President José Raúl Mulino addresses country’s technology future—and Drake’s role in it
On July 30, 2026, a Panamanian government initiative known as the National Agenda for Advanced Technologies was unveiled at a summit that brought together national and international experts, government authorities, and representatives of academia, the private sector, research centers, and the global technology industry. The initiative integrates the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and National Semiconductor and Microelectronics Strategy, seeking to position Panama in the high-tech industries that will define global economic growth during the coming decades.
Drake University was recognized as a key partner in Panama’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy through its data analytics and artificial intelligence bachelor’s degree program set to open in Panama City on the Ciudad del Saber campus in August 2027. Applications for the program opened this week. Prospective students can find more information at drake.edu/panama.
Watch President José Raúl Mulino’s remarks
Collaboration Between Drake and Senacyt
In June 2025, Drake formalized a cooperation agreement with Panama’s National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt) aimed at strengthening technology education in the region in support of the national strategy. Panama’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy will transform the country into a reliable hub for AI innovation in Latin America through six pillars: digital and physical infrastructure; human talent development; data governance, security and cybersecurity; ethics and governance in AI; attracting investment and international alliances; and applying AI in strategic sectors in the Panamanian economy. Drake’s new program in Panama is in direct support of this national strategy.
Drake’s Program in Panama
Announced in October 2025, Drake University will launch new academic programs in August 2027, to be delivered in Drake’s new facilities on the campus of Ciudad del Saber in Panama City. The program will enroll its first cohort of students next fall with the option of two pathways:
- Accelerated 3-year+ Program: Delivered entirely in Panama in an accelerated format, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics with a minor in Artificial Intelligence. The final term includes a guaranteed internship with one of many leading Panamanian organizations with which Drake is partnered.
- 2+2 Program: Students spend their first two years studying in Panama and their final two years of classes at Drake’s U.S. campus in Des Moines, Iowa. This option allows flexibility for students to expand their studies into additional related fields while providing the opportunity for U.S. internships and work eligibility.
“This program is built to meet the growing demand for data analysts and artificial intelligence experts worldwide,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “With Drake’s deep and long-standing ties in the Republic of Panama, a demand for professionals that is outpacing the global talent pipeline, and Panama’s position as a thriving hub for the global supply chain, we are excited to bring this highly in-demand academic programing to fruition. We are incredibly thankful for the partnership with Senacyt and for the opportunity to support Panama’s National AI strategy.”
Driving Innovation and Global Collaboration with Ciudad del Saber
As an affiliated member of Ciudad del Saber, Drake’s new academic programs will be at the center of a thriving hub for education, research, and entrepreneurship, located in Panama City. Students will benefit from a collaborative and global community with dozens of leading-edge companies, training and research centers, NGOs, international organizations, and thousands of working science and technology professionals, and entrepreneurs—providing Drake students unparalleled access to research, internship and employment opportunities.
“Drake University’s presence at Ciudad del Saber strengthens Panama’s higher education ecosystem and enhances the competitiveness of Panamanian talent by expanding access to university education in fields that are critical to the country’s economic and social development,” said Professor Jorge Arosemena, executive president of Fundación, Ciudad del Saber.
Applications for the program are now open for an August 2027 start date.
For more information visit drake.edu/panama.