The Ministry of Telecommunications and the Information Society (MINTEL) partnered with private sector companies to organize a lecture focused on ethical innovation in artificial intelligence for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The event, held on Friday, targeted participants from the EMPODERATECH program and those using Free Digital Points in Quito and surrounding valleys.
Patricia Acosta Vargas, an AI expert with a doctorate in computer science, led the session. She is recognized as a certified researcher by SENESCYT and serves as director of the Master’s program in User Experience at both Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) and Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. She also leads the Intelligent & Interactive Systems research group.
Minister Kury commented: “los Puntos Digitales Gratuitos se han convertido en espacios de aprendizaje, lugares donde nuestras comunidades se reconocen, se apoyan y descubren que sí es posible crecer desde lo local, desde nuestros propios talentos, desde nuestras propias metas” (“the Free Digital Points have become spaces for learning—places where our communities recognize themselves, support each other, and discover that it is possible to grow locally from our own talents and goals”).
He added: “Cada paso que dan hacía la digitalización es un paso hacia un Ecuador más fuerte, más inclusivo y más preparado para el futuro, para continuar fortaleciendo sus emprendimientos, a través de la transformación digital” (“Each step taken towards digitalization is a step towards a stronger Ecuador—more inclusive and better prepared for the future—to continue strengthening their enterprises through digital transformation”).
Kury also highlighted that EmpoderaTech Ecuador is designed specifically for artisans, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and members of the popular and solidarity economy. He said its aim is “para acompañar, guiar, fortalecer y demostrar que la tecnología potencia el valor de lo que hacemos” (“to accompany, guide, strengthen and demonstrate that technology enhances the value of what we do”).
During the event technological tools were provided in collaboration with private companies to help apply artificial intelligence ethically and strategically for sustainable productive development.
MINTEL currently operates 978 Free Digital Points nationwide. Through these points it aims to expand access to technology across Ecuador by promoting digital inclusion so more citizens can build skills that improve their businesses and quality of life.
According to MINTEL officials these initiatives show progress in Ecuador’s digital transformation when government entities work together with private enterprise and civil society.
