From October 29 to 31, 2024, Universidad Adventista del Plata (UAP, River Plate Adventist University) hosted the VI International Adventist Technology Congress (CIAT), an event that brought together prominent speakers and students from Adventist universities in South and Central America, providing a platform for updating on topics of digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, as well as for strengthening networks between educational institutions with a global and collaborative approach.

CIAT, which is organized in person every two years, was held for the first time in Argentina with leading specialists, representatives of technology companies, and professors from Adventist universities. This marked a decade since the creation of the network of Adventist universities that promotes it. Previous congresses were held in Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia.

The presentations addressed key topics of digital innovation, research networks, and updated teaching methods adapted to the demand for technical careers. "It is an essential space to rethink technological education in an environment that is advancing so quickly," said Gisella Müller, director of the Systems Engineering program at UAP.

During the congress, there were also spaces such as the Research Day, where students and academics shared innovative projects in science and technology. In addition, a computational thinking challenge organized in UAP schools sparked interest in technology among young people. This focus on education, from primary to higher education, was reinforced in a space dedicated to pedagogical exchange, in which engineering teachers shared good practices in teaching complex subjects such as mathematics and physics.

Cutting-edge Presentations

Representatives from International Business Machines (IBM) and Balloon Technology shared their experiences and knowledge with attendees. Álvaro Vena and Darío Falasca, from IBM, presented the paper “Cyber ​​Resilience”, highlighting the importance of a robust technological infrastructure against threats such as Ransomware. In his speech, Álvaro Vena emphasized the need for immutable storage and systems that allow for rapid recovery of critical data. “IBM is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to help organizations mitigate recovery times and maintain their operational capacity,” he said.

Josibell Alayon and Adolfo Billinger, from Balloon Technology, addressed topics such as process automation and technological integration in companies. Josibell Alayon said, "From Balloon and IBM, we seek to promote accessible and functional technology that allows organizations to improve their processes and students to have a vision of the real applications of their knowledge." The talk included concepts of applied artificial intelligence, computer security, and Application Programming Interfaces (API), highlighting the importance of an ethical approach in the use of advanced technologies.

Technology and Higher Education: the Path to Competitiveness

Billinger spoke about the crucial role of artificial intelligence and quantum computing in higher education. He believes that although quantum technology is still in the experimental phase, its transformative potential in industry and education is immense. "It will be a powerful tool and, like all advanced technology, it requires adequate preparation for its ethical and efficient use," he stressed.

Alayon also stressed the value of internship and practicum programs, which allow students to interact with technology in a work environment. "We invite students to explore platforms such as IBM's Watson, so they can experiment with artificial intelligence and thus strengthen their skills," she added.

Entrepreneurship and Industrial Robotics: the Experience of Defymotion Robotics

Master Pedro Kohn, from Defymotion Robotics, brought a unique perspective to the congress with his presentation on “Innovation and competitiveness in Latin American SMEs.” His presentation addressed the value of robotics and automation in the industrial context, explaining how these technologies can optimize production processes. “Defymotion seeks to help companies improve their competitiveness by implementing robotics and automation solutions,” said Kohn.

For him, the talent that graduates from universities must be capable of transforming their communities. "We want to motivate students to apply their knowledge to create value and contribute to the growth of their communities through successful ventures," he said.

An Experience of Integration and Learning

The congress offered technical talks and workshops, as well as a space for networking and cultural exchange among attendees. It also included a day dedicated to research, during which students and teachers presented innovative projects that demonstrated the university's commitment to scientific and technological progress.

The event has not only reaffirmed the importance of technology in higher education, but has also consolidated the institution as a benchmark in the region for the development of key competencies in technology and innovation.

The participating students particularly valued IBM's presentations on technological innovation and the sessions on entrepreneurship. Elizabeth Ramírez, a student at the Universidad Peruana Unión (UPeU, Peruvian Union University) in Tarapoto, said, "The UAP campus is beautiful. We have enjoyed being here and the conference. In addition, we have been enriched by seeing how technology connects our experiences and knowledge."

Kiara Jiance, a second-year Systems Engineering student at UAP, expressed her enthusiasm for the event and the cultural and professional exchange it promoted: "It is an incredible opportunity, learning about artificial intelligence and cybersecurity from experts and sharing experiences with students from other countries is a blessing."

CIAT 2024 not only provided training and professional development but also helped to consolidate ties between Adventist educational institutions in the region, promoting a collaborative vision in the technological field and strengthening the commitment to continue training qualified and ethical professionals prepared to face the challenges of an ever-changing industry.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish website.