Gabriela Cibils is on a mission – to help turn Paraguay into the Silicon Valley of South America.
When she was growing up in the landlocked country, nestled between Brazil and Argentina, she says the nation 'wasn't super tech focused'. But it was different for Ms. Cibils, as her parents worked in the technology sector. Inspired by their influence, she pursued her education in the United States, earning a degree in computing and neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley.
After spending eight years working at various U.S. startups, she returned to Paraguay to lead efforts in developing a robust tech sector that aims to attract global tech giants.
I saw first hand the impact that technology can have on your life, says Cibils. She is now a partner at Cibersons, a global technology and investment firm headquartered in Asunción.
Paraguay boasts a unique advantage: an abundance of green electricity generated entirely from hydroelectric power, especially from the massive Itaipu Dam, which supplies 90% of the country's electricity and significantly contributes to Brazil's energy needs. This surplus of reliable, low-cost electricity positions Paraguay as an enticing location for energy-intensive tech investments, particularly in the AI sector.
During a recent visit to California, Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña engaged with firms like Google and OpenAI, encouraging them to consider investing in Paraguay. Minister of Technology and Communication, Gustavo Villate, emphasizes the benefits of the nation’s young workforce, renewable energy sources, and favorable economic policies.
However, the path forward involves tackling challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles that impact foreign investments. Cibils believes in the potential of Paraguay, asserting, If you put innovation at its core and leverage all the benefits that the country has, I think Paraguay can be a superpower.
To support this vision, initiatives are underway to train a new generation of tech professionals through educational partnerships and educational programs aimed at closing the gender gap in technology.
