Dominican Republic invests in future with Punta Bergantín innovation hub

The Dominican Republic government has announced the commencement of the Punta Bergantín Innovation HUB project. This initiative, part of a broader strategy endorsed by President Luis Abinader, aims to enhance the country's innovation ecosystem and increase its competitiveness globally and within the Caribbean region.

The Innovation HUB is a collaborative effort involving both the public and private sectors, with the project plan developed in conjunction with IASP.

The project’s vice president, Jonathan Bournigal Read, said that the initiative is designed to bolster local technical skills and to attract technology events, conferences, startups, and established technology firms to the Dominican Republic. Plans include the training of 10,000 technology professionals, establishing a research and development centre of excellence and promoting entrepreneurship through incubators and accelerators.

The project incorporates environmentally responsible technologies and prioritises the preservation of local natural resources. The academic components of the project will focus on generating new knowledge in the areas of sustainability and innovation.

The initiative was consolidated under the quadruple helix model, which includes government, business, academia, and civil society. This model aims to stimulate human capital and provide the necessary infrastructure to develop innovation and entrepreneurship projects in the country.