Youth Drives Innovation: Could Paraguay Be Latin America’s Next Silicon Valley?

Young people in Paraguay are increasingly becoming driving forces behind the country’s new digital ventures, remote technology services, and community-led innovation. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), last year approximately 56 percent of Paraguay’s population was under the age of 30. With global attention turning to Paraguay, its youth lie at the heart of efforts to build a homegrown digital ecosystem, potentially positioning the country as Latin America’s next Silicon Valley.

A recent feature by the BBC has sparked fresh attention on Paraguay’s digital future, prompting speculation about whether the nation could follow in the footsteps of the Northern Californian global centre for high technology and innovation. The audio report by the British public service broadcaster highlighted Paraguay’s low tax rate, growing internet infrastructure, and favourable business conditions as key elements attracting global interest in its tech potential.

The youthful demographic fuels demand for new skills, fresh ideas, and digital entrepreneurship, creating fertile ground for a tech-driven economy. Asunción leads national innovation efforts, accounting for 97 percent of the country’s start-ups within a global ecosystem ranked 542nd, and 23rd in South America.

​​Signs of momentum

Paraguay’s mentioning in the UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2025 reflects its ongoing progress. The country scores 0.43 on the Frontier Technologies Readiness Index, a modest yet upward trend, ranking 94th globally. It ranks mid‑table in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and skills development. These are vital foundations for future AI adoption and start-up growth.

Local events also demonstrate the sector’s increasing momentum. Paraguay Tech Week, set for June 17 to 19 in Asunción, will bring together regional start-ups, venture capitalists, and global technology strategists. The event will offer workshops, product launches, and discussions on investment, highlighting the growing confidence in Paraguay’s digital future.

A significant trend

This technological trend is significant because it benefits the entire nation. Innovation driven by young people can diversify the economy, generate skilled jobs, and attract investment. Projects based on local challenges, particularly teleworking platforms and rural health applications, highlight the real impact of local creativity.

As the narrative of innovation in Paraguay als Latin American next Silicon Valley develops, young technology professionals – those who learn, adapt, and build locally – become national ambassadors on the global stage.

Building blocks of innovation

Among the most promising tools empowering young talents, Programando Paraguay and Cibersons are worth mentioning. Programando Paraguay is an initiative that deliveres coding workshops and digital literacy training across the Itapúa Department. While also creating one of the biggest tech communities in the south of Paraguay.

Cibersons is an Asunción-based tech investor and developer, operates internationally and has a 35-year track record. The company invests in frontier tech sectors such as AI, robotics, blockchain, and fintech while training and employing local talent.

These initiatives show Paraguay does more than follow global tech trends; it adapts and contributes uniquely to them.

A clear roadmap to next Silicon Valley

To sustain progress, Paraguay must keep investing in skills training, digital infrastructure expansion, and supportive regulation. The government already prioritises education and economic growth in its 2025 budget strategy. A clear roadmap combining policy, public–private collaboration, and youth-centred innovation programmes can guide the next phase of development towards being the next Silicon Valley.