On February 24, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MinCiencias) officially launched the “Year of Quantum Sciences, Colombia chapter” at a national encounter titled “Quantum Sciences, Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence: Contributions from the University.” According to a MinCiencias press release, the event drew more than 400 participants including academics, researchers, and government representatives.
Minister Yesenia Olaya announced an investment plan exceeding COP 63,000 million (approximately US$16 million) to strengthen research in quantum sciences and artificial intelligence. Among the initiatives presented was the third edition of the Orquideas: Women in AI and Quantum Sciences 2025 fellowship, with an allocation of approximately COP 35,000 million (approximately US$9 million) to support 150 research projects led by women scientists, benefiting 300 researchers over 12 months.
MinCiencias also announced 29 STEAM laboratories equipped with AI and robotics under the Colombia Robotica program, and a planned mission to send 10 student-researchers from the Ondas program to CERN in Switzerland. A specialized working group was announced to advise the ministry on strategic research lines for the forthcoming ColombIA Inteligente 2025 program. The event was framed within the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.