The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) has launched the Call for Scholarships for Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering and Basic Sciences, with the aim of forming capacities in the field of semiconductors and strengthening research and technological development in Panama.

Senacyt announced that the call will be open until August 29, 2024 and is aimed at Panamanian students from the University of Panama (UP), Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) and Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA), who are in the last or penultimate year of their careers in 2025 and wish to finish their studies with a thesis.

This scholarship program, the first of its kind specialized in microelectronics and semiconductors, seeks to encourage young people to enter this industry. Those selected will carry out research in conjunction with the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technology (C-TASC) at the UTP, and will have the opportunity to do internships at Arizona State University, Purdue University or other C-TASC-approved centers.

The director of Scientific and Technological Capacity Development of Senacyt, Ing. Violetta Cumberbatch, stressed that this initiative is part of the national strategy for the development of microelectronics and semiconductors in Panama, presented in April 2024. The goal is to integrate Panama into the global microelectronics chain, a market valued at $63 billion.

In addition, between July and August 2024, a new call will be opened for Boot Camps led by international experts in semiconductor development, continuing Senacyt’s efforts to boost this industry in the country.