Cross-border innovation ecosystems are interconnected networks in which governments, startups, investors, universities, and industry partners collaborate across countries to share knowledge, talent, and capital.
These ecosystems are increasingly shaping the future of global entrepreneurship. By enabling companies to scale faster, they can enter new markets more efficiently and access diverse innovation hubs beyond their home countries.
Within this context, Claudia Serrer’s work focuses on strengthening practical pathways for international companies, particularly Latin American startups and scale-ups, to integrate into the U.S. innovation landscape.
Based in Miami, she supports structured market entry by facilitating partnerships with accelerators, institutions, and corporate networks that help founders move from early-stage development to international growth.
“I work by identifying companies with strong potential and actively connecting them with partners, accelerators, and institutions in the U.S. market so they can access real opportunities for expansion and collaboration,” Serrer explains.
She works at the intersection of international business, innovation, and ecosystem development. And her work is imperative in helping companies navigate expansion into the United States through structured support and market guidance.
A key part of Serrer’s role involves building relationships. Her work reflects a broader vision of innovation, one where cross-border collaboration creates tangible economic value through stronger partnerships, knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and access to diverse talent.
Through her involvement with organizations that support entrepreneurship and inclusive leadership, including women-focused business and mentorship networks, she has helped cultivate environments where emerging founders and international companies can thrive.
“It’s about helping companies identify the right ecosystem, build trusted relationships, and connect with the institutions, partners, and resources that can support sustainable growth and international expansion,” Serrer says.
“At the core of it, I see myself as someone who helps turn potential into meaningful partnerships and long-term opportunities for collaboration. In many cases, success is not determined by a single introduction, but by helping organizations find the right environment, align with the right stakeholders, and build relationships that continue creating value, generating new opportunities, and supporting growth over time.”
What makes Serrer’s approach particularly impactful is her ability to create long-term connections that benefit both international businesses and local U.S. markets. By facilitating strategic collaborations between global innovators and American institutions, she helps strengthen innovation capacity and expand business opportunities.
This work contributes to a more globally connected entrepreneurial ecosystem. It also reinforces the United States’ position as a leading hub for technology, innovation, and economic growth.
Serrer’s approach is rooted in a deep appreciation for inclusive networks: “I love being responsible for promoting and positioning companies and business opportunities in international markets,” she says.
“My career has always been closely tied to international business, and I take pride in helping businesses expand, particularly in exports and imports.”
This mindset has guided her efforts across roles at ProChile, where she supports companies in sectors such as EdTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, and health tech, while coordinating with North American offices.
Additionally, her active collaboration with the Chile-US Chamber of Commerce and ChileFlorida.org showcases her ongoing commitment to strengthening cross-border partnerships and promoting Chilean business interests globally.
“My role is to help companies translate potential into concrete opportunities by guiding them toward the right networks and stakeholders within the U.S. innovation landscape,” Serrer says.
“Rather than making introductions alone, I focus on ensuring there is real alignment between the company’s needs and the ecosystem they are entering, so that engagement leads to tangible progress and long-term collaboration.”
A cornerstone of Serrer's impact lies in partnerships with organizations that champion diversity and women’s leadership. Her collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Women in the United States, led by President Yamilet Rivas, highlights this commitment.
Rivas praises Serrer as “a trailblazer whose innovative mindset and leadership have reshaped the landscape of economic development in Miami.”
Rivas should know. She is a key organizer for the Top 100 Miami Hispanic Innovative Leaders Awards. The ceremony recognizes outstanding Hispanic professionals across the United States and Latin America.
Rivas was directly involved in Serrer’s selection and recognition within the 2025 award cohort: “Serrer’s recognition in this ranking highlights her national and international importance as a leader,” she says.
“Serrer has significantly contributed to economic growth, trade, and development in Miami and beyond. Her work has helped international companies better understand and enter the U.S. market by connecting them with the right partners and networks. It has also contributed to stronger trade relationships between regions. In practice, this has opened up more accessible pathways for startups and established firms to explore partnerships, funding, and innovation opportunities.
“Serrer’s recognition reflects her consistent impact in advancing measurable economic collaboration between Latin America and the United States.”
In 2025, Serrer received the Top 100 Miami Hispanic Innovative Leaders Award, recognizing her contributions to trade, innovation, and community growth. Her judging roles in competitions like the Harvard Miami Pitch Competition, FIME Startup Pitch, and eMerge Americas Social Ideas Finale further amplify emerging talent.
Serrer’s ecosystem-focused strategy emphasizes strengthening diverse talent flows and international collaboration. Through mentorship and matchmaking, she connects entrepreneurs across borders, ensuring that ideas from Latin America enrich U.S. innovation hubs like Miami.
As a certified mentor with The Venture Mentoring Team (VMT) since 2023, she went through a highly selective program involving rigorous background reviews and multiple interviews with leaders like Luis Murguia, and David Daffner.
She was also assessed by Bob Dakin, a highly accomplished international retail executive with a track record of driving sales growth and building globally recognized brands such as Calvin Klein, J.Jill, Brooks Brothers, Ann Taylor, and Lord & Taylor. Today, he also serves as a strategic advisor and consultant to startup accelerators in the retail and consumer goods sector.
“I value the perspective of experienced industry leaders because it strengthens the quality of the programs I’m part of and ensures that the support we provide to entrepreneurs is grounded in real market experience,” Serrer says.
“Working alongside professionals who have built and scaled globally recognized brands, reinforces the importance of combining strategic vision with practical execution when guiding startups through growth and international expansion.”
