce. Moreover, AI solutions developed in Brazil are gaining international recognition, expanding the country’s influence in the global market.

Chile and Mexico: strategic growth hubs

Chile ranks second in Latin America's AI ecosystem, with 40 active companies. This progress reflects the country's commitment to digital transformation, supported by public policies and the involvement of universities and research centers. Chilean AI companies operate in key sectors such as mining, retail, and financial services, positioning the country as a model of innovation for the region.

Mexico, with 32 AI companies, ranks third in the region. Its market stands out for its dynamism and growth opportunities in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and financial services. The private sector remains the driving force behind AI development in Mexico, with an ecosystem that continues to expand as more companies adopt AI technologies.

Steady progress in Colombia and Argentina

Colombia has 19 AI companies, placing it fourth in the region. This growth is the result of a combination of public policies and private sector involvement. Colombian companies are investing in automation and data analysis to improve their competitiveness.

Argentina, with 17 AI companies, maintains an active ecosystem despite economic challenges. Argentine universities play a key role in developing digital talent, while local startups explore AI applications in sectors such as healthcare and agribusiness.

Peru, Uruguay, and Ecuador: growing ecosystems

Peru has 8 AI companies in its tech ecosystem. While the number is smaller compared to other countries, it reflects steady growth. AI is gaining traction in Peru’s banking, retail, and telecommunications sectors, where automation and data analysis are becoming key competitive factors.

Uruguay and Ecuador also figure in the regional AI ecosystem, with 4 and 3 companies respectively. Although their markets are smaller, they are showing increasing interest in technological innovation. Both countries aim to attract investments and encourage the adoption of new technologies. With strategic policies and international collaboration, these ecosystems could become more competitive in the coming years.

Key factors driving AI growth in Latin America

Several strategic factors explain the rise of artificial intelligence companies in Latin America:

• Accelerated digital transformation: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technological solutions as companies adapted to the new reality. AI has become a key resource for automating processes and improving decision-making.
• Availability of digital talent: Universities, bootcamps, and training programs have increased the supply of AI professionals. This has allowed local companies to develop advanced and competitive solutions.
• Access to funding: Local and international investment funds are increasingly supporting AI startups. This influx of capital enables companies to scale rapidly and explore new markets.
• Public-private collaboration: Partnerships between governments, businesses, and research centers are facilitating the development of robust tech ecosystems.

The growth of AI companies in Latin America reflects an ongoing technological transformation. Brazil, Chile, and Mexico lead the sector, while other countries are making steady progress. As more industries adopt AI solutions, the economic and social impact will increase. Regional collaboration and the strengthening of digital ecosystems will be key to positioning Latin America as a major player in the global AI market.