The government-owned Institute of Technology of the Americas (ITLA) is set to become the first higher education institution in the Dominican Republic to offer a degree program in semiconductor manufacturing.
Coinciding with its upcoming 25th anniversary, ITLA announced the launch of the “Technologist in Semiconductors” studies program. This initiative aligns with President Luis Abinader’s decree 324-24, which declares the promotion, innovation, and development of the semiconductor industry a top national priority.
“At ITLA, we embrace and are committed to President Abinader’s vision of empowering an entire nation by beginning with academic training in semiconductors,” said ITLA Rector Master Rafael Féliz García. “This will lead to positive results that will boost and develop the semiconductor industry, positioning us as a leader locally and internationally in advanced technology.”
The program will equip students with relevant, high-quality education, enabling them to work on innovative projects in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and electric vehicle technology, according to Féliz García. He emphasized collaboration with industry partners as crucial for keeping the curriculum up-to-date and ensuring graduates meet market needs.
Moreover, Féliz García underscored the importance of building an ecosystem that fosters research and development, attracting investment and generating quality jobs. In this vein, ITLA remains committed to training professionals who can contribute to the growth of the semiconductor industry in the country, aligning with government policies aimed at positioning the nation as a leader in advanced technology. This will not only benefit students but also the entire Dominican economy by boosting a strategic, high-value sector.
Among the benefits of pursuing a degree in semiconductors at ITLA are the global demand for professionals in this field and training in a key technology for the future. One of the primary objectives is to train professionals capable of designing packages for various applications, including aerospace and those related to emerging industries such as autonomous and electric vehicles.
The move addresses a growing global demand for semiconductors, crucial for electronic and vehicle production. ITLA aims to train professionals who will directly impact key sectors like health, education, and the economy through technology and semiconductor-based device development.
The number of microchips needed for electronic devices is said to be doubling every two years. Additionally, there is currently a high international demand for professionals in this sector, which has experienced exponential growth in recent years, highlighted ITLA’s Academic Vice Rector Castro.
He explained that the semiconductor field is complex and encompasses multiple technological disciplines: manufacturing and production. Students who study this program will have the opportunity to work on innovative projects such as designing CPUs and memory modules, participating in testing projects, or developing small semiconductor modules.
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N Digital
13 March 2025