In early February, Pascal Van Hentenryck, professor and chair of the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, as well as director of the NSF AI4OPT Institute and Tech AI, visited the Georgia Tech Panama Logistics Innovation and Research Center, with the aim of fostering collaboration between Georgia Tech and Panama’s academic and tech communities. His visit was part of Georgia Tech Panama’s Breakfast & Learn series and served as a strategic introduction between Georgia Tech’s leading minds in artificial intelligence (AI) and key players in Panama’s innovation ecosystem.

Bridging Academia and Industry

Van Hentenryck’s agenda included two sessions tailored to different audiences. The first, held in collaboration with Ciudad del Saber Foundation and the Panamanian Chamber of Technology, brought together entrepreneurs, tech sector leaders, and innovation advocates to discuss global trends in artificial intelligence. He highlighted the critical role AI will play in shaping future industries, underscoring how Georgia Tech can be a vital partner in accelerating Panama’s adoption of emerging technologies.

The second session, hosted at the Georgia Tech Panama Center, was an invitation-only gathering for professors and researchers specializing in AI and engineering disciplines. Van Hentenryck shared research insights, real-world applications of AI across various fields, and ideas for strengthening academic-industry collaboration.

Cultivating Strategic Relationships

While the visit was not part of a formal initiative, it marked a significant step toward deeper engagement. Van Hentenryck forged connections with technology entrepreneurs, university faculty, and representatives from the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Panama’s national science and innovation authority. These conversations opened the door to potential future partnerships and collaborative projects.

“This visit gave us the opportunity to connect Panama’s academic and private sectors,” said Van Hentenryck. “We see great potential for long-term collaboration that supports the country’s innovation goals.”

Looking Ahead

The Georgia Tech Panama Center anticipates that this exchange will lead to joint research, capacity-building, and the co-development of initiatives to strengthen AI and emerging technologies in Panama. The visit reflects Georgia Tech’s ongoing commitment to supporting global innovation through knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.