Matanzas Science Park: innovation for the future

Barely a year after its creation, the Matanzas Scientific and Technological Park (PCTM) is already rising as an essential entity to connect state and private enterprises, research centers and entrepreneurs as a function of socioeconomic development in Cuba.

The Park has a wide scope, ranging from projects such as Bienestar to computerize several e-governance processes in the province of Matanzas to the Varadero Ciudad Digital initiative, the first steps towards the conversion of this seaside resort into a smart location.

The Park, whose shareholders are the enterprises Xetid, Citmatel, Desoft and Demos, as well as the University of Matanzas itself, has a growing pool of qualified professionals in different branches of knowledge, something essential to identify problems and find sustainable solutions.

A team of experts set in motion pioneering initiatives such as the transition to the use of renewable forms of energy (wind and solar) in the Rancho Cangrejo dolphinarium in Varadero to curb its diesel dependency, according to business director, Eng. Frank Santos Pérez.

“Our truly groundbreaking achievement in our work at the dolphinarium, together with a Cuban private enteprise, is a computer system for real-time monitoring and control of wind turbines and solar panels, based on free and totally Cuban software, a point in favor of our technological sovereignty,” he holds.

In times when the U.S. blockade is felt more strongly in society and the economy, the PCTM is working with self-employed workers to develop a system designed to streamline power consumption in local state-run centers, currently in the implementation phase.

PCTM is also developing a web page and a computer application to facilitate tourists' access to many services available in the Hicacos Peninsula, Cuba's main sun and beach destination, including real-time weather information.

The recent signing of an agreement with the Union of Cuban IT Technicians (UIC) opens up new opportunities for the benefit of both parties, with prospects for the entertainment industry, particularly video games made in Cuba.

Among the Park’s main services are: software development, incubation of technology-based entities, feasibility studies, business management consulting, digital signature for electronic documents, training in industrial property registration and human resources management, among others.

Despite today’s ever-challenging circumstances, the PCTM hopes to become a reference for its contribution to local and national development through innovation, a way of responding to the most urgent needs of society and the economy.