In the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the clearest skies in the world, an edtech startup is bridging the cosmos and the classroom. AtacamaScope, founded by Paz Navarro, is on a mission to ignite curiosity and empower students and teachers in STEM education, with a special focus on astronomy and science.
As an educator and innovator, Paz recognized the unique potential of her environment. “We live in the desert in Chile, which has one of the best skies in the world to study different objects in space,” she explains. So, she built a platform that brings the magic of astronomy to classrooms everywhere, no matter where on Earth they are.
Hands-On Astronomy with Real-Time Telescopes
AtacamaScope offers a suite of three cutting-edge tools that blend software and hardware for a fully immersive learning experience. At the core of the platform is a remote-controlled telescope system that allows students to operate real telescopes in Chile from anywhere in the world.
Kids can move the telescope in real time, exploring stars, galaxies, and planets with just a few clicks. Whether they’re in a classroom in Toronto or a home in Tokyo, they get a front-row seat to the night sky of the southern hemisphere.
“It’s very fun, it’s exciting,” says Paz. “They can look at different objects in space in real time. Even if they’re learning during the day, our platform can simulate the experience of night observations.”
Gamifying Science Education
In addition to its telescope control software, AtacamaScope also features a third tool: a video game. This game-based learning approach deepens students’ engagement with astronomy, allowing them to explore scientific concepts through play, strategy, and storytelling.
It’s all part of Paz’s broader vision: to make astronomy accessible, exciting, and educational for all learners, regardless of background or location.
A Global Journey Sparked in Chile
AtacamaScope’s journey went international thanks to a government-supported program in Chile that connected Paz with Global Startups (formerly known as LatAm Startups) in North America. It was during a Women in Tech initiative that Paz realized the global potential of her project.
They enrolled in the Startup Visa Program right after they finished the Women in Tech bootcamp.
“When we ended the program, we thought, we have to be here,” she recalls. “And finally, we are here thanks to the support of Global Startups and all their staff.”
Looking Ahead
From the deserts of Chile to classrooms around the globe, AtacamaScope is proving that learning can be as vast and thrilling as the universe itself. With innovative tools, a passion for education, and the power of international collaboration, Paz Navarro and her team are redefining what’s possible in STEM learning.
Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or simply someone who’s always looked up at the stars in wonder, keep an eye on AtacamaScope. The sky is no longer the limit.
Learn more about AtacamaScope https://atacamascope.cl/
