Dominican Republic leads Caribbean in scientific innovation with 25 patents

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has emerged as a leader in the Caribbean and Latin America in scientific research and patent registration, according to Genaro Rodríguez Martínez, Vice Minister of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Higher Education (Mescyt). With 25 patents acquired, up from 19 in previous years, and over 6,400 scientific publications, the country is showcasing significant progress in innovation and inter-institutional collaboration. This growth is attributed to the robust support from President Luis Abinader and the leadership of Minister Franklin García Fermín, who have prioritized the development of higher education and research systems.

The advancements include the allocation of RD$457 million to 70 research projects across 20 higher education institutions through the National Fund for Innovation and Scientific Development (Fondocyt). Key achievements include groundbreaking projects such as an anti-cancer molecule, biogas production using Ozama River water, and a novel treatment for Helicobacter Pylori. Additionally, over 236 ongoing projects are supported by increased research funding, which rose from RD$220 million in 2020 to RD$338 million in 2024.

Mescyt has also organized impactful academic events, including the Dominican Week of Science and Technology, the 19th International Congress on Scientific Research, and the IX Ceicyt 2024 Student Congress. These initiatives attracted thousands of participants and highlighted the contributions of students and researchers. The Second Dominican University Innovation Fair, held in 2024, showcased collaborations between universities, businesses, and entrepreneurs, further solidifying the country’s innovation ecosystem.