Panama aims to develop AI and semiconductor talent with U.S. university support

Panama is positioning itself to compete in rapidly growing global technology sectors by launching ambitious national strategies for Artificial Intelligence and semiconductors. The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) will unveil these plans on July 30, aiming to transform the country's economic landscape.

The strategy goes beyond simply adopting new technologies; it focuses on cultivating specialized talent, building essential infrastructure, and drawing in foreign investment. Senacyt's Director of Critical and Emerging Technologies, Juan José Pimento, highlighted the immense global market for semiconductors, currently valued at $675 billion and projected to double in the next decade. These components are integral to everyday devices, from smartphones to medical equipment.

Panama intends to integrate into various stages of the semiconductor value chain, including design, board development, assembly, testing, and packaging. A significant portion of the government's $105 million investment will fund training programs and scholarships. To bolster human capital, Senacyt is collaborating with universities in Arizona, a U.S. hub for the semiconductor industry. Representatives from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona are expected to visit Panama soon to discuss academic and research collaborations.

Furthermore, the strategy includes strengthening the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies (CETAS) at the Technological University of Panama. This center will be accessible to students and researchers nationwide and will feature specialized laboratories and a cleanroom essential for semiconductor development and manufacturing. Senacyt also plans to announce new scholarship opportunities for master's and doctoral studies, emphasizing the need for technicians, engineers, and specialists in this burgeoning industry.

“

The proposal goes beyond incorporating new technological tools and aims to transform the country's economic matrix through talent training, the development of specialized infrastructure, and the attraction of investments.