- El Salvador’s National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC) is launching an AI and robotics education program in 20 public high schools starting in January 2025.
- The program expands El Salvador’s educational initiative, broadening from Bitcoin to include AI and robotics.
The National Bitcoin Office of El Salvador (ONBTC) has revealed its latest initiative to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics education into the country’s public high schools.
Scheduled to begin in late January 2025, this new educational program will initially be rolled out to 20 public high schools across the country, marking a significant step in the government’s vision to establish El Salvador as a global technology hub.
This program stems from a collaboration with ARK Educate, the educational branch of the global financial firm ARK Invest. The partnership aims to equip students with cutting-edge technological skills that align with the country’s broader goals of technological innovation.
The focus on AI and robotics complements the ongoing Bitcoin education programs that ONBTC has been implementing, further positioning the country at the forefront of emerging technologies.
The educational framework will incorporate a wide range of topics, with students expected to explore subjects such as robotics, energy storage, AI, and blockchain technology. This expansion of the curriculum was first proposed during a high-level meeting between Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, and El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, in May 2024.
At that time, President Bukele highlighted his vision of transforming El Salvador into a hub for both the Bitcoin and AI communities, a vision that continues to guide the country’s educational and technological strategy.
Since its inception, ONBTC has been a key player in advancing Bitcoin education in El Salvador, with programs like My First Bitcoin and Node Nation targeting thousands of upper-secondary students.
Additionally, ONBTC has been working on expanding its elite developer programs, such as CUBO+, to nurture talent in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. These initiatives are aimed at cementing El Salvador’s reputation as a center of technical excellence.
The AI and robotics program is expected to enhance these efforts by providing students with practical skills needed to thrive in the evolving technological landscape. The program is part of ONBTC’s agenda for 2025, which prioritizes not only Bitcoin education but also broader technological competencies.
In particular, the ONBTC aims to contribute to the development of a robust technology ecosystem in El Salvador. According to Stacy Herbert, the director of ONBTC, the country has already trained dozens of elite Bitcoin and Lightning developers over the past two years.
These graduates are now contributing to the country’s burgeoning tech sector, which is rapidly growing into a significant part of the national economy.
By diversifying the curriculum to include AI and robotics, ONBTC intends to further enrich the skill set of Salvadoran students, preparing them for future challenges in technology and innovation.
The successful implementation of this program could potentially lead to its expansion across more institutions, further solidifying El Salvador’s position as a forward-thinking, technology-driven nation.
