Mario Flamenco will lead the National Agency for Artificial Intelligence With extensive experience in technological education and local talent development from the National Bitcoin Office, Mario Flamenco has been appointed as the first director of the newly created National Agency for Artificial Intelligence. His vision: to make education the foundation for attracting responsible investments and building an ethical AI industry in El Salvador. The Government of El Salvador has appointed Mario Flamenco as the director of the National Artificial Intelligence Agency (ANIA), the new governing body created by the Law for the Promotion of Artificial Intelligence and Technologies. This institution will be key to implementing the country's efforts in research, development, and integration of AI into the economy and public services. Flamenco is no stranger to the challenges of building emerging industries from scratch. Since 2022, he has worked closely with the National Bitcoin Office (ONBTC), where he has led educational programs such as CUBO+, which has trained over 300 Salvadorans in software development on Bitcoin Core and Lightning Network. The initiative, supported by figures like Adam Back and Peter Todd, has successfully placed young individuals in global jobs and opened study opportunities in Europe. His self-taught training in bitcoin since 2011, combined with his technical and philosophical preparation under the guidance of experts like Jimmy Song, and his close collaboration with @stacyherbert, director of @bitcoinofficesv, have been pillars in his growth. "Working alongside Stacy helped me think differently and solve problems creatively. She taught me that many more things are possible than we believe in El Salvador," he said. Flamenco emphasizes that the first objective of the ANIA will be the training of Salvadoran talent in AI, a strategy aimed at creating favorable conditions to attract ethical and long-term investment. "Quality investment only comes when there is prepared human capital. My experience leading educational programs is precisely what this agency needs to grow from day one," he pointed out. In that vein, the new director has already been in contact with some of the most relevant companies in the AI world. In his role at ONBTC, he participated in meetings with companies like NVIDIA and Google AI, with whom they have made progress on educational proposals that include technical certifications, workshops, and master classes. Flamenco, who is also very fluent in English, has been able to participate directly in these conversations and build strategic relationships with leaders in the tech sector. One of the most recent achievements has been the launch of CUBO AI, a program that replicates the CUBO+ model in the field of artificial intelligence, with an inaugural class taught by Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Investments. Flamenco emphasizes that ANIA's vision is deeply connected to the values of President @nayibbukele and Salvadoran culture. "Artificial intelligence presents opportunities, but also risks. That is why we are going to educate our population so that they not only consume technology but also understand it, question it, and create it," he explained. As part of its functions, ANIA will supervise compliance with the new law, organize nationwide training, and manage the National AI Development Registry. In addition, it will collaborate with companies and governments to create laboratories and research centers with an ethical focus. "This appointment is an honor and a great responsibility. I feel that it is a reward for the hard work of the last three years. I take on this role with gratitude and commitment, knowing that the country is betting big on technological development," Flamenco concluded. El Salvador positions itself as one of the first countries in the world to have an agency dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence, with an integrative approach between technology, education, and human development. Under the leadership of Mario Flamenco, ANIA aims for this new chapter to not only transform the industry but also to benefit future generations. Article: @elsalvador By: @kealrive22 Translation: @TranslatingES