In an event presided over by Governor Marcelo Orrego and accompanied by provincial authorities, San Juan announced the launch of the Knowledge Economy Strengthening Program, with an investment of 250 million pesos. This program, along with the Productive Innovation Assistance Program, which also awarded certificates to beneficiaries, represents a decisive step in San Juan’s commitment to technology and innovation, leveraged by the diversification of its productive matrix.
Orrego highlighted that this federal initiative will consolidate San Juan’s innovative ecosystem and strengthen its economic diversity, in sectors ranging from mining to agribusiness, in addition to the knowledge economy, which is essential in the digital age.
“It is crucial to recognize that these funds come from mining royalties, which allows us to finance initiatives like this without the need for reimbursement,” the governor emphasized, reinforcing the province’s commitment to reinvesting resources generated by mining in strategic and sustainable sectors for the future.
For his part, Gustavo Fernández, Minister of Production, Innovation, and Labor, emphasized the importance of innovation and knowledge in the development of the region. “Today we recognize the innovative companies that participate in the productive innovation program, launched in the middle of the year, a key program that has funded 30 projects selected from 60 candidates,” said Fernández, indicating that each initiative will receive a non-reimbursable contribution of 5 million pesos, totaling 150 million pesos destined for the development of productive solutions.
A program focused on the economy of the future
The new Knowledge Economy Strengthening Program focuses on two strategic areas:
- Development of Knowledge Economy (KE) Projects: This component is aimed at startups and micro-technological companies seeking to develop knowledge-intensive projects. With a budget of 200 million pesos for 2024, it is expected to finance at least 20 projects, each with non-reimbursable contributions of up to 10 million pesos, covering 70% of the cost. Resources can be used for the acquisition of capital goods, the hiring of outsourced services, and qualified personnel.
- Promotion and Management of Talent in KE: This axis focuses on the training and qualification of specialized talent through activities such as workshops, hackathons, and conferences. With a budget of 50 million pesos, contributions of up to 5 million pesos per project will be allocated, covering up to 70% of the cost. Key sectors to be addressed include artificial intelligence, robotics, video games, fintech, and blockchain, seeking to position San Juan as a national technological reference. “This is a first step towards a future where we will seek to expand these opportunities,” said Fernández. The minister invited the actors of the technological ecosystem to join this initiative that seeks to generate quality jobs for San Juan residents and transform the local productive matrix towards a more sustainable and high value-added model.
Productive innovation: benefits for water and energy efficiency
The beneficiary projects of the Productive Innovation Assistance Program, which were also highlighted at the event, received their certificates in recognition of the development of innovative solutions for the productive sector. This program prioritized water and energy efficiency, as well as the use of renewable energies, critical issues for San Juan. Initiatives included process optimization, product and service improvements, and sustainable technology, such as solar energy.
Of the 60 projects presented, 30 were selected to receive 100% of the funding, while the rest will be redirected to other sources of economic support. Projects cover areas such as biotechnology, automation, and optimization of natural resource use.
Towards a more innovative San Juan
Through these initiatives, the province of San Juan is positioning itself as an emerging center of the knowledge economy in Argentina, supporting both technology companies and actors in the education system and local entrepreneurs. With the delivery of these funds, the authorities seek to strengthen the training of local talent and generate specialized employment in high-demand areas.
The governor was accompanied at the event by the Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Germán Von Euw; the mayor of the Capital, Susana Laciar; and the Minister of Mining, Juan Pablo Perea, along with other authorities, highlighting the importance of this investment for the economic and social growth of the region.
