The Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services (Indicasat AIP) has been recognized as a "Center of Excellence in Transformative Technologies" and integrated into the OAS Regional Network of Centers of Excellence through a cooperation agreement signed yesterday, January 29, 2026. The document was signed by Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the OAS, and Dr. Eduardo Ortega Barría, National Secretary of the National Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt), within the framework of the International Economic Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, which concluded this Thursday in Panama. The Regional Network of Centers of Excellence is an initiative of the OAS-ICYT (Inter-American Commission on Science and Technology) whose purpose is to develop a system that integrates the main transformative sciences and technologies to map trends and capabilities in the Americas, address strategic challenges, and seek solutions to daily life problems through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and resources among governments, universities and research centers, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other strategic partners linked to the ICYT. During the event, the Secretary General of the OAS congratulated the work of the Indicasat AIP researchers and qualified the designation as a historic moment for Panama. With Panama's entry, the number of countries in the region with representation in the OAS Network of Centers of Excellence in Transformative Technologies rises to seven. Their contributions in biomedical research, biosciences, bioprospecting, bioinformatics, and technology transfer have strengthened our national capacities and have positioned the country as a reliable actor in global scientific networks,” he stated. In turn, Dr. Timothy Thomson, director of Indicasat AIP, said that "this designation represents a milestone of great transcendence for Indicasat and is the result of sustained work throughout more than 20 years of the institute's trajectory and reflects the commitment, vision, and excellence of those who have built this institution from its beginning." Carlos Guevara Mann, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Relations; and Ana Irene Delgado, Ambassador of Panama to the OAS, also participated in the designation ceremony. Mexico (blockchain), Colombia (robotics and artificial intelligence), Peru (advanced materials and nanomaterials), Chile (artificial intelligence), Argentina (transformative technologies and circular economy), Brazil (ocean technologies). Barría highlighted that Indicasat is not only one of the oldest public interest associations linked to Senacyt, it is, above all, a strategic platform for the country's scientific advancement, for the formation of excellent human capital, and for the generation of knowledge with a real impact on health, biodiversity, biotechnology, and productive innovation. "Since its creation, Indicasat has grown with a clear vision."
