In a time when businesses rely heavily on data and automation, Salvador Achondo sets himself apart as an entrepreneur who seamlessly combines innovation with a strong dedication to sustainability and social impact.
From his entrepreneurial beginnings in Chile to his innovative work with U.S.-based corporations, Achondo has made a name for himself as a forward-thinking leader redefining how AI can impact the business world.
“AI and machine learning are relatively recent technologies, both of which started in the 20th century,” says Achondo, “but they’ve already proven invaluable, especially for large companies managing data scattered across silos.
“By consolidating all this information into a single data repository, we can leverage AI to analyze it and provide actionable recommendations, helping businesses make smarter, more informed decisions.”
This philosophy underpins Achondo’s career, where his dual focus on innovation and impact has led to breakthroughs in industries ranging from retail to manufacturing.
“AI is not just about technology,” says Achondo. “It’s about solving real-world problems in economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable ways.”
Achondo’s outstanding expertise and leadership have been widely recognized, earning him numerous prestigious honors and awards.
Most notably, he received the Consumer Experience Award at the Innova Summit Latam Chile 2023, acknowledging his transformative impact on the customer experience through innovative solutions.
He was also honored as one of Chile’s “100 Young Leaders” in 2014, a prestigious award that celebrates excellence and recognizes outstanding individuals who excel in their respective fields.
Achondo’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he has also earned membership in various respected societies and networks, further cementing his position as a leading figure in business innovation and sustainability.
Achondo is an active member of ChileFlorida.org, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting Chilean tech entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses from Florida to the U.S., Latin America, and beyond.
Membership is awarded based on exceptional expertise, proven abilities in a chosen business field, and remarkable, widely recognized accomplishments.
Achondo is also a distinguished member of Start-Up Chile, one of the world’s most prominent seed accelerators, supported by the Chilean government.
In this role, he provides invaluable guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to grow their ventures. Achondo’s mentorship includes advising on innovative business strategies, fostering a culture of innovation, and helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges associated with scaling their businesses.
Through Start-Up Chile’s unique platform, which offers access to equity-free investment opportunities and a global entrepreneurial network, Achondo is pivotal in empowering startups to reach new heights and establish a competitive presence in international markets.
Achondo was also a presenter at the highly prestigious COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference under the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
These accolades testify to his ongoing contributions to Chile’s technological and entrepreneurial landscapes and beyond.
The Genesis of a Visionary
Achondo’s path was shaped by his background in Industrial Design, where he honed his ability to think creatively and tackle challenges with innovative solutions.
“Design is all about understanding complexity and making it simple,” Achondo explains. “That mindset has shaped how I approach challenges in business and technology.”
In Chile, he founded several startups that showcased his ability to turn this philosophy into action. Among his early successes was creating an AI-powered accounting system for small businesses, fully integrated with WhatsApp.
This solution democratized access to accounting services for entrepreneurs in Latin America, providing economic, social, and environmental benefits by eliminating paper-based workflows.
“Innovation isn’t just for big companies,” Achondo reflects. “Some of the most impactful solutions empower small businesses to compete and thrive.”
As the CEO of Mantilhue LLC, an R&D consultancy firm headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Achondo combines innovation with practical solutions to help businesses thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Drawing from his entrepreneurial roots in Latin America, where he founded ventures that bridged technology and accessibility, Achondo has built a reputation for designing AI-driven strategies that optimize operations and create meaningful impact.
In addition to his work with Mantilhue LLC, Achondo’s mentorship through Start-Up Chile enables him to support and educate early-stage entrepreneurs: “Being an entrepreneur means wearing every hat—salesman, marketer, CEO, CFO, even the one who cleans up. It teaches you to see the big picture while staying grounded in every detail,” Achondo says.
Achondo’s hands-on approach—combining mentorship, strategic advising, and technical expertise has been pivotal in helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between their home market and the broader opportunities available in the U.S.
His ability to navigate cultural and business nuances makes him an invaluable resource for startups seeking a foothold in highly competitive markets.
Scaling Impact in the U.S.
Now based in Boca Raton, Florida, Achondo collaborates with leading companies to implement AI-driven strategies that transform their operations.
His experience spans industries such as retail and manufacturing, where his innovative solutions help businesses optimize processes and make more informed decisions.
With his unique skill set and knowledge of the US and Latin America markets, Achondo is also an active member of ChileFlorida.org, an innovative initiative dedicated to empowering Chilean tech entrepreneurs as they expand their businesses from Florida into the U.S., Latin America, and beyond.
Membership is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional expertise and abilities in their field and a track record of outstanding and widely recognized accomplishments.
Achondo is also working with Kroger, one of the largest U.S. retailers, to leverage AI to transform business processes and enhance customer experiences.
He also collaborates with Perfetti Van Melle, a global leader in confectionery manufacturing. The company operates in over 150 countries and maintains a strong market presence across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, generating billions in annual revenue.
Drawing on his expertise in business development and AI integration, he spearheaded a project that combined data from market trends, operations, and HR systems.
The AI-driven insights led to significant cost savings and sparked new product innovations, showcasing his ability to drive impactful change.
“AI is a tool, not a replacement for human ingenuity,” Achondo asserts. “It amplifies our ability to see patterns, make connections, and act decisively.
“As someone with a background in design and business, I’ve seen how AI can bridge the gap between creative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making, empowering teams to work smarter and innovate faster while keeping sustainability at the forefront.”
