Punta Bergantin Innovation Hub launches scientific committee to drive national development

Punta Bergantin Innovation Hub in Dominican Republic, a new member of the IASP community, has taken a major step forward with the formalization of its Scientific Committee. Sworn in by president Luis Abinader and chaired by Reverend Secilio Espinal, rector of Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, this signals a strong momentum in its mission to drive innovation and sustainable development and is tasked with leading research and innovation efforts in critical areas for national development. 

The committee ‘s primary mission is to design and guide projects that address pressing societal needs and support long-term economic and social development. President Abinader highlighted innovation and research as an essential to building a sustainable future, pointing to citizen security, agriculture, and the national electricity system as key areas for advancement. 

The Hub will work across five strategic axes: education, environmental sustainability, food security, agricultural resilience, renewable energy, and digital economy transformation. According to Hub president, Franklyn Holguin, the initiative aims to identify high-impact projects and channel resources toward practical, scalable solutions. 

Bringing together representatives from academia, government, and the private sector, the committee will operate within the Hub to foster collaboration and ensure that innovative ideas translate into commercially viable outcomes that benefit Dominican society. 

This marks a significant boost to the Dominican Republic’s innovation ecosystem, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable progress and globally competitive development. 

We are delighted to welcome this dedicated new member to our community and celebrate the establishment of their scientific committee as a pivotal milestone that will undoubtedly accelerate research and meaningful collaboration in the future.