City of Knowledge

What City of Knowledge does

Fundación Ciudad del Saber (Ciudad del Saber / City of Knowledge) is a private non-profit foundation established in 1998 in Clayton, Panama City, that redeveloped a former U.S. military base into a 120+ hectare innovation campus connecting academic, scientific, humanitarian, and business organizations for knowledge transfer and social change. The campus hosts 81 high-tech companies, 39 international organizations and NGOs (including 18 UN agencies), 150+ academic programs, and 150+ startups incubated through the Centro de Innovación. Core product lines fall into four categories: (1) commercial venue rentals via the comercial.ciudaddelsaber.org booking platform, including the 700-seat Teatro Ateneo (historic 1935 cinema), the Centro de Convenciones with capacity up to 1,000 persons, Aulas 105 classrooms, La Casa (E-108) for up to 800 persons, Auditorio Innova, and a 96-room lodging complex; (2) innovation programs operated by the Centro de Innovación covering startup incubation, acceleration, Canal de Empresarias (women's leadership), and the annual Fondo Cultural Ingenia cultural fund; (3) education and cultural programs including Technovation Girls Panama (270 participants in 2026), the OliPaCE science olympiad, Veranito "Diseña tu primer Videojuego" STEAM camp, the 22nd-edition Panama Jazz Festival, and Revolution Fest; and (4) sustainability and commercial services comprising Parque Ciudad del Saber (21-hectare sports park), La Plaza with 20 restaurants, the Centro de Acopio de Reciclables, a new electric bus shuttle network, and Panama's first gas-station electric charging station at Estación Delta.

The business model is a hybrid of four revenue streams typical of non-profit science parks: (a) quote-based pay-as-you-go venue and lodging rentals (Auditorio 109 half-day $250 / full-day $400; La Casa $1,500–$2,500; Centro de Convenciones full center $2,280; Teatro Ateneo $2,000/day); (b) recurring affiliation/membership fees paid by companies, NGOs, academic programs, and government entities to access campus facilities and the innovation ecosystem; (c) fees for innovation programming (incubation, acceleration, training) and event sponsorship such as the 16+ year relationship with Más Móvil Panamá; and (d) programmatic grants and partnerships, including the FIDUCA Erasmus+ EU-funded project (May 2026) and SENACYT co-developed programs. The foundation generates no public financial disclosures, and specific revenue figures are not available in the source data.

Name

City of Knowledge

Legal name

Fundación Ciudad del Saber

Website

https://ciudaddelsaber.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Fundación Ciudad del Saber is a Panama-based non-profit foundation that operates a 120+ hectare innovation campus in Clayton, Panama City, hosting 81 technology companies, 39 NGOs, 18 UN agencies, 150+ academic programs, and 150+ incubated startups through venue rentals, membership fees, and innovation programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Campus / Science Park Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Historical Sites (712120), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Equipment Rental & Leasing, Nec (7359), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Venture Creation Centers (EDAHAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA), Hotel & Resort Convention Venues (Convention Hotels) (THAHAAAC), Event Setup, Moves/Adds/Changes (MAC) & Space Turnover Services (EDAEAAAJ)

Keywords

• Innovation campus operations
• Science park services
• Event venue rentals
• Startup incubation programs
• Cultural event management

Headquarters

HQ city

Panama City

HQ country

Panama

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Venue and Space Rentals: Revenue from renting event spaces, conference facilities, classrooms, auditoriums, and lodging accommodations to organizations and individuals hosting events on campus
2. Affiliation and Membership Fees: Organizations pay to affiliate with Ciudad del Saber, gaining access to campus facilities, networking opportunities, and the innovation ecosystem
3. Innovation Programs: Programs supporting startups and entrepreneurs including incubation, acceleration, and various training initiatives
4. Cultural and Event Programs: Cultural initiatives including Fondo Cultural Ingenia, events, festivals, and community programs that generate engagement and revenue

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Ciudad del Saber operates a 120+ hectare physical innovation campus in Clayton, Panama City, monetizing it through venue and lodging rentals, organizational affiliation/membership fees, startup incubation and acceleration programs at the Centro de Innovación, and cultural/educational event production (Panama Jazz Festival, Revolution Fest, Fondo Cultural Ingenia, Technovation Girls, OliPaCE). The foundation connects 81 high-tech companies, 39 international organizations/NGOs, 18 UN agencies, and 150+ academic programs to foster cross-sector knowledge transfer, innovation and social change.

