Abinader highlights ITLA as a strategic axis of national technological development

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader highlighted the Instituto Tecnológico de Las Américas (ITLA) as a key piece in the national strategy for the strengthening of human capital and the positioning of the Dominican Republic in high value-added technology industries, during his Accountability speech before the National Assembly this February 27. In his speech, the president emphasized that the country is advancing towards highly competitive sectors, such as semiconductors, taking as a reference the regional leadership achieved in the export of medical devices. In that context, he pointed out that, together with strategic agreements with technology companies and international universities, “the advances in ITLA lead us to guarantee sufficient qualified personnel to really enter this industry as competitive as that of semiconductors.” The rector of ITLA, Jimmy Rosario Bernard, valued these statements as a recognition of the institution’s strategic role in the country’s productive transformation.

“The support expressed by the President reaffirms that ITLA is a fundamental piece in the national technological transformation. Our graduates are prepared to integrate into high-value industries such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence,” he expressed.

More than a thousand new technology professionals During his speech, the Head of State informed that ITLA graduated 1,012 new professionals, raising the historical total of graduates in technological careers to 6,519. Among the graduates, the first cohorts of Telecommunications technologists stand out, which strengthens training in STEAM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and responds to the needs of the national productive sector in digital infrastructure, connectivity and technological transformation.

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These results consolidate ITLA as one of the main institutions that train specialized talent in the country, aligned with the governmental goal of increasing employability and strengthening national competitiveness. Territorial expansion and reduction of the digital divide President Abinader also highlighted the territorial expansion of ITLA with the commissioning of extensions in San Francisco de Macorís and Cotuí, raising to 12 the localities with access to quality technological education. These initiatives have impacted more than 24,000 young people, contributing significantly to the reduction of the digital divide and expanding training opportunities in careers linked to the digital economy. Rector Rosario Bernard stated that this territorial expansion is part of an institutional vision of democratizing access to technological education.

“We will continue to expand our presence in the national territory and strengthen academic quality to respond to the current challenges of development and guarantee greater opportunities for Dominican youth,” he indicated.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Port
In terms of innovation, the president announced that NVIDIA, a world leader in Artificial Intelligence, signed an agreement with the Dominican Republic for the generation of capabilities, talent training, and the creation of a Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence.

Regarding this agreement, the rector of ITLA reported that the institution has already presented the first cohort of teachers trained by the technology company.

“With this first group of teachers trained by NVIDIA in Artificial Intelligence, we strengthen our academic capabilities and ensure that our students receive training aligned with the highest international standards,” he said.

Furthermore, the president highlighted the agreement with Google for the development of the Digital Port project, an initiative aimed at consolidating the country as a regional technological hub, strengthening digital infrastructure, and boosting investment attraction.
In that regard, Rector Rosario Bernard emphasized the impact this alliance will have on ITLA graduates. “The agreement with Google represents a transcendental opportunity for our graduates, who will be able to access international certifications, specialized jobs, and projects related to cloud computing, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy. This elevates the professional profile of our students and significantly expands their job placement opportunities,” he concluded. With these advances, ITLA reaffirms its role as a strategic institution in the construction of a more innovative, competitive, and prepared Dominican Republic to lead in high-impact technological sectors global.