Serrer has also mentored over 300 students in subjects such as marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation since 2018 in Chile and the US..
“I used my experience in roles at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Universidad del Desarrollo to assist me with the curriculum,” says Serrer.
“My focus was on making the subject matter practical and directly applicable, so students could understand how marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation function in real business environments rather than only in theory. I also worked to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, helping students develop skills they could carry into startups, corporate roles, or their own ventures.”
As a seasoned professional in international business development, Serrer has shared her expertise on numerous high-profile panels, including Who leads next? AI, Talent Strategy & the Future of Succession , at eMerge Americas2026.
She also took part in panels such as “Chile’s Tech Trailblazers: Leading the Global AI Revolution” at eMerge Americas 2024, “Global Partnerships: Bringing Innovation to Florida” at BioFlorida 2024, and the Embassy Circle program at the 2024 NAFSA Conference showcase her ability to facilitate knowledge exchange.
In the latter, her participation earned thanks from the U.S. Commercial Service’s Pinki Thakker for delivering valuable insights to U.S. educational institutions.
Then in 2023, Serrer was on a panel for LATAM Business Environment, Trade, Critical Resources, Technology & Innovation at the International Business Forum hosted by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.
She also sat on the panel forTech Talent: A Global Perspective from Chile at eMerge Americas 2023.
“Participating in these panels and programs allows me to contribute practical insights on how international companies can engage with U.S. ecosystems, while also learning from other innovation environments,” Serrer explains.
“My goal is to ensure that these conversations translate into actionable understanding, so institutions and companies can better collaborate, build partnerships, and support sustainable innovation across borders.”
One standout achievement underscores the tangible value of these ecosystems: Serrer’s facilitation of Chilean health tech companies’ access to Mayo Clinic’s Innovation Exchange. After persistent networking, four firms joined the program, marking a milestone in global collaboration.
“This was a huge milestone,” Serrer recalls. "For the companies involved, it provided access to one of the world's leading healthcare innovation institutions and opportunities that would have been extremely difficult to achieve independently. More broadly, it demonstrated the quality and potential of Chilean health innovation on a global level.”
Such partnerships introduce new technologies, talent, and models that benefit participating markets by enhancing innovation capacity and fostering collaboration.
Serrer also brings entrepreneurial depth to her diplomatic role. As Commercial Manager at AEG Nutrición, she expanded markets across Latin America and the U.S., launching products and forging ties with PepsiCo.
Her co-founding of Alma Sur Group SpA and leadership at Nestlé Chile, where she became the first woman Customer Business Manager for Walmart, also honed her strategic acumen. These experiences inform her current work promoting Chilean innovation beyond traditional exports.
Serrer envisions a future where global entrepreneurship thrives on interconnected ecosystems: “I believe my combination of passion and responsibility sets me apart,” she reflects.
“I am deeply committed to delivering results, and I approach each project with a strong sense of accountability and purpose.
“I take the time to understand what businesses truly need, assess their goals and challenges, and then tailor my support accordingly so that the guidance I provide is practical, targeted, and aligned with achieving measurable outcomes.”
Serrer’s diplomatic communication and team leadership, recently as President of the Trade Commissioners Association in Miami, where she focuses on fostering environments where diverse talent flourishes.
“In my leadership roles, I focus on building trust as the foundation for collaboration,” Serrer says.
“When people feel heard and respected, it becomes much easier to align diverse teams, encourage open communication, and create an environment where different perspectives can contribute to stronger outcomes. My aim is always to make coordination across teams feel natural, transparent, and results-driven.”
For Serrer, it is not simply about adapting to change. It is about actively shaping it. She focuses on helping businesses use emerging technologies in practical ways. She also supports the development of cross-border partnerships that drive real growth. Alongside this, she promotes sustainable practices that can strengthen future industries.
"The next decade will be shaped by companies that are adaptable, innovative, and have a global mindset,’ Serrer predicts.
"Businesses that are willing to embrace change, break away from traditional thinking, and look beyond their own borders will not only survive, but they’ll also lead the way. In a world that’s more interconnected than ever, the companies that can pivot quickly, leverage new technologies, and form international collaborations will set the standard for success."
By prioritizing sustainable practices, digital transformation, and inclusive networks, Serrer demonstrates how cross-border collaboration can create meaningful impact. These partnerships open access to new technologies and investment opportunities. They also support knowledge exchange, helping to build more resilient innovation models over time.
One way she does this is through her work with the Chamber of Commerce for Women, which helps ensure ecosystems remain vibrant and representative.
“I focus on building connections that are not only strategic but also inclusive and forward-looking,” Serrer says.
“By linking entrepreneurs, institutions, and partners across borders, I aim to ensure they gain access to new technologies, investment opportunities, and knowledge exchange that can strengthen their ability to grow in a more sustainable and competitive way.”
For Serrer, successful innovation ecosystems are built on relationships, trust, and shared growth.
Through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and collaboration with business and entrepreneurial organizations, she has focused on creating opportunities that connect international talent with the resources and networks they need to grow in the United States.
Her work reflects the belief that long-term economic and innovation success comes from bringing people, industries, and ideas together across borders.
“I hope my work is remembered for the connections it helped create, where ideas, people, and opportunities came together in ways that made it easier for others to grow, collaborate, and succeed across borders,” Serrer says.
Beyond specific achievements or programs, she emphasizes the importance of long-term impact through relationships and trust: “My goal is to leave behind a more open and connected ecosystem,” she says, “where collaboration between countries, institutions, and entrepreneurs continues to grow and create opportunities well into the future.”
