Intelligent DR: The ambitious plan to train one million Dominicans in AI
President Luis Abinader has launched the national artificial intelligence literacy program called “RD Inteligente” (Smart DR). This strategic initiative has the central objective of training one million Dominicans free of charge, strengthening their digital skills so they can excel in the current knowledge economy.
The project, which has the Instituto Tecnológico de Las Américas (ITLA) as its main executor, seeks to democratize access to advanced technological tools, integrating them into various areas such as education, entrepreneurship, the workplace, and professional development.
We don’t want to turn a million Dominicans into programmers. We want a million Dominicans to be better at what they already know how to do.
Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
A practical approach to national development
During the program’s presentation, the president emphasized that artificial intelligence should not be an exclusive domain for specialists. The Government’s vision is that teachers and entrepreneurs, as well as workers from various sectors, can optimize their daily tasks through the efficient use of these technologies.
For his part, the Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, emphasized that this initiative is part of a State vision supported by the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA). Paliza highlighted that the country is advancing in the creation of the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CEIA-RD), consolidating the nation as an attractive destination for technological investment and human talent.
Who will benefit from Smart RD?
- High school and university students.
- Young people looking for their first job.
- Entrepreneurs and MSME owners.
- Public servants and members of the security forces.
- Fathers, mothers, and any citizen interested in digital transformation.
The rector of ITLA, Jimmy Rosario Bernard, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to this program, highlighting that technology must be understood as an accessible resource for the entire population. With the implementation of “Smart DR,” the Government seeks to close the digital divide and prepare Dominicans for the challenges and opportunities presented by the modern labor market.