Jaime Bellolio, former Minister Secretary General of the Government of Chile, first met Achondo through his recognition as one of Chile’s “100 Young Leaders” in 2014. Bellolio deeply admires Achondo’s dedication to innovation and his impactful contributions to sustainability and leadership.
“Salvador is a visionary leader who combines innovation with a deep commitment to sustainability. His ability to inspire and drive meaningful change makes him a true asset to Chile and beyond,” says Bellolio.
Sustainability at the Core
Achondo’s work is defined by a commitment to sustainability, an ethos he describes as “triple impact”—economic, social, and environmental.
He looks for opportunities to align technological innovation with broader societal goals in every project.
In one manufacturing project, Achondo’s team identified inefficiencies in a production process that resulted in excessive energy use.
By applying AI to optimize workflows and streamline machinery operations, they not only reduced costs but also lowered the company’s carbon footprint.
“Sustainability isn’t an afterthought,” Achondo says. “It’s a fundamental part of how we design solutions for the future.
“Whether it’s optimizing operations, uncovering cost inefficiencies, or reimagining how products are priced, produced, or delivered, the goal is always the same—streamline processes, increase profit margins, and create a roadmap for continuous improvement.”
He adds: “Through AI and machine learning, we’re not just solving problems but building smarter, more sustainable systems that deliver lasting value.”
Disrupting the Status Quo
A hallmark of Achondo’s approach is his willingness to challenge traditional business methods.
Drawing on his entrepreneurial background, he brings agility and creativity to environments often bogged down by bureaucracy and inertia.
“Large corporations tend to move slowly,” Achondo observes. “They often hesitate to embrace change, even when inefficiencies are glaring. That’s where I come in. My experience working with executives has shown me the importance of asking difficult questions and proposing fresh perspectives.
“As a designer, I bring a unique lens to the table—balancing creativity with data-driven insights—while my entrepreneurial background allows me to demonstrate how things can be done quickly and effectively, especially with the right AI tools in play.”
Achondo recalls working with a manufacturing company struggling to stay afloat because they were producing goods in-house at a loss.
By diving into the data and exploring different supply chain options, his team suggested outsourcing production to a third-party supplier. The move saved the company millions and significantly boosted its efficiency.
“Sometimes, the most sustainable solution is also the most logical,” he notes. “It’s about finding that sweet spot where business goals and environmental stewardship align.”
The Human Element of AI
Achondo is quick to highlight the human dimension of artificial intelligence. While AI is often portrayed as a standalone solution, he emphasizes the importance of human input and oversight in ensuring its success.
“AI is only as good as the data you feed it,” Achondo explains. “And that data needs to come from people who truly understand the nuances of the business—those on the ground who see the daily challenges and opportunities. AI doesn’t replace human expertise; it amplifies it. It’s about collaboration, not competition.
“The best results come when humans provide context, insight, and creativity, while AI handles the complexity of processing massive amounts of information.”
This collaborative mindset has earned Achondo the trust of his clients, who see him as a consultant and partner in their transformation journey.
He envisions a world where AI plays a central role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. However, he cautions against using AI as a one-size-fits-all solution.
“AI is a powerful tool, but it needs to be deployed thoughtfully,” Achondo says. “The goal should always be to create value—not just for shareholders, but for society.”
One of Achondo’s ambitions is to integrate AI more deeply into cross-functional business processes, breaking down silos and fostering collaboration.
“Many companies still operate with outdated systems,” he observes. “These legacy systems often function in silos, making it difficult to share information or spot inefficiencies. By connecting them through AI, we can bridge those gaps and unlock previously buried insights.
“This integration doesn’t just improve operations—it sparks innovation across entire organizations, empowering teams to make data-driven decisions, optimize resources, and create both efficient and forward-thinking solutions.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
As Achondo reflects on his career, he is most proud of his work’s impact on people and communities. From empowering small businesses in Chile to helping multinational corporations adopt sustainable practices, his contributions extend far beyond the bottom line.
“I want to be remembered as a problem solver,” he says. “Someone who used technology to make a difference—not just for businesses, but for the world.”
Minister Cristián Larroulet, former Minister Secretary General of the Presidency and a key presidential advisor during Sebastián Piñera’s administrations became familiar with Achondo’s work when Achondo was honored as one of Chile’s “100 Young Leaders.”
Larroulet recognizes Achondo’s exceptional contributions to innovation and sustainable development.
He says: “Salvador embodies the spirit of leadership and innovation that drives meaningful progress,” says Larroulet.
“His ability to merge entrepreneurial vision with a commitment to sustainability makes him a standout figure in Chile’s development story.
“He’s not just focused on short-term gains but on creating solutions that have a lasting impact—whether it’s through advancing technology, supporting economic growth, or championing environmental responsibility.”
There is no doubt that Achondo’s work exemplifies how one individual’s dedication and creativity can inspire transformative change in both local and global contexts.
His unique blend of entrepreneurial grit, technical expertise, and commitment to sustainability sets him apart in AI.
As businesses around the globe grapple with the complexities of digital transformation, leaders like Achondo are proving that innovation and impact can go hand in hand.
“The future of AI isn’t just about what we can automate,” he concludes. “It’s about what we can achieve together.”
Achondo is not just an AI expert; he’s a visionary who redefines what it means to innovate responsibly.
His work exemplifies how technology can be a force for good, driving progress while addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Achondo’s approach is a beacon of what’s possible when entrepreneurship and sustainability intersect in a world hungry for solutions. Businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the modern era would do well to follow his lead.
