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Panama Expands Its Tech Ecosystem: AI, Funding, and Entrepreneur Programs

TechPanamaAugust 30, 20262 min read

Major Announcement

Recently, Panama formalized a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, following the publication in the Official Gazette of the decree establishing a promotion office, a deep AI venture studio, and calls for project validation with public entities. This initiative positions the country as a “Reliable Hub of AI Innovation” in Latin America, with computing infrastructure, institutional support, and clear international promotion strategies (techpanama.lat).

Key Topics

1. Clear Funding Pathways for Startups

  • Panama climbed eight spots in the StartupBlink ranking, reaching the 78th position globally in 2026, thanks to a 61% growth in its entrepreneurial ecosystem (nexo.la).
  • Defined routes are available: SENACYT offers up to $175,000 non-reimbursable funds for tech startups; Ciudad del Saber supports with incubation, mentoring, and resources up to $50,000; and funds like Venture Club Latam and regional VCs finance from seed stages to Series A (nexo.la).
  • These tools allow entrepreneurs to better plan their route from idea to scaling.

2. Mass Digital Training: Talent Ready for Change

  • Panama launched Talent Up Panama, a collaboration between the Ministry of Economy, the IDB, Google Cloud, and the Technological University of Panama, offering up to 10,000 scholarships to train in AI, data analysis, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital leadership (mef.gob.pa).
  • This strategy is key to bridging the gap between digital talent demand and local supply, empowering professionals and students with global competencies.

3. Events and Contests Boosting New Ventures

  • The Innovatón Gastronomy and Food 2026, organized by Nestlé, offers up to $30,000 in seed capital, mentoring, executive scholarships, and access to incubation for young innovators, with an emphasis on sustainability and nutrition (nestle-centroamerica.com).
  • Additionally, the JUMP program presents a unique opportunity: $100,000 in investment and high-level mentoring, available for the first time in Panama for scalable vision ventures (jumplatam.com).

4. Local Startups with Momentum and Regional Reach

  • According to Seedtable, the country's top startups include PayCaddy, Munily, and Bitwyre (seed stage), leading the local ranking based on funding, stage, and growth (seedtable.com).
  • PayCaddy also ranks as the leading startup in Panama according to StartupBlink, focusing on API fintech solutions for digital wallets, payments, and personalized card issuance (startupblink.com).

Conclusion

Panama is progressing with foresight: institutionalizing AI as the cornerstone of its tech strategy, establishing clear public and private funding routes, driving mass digital training, and promoting real events that connect ideas with capital. Startups like PayCaddy already have traction, while initiatives like Talent Up Panama and Innovatón expand access to the ecosystem.

In the coming days, keep an eye on:

  • The first call for paid AI pilots with public entities.
  • Participation of startups in the AI venture studio.
  • The real impact of training scholarships and their adoption by SMEs outside the capital.

Panama is not just improving in rankings: it is building a more inclusive, connected tech ecosystem ready to compete regionally and globally.