In a bold step to advance AI across Latin America, Georgia Tech is helping Panama develop its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy—leveraging world-class research, global collaboration, and human-centered design.

In partnership with Panama’s National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, or SENACYT) and Georgia Tech Panama, Tech AI the AI Hub at Georgia Tech co-led a series of multisectoral workshops in Panama City on July 7–8. The initiative convened voices from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to co-create an ethical, inclusive and forward-looking roadmap for AI in Panama.

We’re moving forward with one of the most exciting and important processes for Panama’s future: the development of our National Artificial Intelligence Strategy,” said Franklin A. Morales, Head of International Technical Cooperation Panama's Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation at SENACY, in a public statement. “Georgia Tech’s expertise is helping us shape a strategy that’s both ambitious and grounded in global best practices.

 The workshops were facilitated by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Director of Tech AI, the AI Hub at Georgia Tech and the NSF-funded AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT), and Tim Brown, Academic Program Director for AI at Georgia Tech Professional Education. Through interactive working groups, participants assessed Panama’s AI landscape, identified key challenges and opportunities, and helped lay the foundation for long-term national impact.

 In a public statement, Van Hentenryck noted:

We had the honor to spend three days in Panama working on their National AI Strategy with SENACYT, Georgia Tech Panama, and so many stakeholders who contributed their expertise, talent, and time. More to come, obviously. And thank you to the teams at SENACYT, Georgia Tech Panama, and Tech AI at Georgia Tech for an amazing organization.

SENACYT’s vision for Panama’s AI future emphasizes the role of technology in advancing opportunity and improving lives. “The future is not something we wait for—it’s something we build together,” Morales added in a separate public statement.

Additional contributions from leaders across Panama’s innovation ecosystem emphasized the importance of developing homegrown talent, applying AI in high-impact sectors like health and education, and serving as a regional testbed for responsible AI solutions.

 “This goes beyond technology. It’s about how we use artificial intelligence to improve people’s lives, make our systems more efficient, and elevate Panamanian talent,” shared a representative from Escala Latam. “We have a big opportunity: to train local talent, to scale responsible solutions, and to build, from Panama, solutions with global impact.”

 The initiative reflects Georgia Tech’s broader commitment to advancing AI as a public good.

 Through Tech AI and partnerships like this one, the Institute helps governments, industries, and communities around the world design AI strategies that are technically sound, globally relevant, and locally empowering.

“Artificial intelligence has been identified by SENACYT as a critical and emerging technology that requires urgent action to maximize its impact on the country’s economy, innovation capacity, and competitiveness,” said Eduardo Ortega Barría, National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation. “That’s why the National AI Strategy we are developing prioritizes broad and participatory reflection—this is a crucial step toward building a shared vision.”

As nations worldwide navigate the rise of artificial intelligence, Georgia Tech stands at the forefront, helping build AI strategies that are not only technically advanced but fundamentally human-centered.

GET INVOVLED

The public is also invited to shape the strategy. SENACYT launched a National Artificial Intelligence Survey—available through July 31 via www.SENACYT.gob.pa; SURVEY and SENACYT’s social media—to collect ideas, questions, and concerns from residents across Panama. (The survey includes 16 questions and is open to all residents of Panama—both nationals and foreigners. Its purpose is to gather perceptions, concerns, and opportunities to be considered in the national strategy. The survey will remain open until July 31, 2025).

About Tech AI

Tech AI is Georgia Tech’s interdisciplinary AI research and policy hub, bringing together expertise in optimization, robotics, ethics, education, and public-sector applications. With a mission to advance AI for social good, Tech AI helps partners across the globe design and deploy trustworthy, scalable AI systems.

About SENACYT

The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) is an autonomous institution whose mission is to make science and technology tools for the sustainable development of Panama. Our projects and programs focus on advancing the country’s scientific and technological capabilities to close inequality gaps and promote equitable development that improves quality of life for all Panamanians.