When you think of the world’s next big tech hub, you might picture Silicon Valley, maybe São Paulo, or Mexico City. But here’s one you probably didn’t see coming — Paraguay.

This landlocked country between Brazil and Argentina is quietly setting itself up to become the Silicon Valley of South America. And leading that charge? A new wave of innovators, dreamers, and tech visionaries like Gabriela Cibils, who’s on a mission to turn Paraguay into a global tech powerhouse.

🌎 From Silicon Valley to Asunción

Gabriela grew up in Paraguay when tech wasn’t exactly the talk of the town. But for her, it was personal — her parents worked in the industry, sparking a curiosity that eventually led her all the way to the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied computing and neuroscience.

After nearly a decade working in Silicon Valley startups, Gabriela made a bold move — she came back home.

“I saw first-hand the impact technology can have on your life,” she says. “After being exposed to such a different world, it felt like my responsibility to bring that mindset back to Paraguay.”

Now, as a partner at Cibersons, a global tech and investment firm based in Asunción, Gabriela is helping to build a homegrown innovation ecosystem — one that doesn’t just dream of tech success but has the energy to back it up.

⚡ Powered by Green Energy

Paraguay’s secret weapon? Hydropower.

Thanks to massive hydroelectric plants like the Itaipú Dam — the second-largest in the world — the country runs on 100% renewable energy. In fact, Paraguay produces so much clean power that it’s the largest exporter of green energy on the planet.

For the booming world of AI and data centers — industries that consume insane amounts of electricity — that’s a game changer.

“If you want to install tech investments like AI data centers, hydroelectric power is both renewable and steady,” says Paraguayan entrepreneur Sebastián Ortiz-Chamorro. “It’s more reliable than wind or solar — perfect for powering data-intensive innovation.”

It’s no wonder global giants like Google and OpenAI are now taking meetings with Paraguay’s leaders.

🏗️ Building the Future — Literally

Tech ambition in Paraguay isn’t just talk. The government, led by President Santiago Peña and Minister of Technology Gustavo Villate, has launched plans for a massive Digital Park near Asunción’s main airport.

Right now, it’s mostly green fields and a few army barracks — but soon, it’ll be a futuristic campus with lakes, research centers, a childcare hub, and the new University of Technology, a joint venture between Paraguay and Taiwan.

The idea? To bring together government, universities, and private investors to build a thriving digital ecosystem.

“We have the youngest population, renewable energy, low taxes, and stability,” Villate says. “It’s the perfect mix for innovation.”

👩‍💻 Tech with a Human Touch

But Paraguay’s digital transformation isn’t just about big infrastructure — it’s also about people.

Tech leader Vanessa Cañete, president of the Paraguayan Chamber of Software Industry, is helping train a new generation of developers, engineers, and coders. And through her non-profit Girls Code, she’s working to close the gender gap in tech, offering coding and robotics workshops for young women across the country.

So far, more than 1,000 girls have taken part. Many of them are now studying computer science or working in software development — building the skills that will power Paraguay’s digital tomorrow.

🌱 Growing Pains, Big Dreams

Sure, there are challenges — bureaucracy, slow processes, and limited investor familiarity can still hold things up. But there’s no shortage of optimism.

As Gabriela puts it, “If you put innovation at the core and leverage all the benefits Paraguay already has, I think this country can be a superpower.”

And honestly? She might be right.

Paraguay has the youth, the energy, the vision — and the literal power — to light up Latin America’s digital future.

✨ Paraguay might not be Silicon Valley yet, but give it time — it’s got all the right voltage.