On Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel toured the Scientific-Technological Park of Matanzas (CienTEX), where he was briefed on the artificial intelligence initiatives being developed at the center, as reported by the official Periódico Girón.
This visit occurs amidst a severe energy crisis causing power outages in Matanzas that last over 24 hours. Nevertheless, the regime utilized the tour to showcase alleged advancements in technological innovation centers.
Innovative AI Projects Unveiled
The projects introduced to the leader feature intriguing names blending tech jargon with local references:
"The Sports Intelligence Suite" is an AI-driven automated system for decision-making in Cuban sports. Developed with the Cuban Sports Research Center, it functions across 12 sports disciplines and includes three subsystems: athlete performance evaluation, opponent analysis, and training monitoring. This initiative earned the Technological Innovation Award at AFIDE 2023.
"Varadero Smart Tourist Destination" represents an integrated ecosystem for managing the tourist hub. It features the "Pulso" platform, which employs AI to analyze social media and gauge visitor satisfaction. Additionally, it incorporates a civic monitoring app allowing residents to report issues like solid waste collection and street lighting from their mobile phones.
"AI-Assisted Diagnostic System for Thyroid Nodules" is a collaborative effort between the Mario Muñoz Monroy Military Hospital and the University of Informatics Sciences.
CienTEX's Role in Technological Advancement
Established in November 2020, CienTEX is actively engaged in over 20 information and communication technology projects, collaborating with the University of Matanzas.
The visit to the technological park coincided with Díaz-Canel presiding over the National Act for the Start of the 2026-2027 Academic Year in Higher Education at the University of Matanzas. During the event, Minister Walter Baluja García announced that more than 40,000 new students are joining the university system nationwide.
At the ceremony, the regime awarded the 50th Anniversary Seal of the Ministry of Higher Education to three institutions in Matanzas: the Indio Hatuey Experimental Station of Pastures and Forages, the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas, and the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant.
In July, Díaz-Canel visited the Scientific-Technological Park of Havana for the third time. In May, he urged the acceleration of developing Cuban artificial intelligence.
Understanding AI Developments in Cuba
What is the purpose of the "Sports Intelligence Suite"?
The "Sports Intelligence Suite" aims to enhance decision-making in Cuban sports through AI, focusing on performance evaluation, opponent analysis, and training monitoring.
How does "Varadero Smart Tourist Destination" utilize AI?
This initiative uses AI to monitor social media, measuring visitor satisfaction and enabling residents to report civic issues via a dedicated app.
What is CienTEX's role in technological innovation?
CienTEX plays a crucial role in advancing over 20 ICT projects, working closely with the University of Matanzas to drive technological progress.