Colombia will mark a milestone in higher education with the inauguration of the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) faculty in Latin America. The Minister of ICT, Mauricio Lizcano, announced that the official opening will be on Tuesday, August 13, at the Universidad de Caldas in Manizales.
The national government has earmarked US$10 million for the adaptation of the facilities and the provision of the necessary technological tools. Lizcano pointed out that the faculty will have seven technical programs, an undergraduate and a graduate degree in artificial intelligence.
Starting next year, the University of Caldas will also offer a master's degree in AI. Lizcano highlighted the importance of these programs in positioning Colombia as a leader in artificial intelligence education in the region.
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These initiatives will be presented during the national artificial intelligence summit ColombIA, which will be held in Cartagena from August 8-9. The event will bring together ministers and senior officials from Latin America to discuss governance and ethics in AI development.
The summit will focus on three pillars: the creation of enabling ecosystems, digital education, and ethical governance. Lizcano stressed that digital education is fundamental to preparing future generations for advanced technologies.
In addition, the summit will seek to establish guidelines to ensure the responsible use of AI. Regional agreements are expected to be reached to promote sustainable technological development.
As part of the event, an artificial intelligence application for tourism in Cartagena will also be announced. The application, developed with a US$5 million investment, will help tourists with suggested prices and avoid abuses.
According to Infobae, Lizcano stated that this application will be presented by the end of the year in collaboration with the mayor's office and the governor's office of Cartagena. The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate AI into different sectors of the Colombian economy.
The ColombIA summit will attract government representatives, international experts, academics, and technology sector leaders. The event is expected to facilitate strategic collaborations and knowledge sharing in the region.
The ultimate goal is to strengthen the artificial intelligence ecosystem in Latin America, promoting innovation and sustainable development. The inauguration of the faculty at the University of Caldas is a significant step in this direction, consolidating Colombia as a benchmark in education and technology.
