The City of Knowledge
Panama’s City of Knowledge is set on the former headquarters of Southern Command. It is now a center for education, research and innovation. It was inspired by the concept of Silicon Valley and in some ways the Tsukuba Science City of Japan. The latter boasts more than 300 public and private institutions, along with universities and companies. Some 220,000 people reside within Tsukuba. Unlike Tsukuba, the City of Knowledge provides only minimal temporary housing (95 rooms) and permanent housing is available in the surrounding areas. These include Clayton, Albrook, Diablo and Ancon.
This historic setting not only hosts cultural events, such as the Jazz Festival, it also attracts technology events such as the recent “Conference of Fintech and Blockchain” (May 5 & 6, 2018).
A non-profit foundation is responsible for management of the park, as created in 1995. This institution provides facilities and support for a wide range of programs in education, research and technological development. Fundación Ciudad del Saber offers the following video introduction to their installations:
Infrastructure & special programs
This campus consists of over 120 hectares (around 250 acres), formerly a military base, within half a mile of the Panama Canal. The Master Plan covers use management, sustainable buildings, mobility considerations & transportation connectivity, a special waste management service including re-cycling, and knowledge management. It provides firms, entrepreneurs, international organizations and academic institutions top of the line facilities, ensuring knowledge transfer happens to the local community. This park comprises a Convention Center, Innovation Center, Sports Complex, and of course the Plaza (for rest, eating and relaxation). The green areas and sports complex includes courts, swimming pool, gym and other facilities.
Invitation for Startups
Within the City of Knowledge is the “Technopark“, which comprises technology and innovation companies. It also offers a Business Accelerator for Startups with a view to providing investing angels and provides a “business plan design specialization program”. The Business Accelerator offers special infrastructure for startups in incubation, such as meeting rooms, a development center, connectivity, telecommunications, audiovisual equipment, and an office center.
Visas & Work Permits
As a special zone, the City of Knowledge has its own regulations regarding student and work permits. The following special visas exist:
- researcher
- educator
- businessman or executive
- technician
- student
All visas and work permits are of a temporary nature. For more information please contact Joan Villanueva.