Product overview

Ciudad del Saber is a physical innovation campus and hub (transformed from a former military base) offering venue rental services, innovation programs, educational initiatives, and sustainability services. The platform operates on a multi-module model centered around its 120-hectare campus in Panama City. Core offerings include: (1) Event Spaces - Teatro Ateneo, Centro de Convenciones, Aulas 105, La Casa (E-108), and E-109 for conferences, weddings, and corporate events; (2) Innovation Programs through the Centro de Innovación with startup incubation, acceleration, Canal de Empresarias, and Fondo Cultural Ingenia cultural funding; (3) Educational Programs including Technovation Girls, OliPaCE science olympiad, and Veranito Videojuego game development camp; (4) Recreation via Parque Ciudad del Saber (21 hectares) with sports facilities; (5) Hospitality through on-campus lodging (96 rooms); (6) Commercial spaces including La Plaza with 20 restaurants; (7) Sustainability services including recycling center (CAR), electric bus transportation, and electric charging station. The organization is structured as a non-profit foundation connecting academic, scientific, humanitarian, and business organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Centro de Innovación: The Innovation Center of Ciudad del Saber that supports startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation programs including incubation, acceleration, and the INNOVAR program.
• Fondo Cultural Ingenia
• Panama Jazz Festival
• Veranito Disena tu Primer Videojuego
• La Plaza
• Parque Ciudad del Saber

Products and services

• Auditorio Innova (E-109) Modern and versatile 60-person auditorium for conferences, presentations, workshops and special events on the Ciudad del Saber campus; rented to organizations and event organizers.
• Centro de Convenciones Conference center on the Ciudad del Saber campus with multiple meeting rooms (Salon 101, Salon 102, Sala de juntas, Salon 107, Salon 108, combined salons and full center) totaling capacity up to 1,000 people plus a 100-person terrace; used for conferences, exhibitions and large events.
• Aulas 105 Educational and business training facilities with wireless internet, projectors, screens and furniture, available in three sizes (small 20 people, medium 40 people, large 80 people auditorium-style); rented to higher education programs, government entities, international organizations and corporate training customers.
• La Casa (E-108) Multi-purpose event space at Edificio 108 with closed area (500 people), terrace (78 people) and complete facility (800 people); designed for weddings, celebrations, corporate events and social gatherings with flexible distribution.
• Teatro Ateneo Historic 700+ seat theater on the Ciudad del Saber campus equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology; rented for cinema screenings, performing arts productions, conferences and large presentations; awarded Premio Magno MOA 2026 for architectural rehabilitation.
• Complejo de Hospedaje (On-Campus Lodging) On-campus lodging complex with 96 rooms designed for extended stays, business travelers and event participants; bundled with venue rentals and commercial services.
• Centro de Innovación (Innovation Center) Innovation Center offering startup incubation, acceleration, advanced entrepreneurship programs, mentorship and resources to entrepreneurs and SMEs in Panama and Central America; has incubated 150+ startups.
• Canal de Empresarias Flagship gender equity and women's leadership/entrepreneurship program at the Centro de Innovación; part of the foundation's regional leadership in gender parity initiatives including the IPG.
• Fondo Cultural Ingenia Annual competitive cultural fund that provides economic, logistical, operational and follow-up support to creative and cultural projects in Panama; the only annual competitive cultural fund of its kind in the country.
• Panama Jazz Festival Annual international jazz festival (22nd edition in 2025) featuring world-class musicians, educational clinics and cultural activities; co-produced with Fundación Danilo Pérez and sponsored by Más Móvil Panamá for 16+ years.
• Revolution Fest Music and culture festival hosted at Ciudad del Saber promoting sustainability, community engagement and responsible environmental practices.
• Technovation Girls Panamá Global technology entrepreneurship initiative for girls and young women (ages 8-18) identifying community problems and developing technological solutions; fourth edition in 2026 with 270 participants and 50 volunteer mentors.
• OliPaCE (Olimpiada Panameña de Ciencias Espaciales) National space sciences olympiad organized with SENACYT testing physics, mathematics, astronomy, astrophysics and rocket science; winners represent Panama at the Latin American Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad.
• Veranito 'Diseña tu primer Videojuego' Free STEAM summer camp for teenagers aged 13-17 that teaches video game design and programming using GameMaker, including an advanced-level track for returning participants; over 75 participants across three editions.
• Parque Ciudad del Saber 21-hectare sports and recreation park on the Ciudad del Saber campus featuring swimming pool, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, racquetball, tennis, volleyball, gym, boxing room, gazebo and outdoor spaces; open to community use.
• La Plaza Main community meeting point of the Ciudad del Saber campus with 20 restaurants, commercial shops and services; hosts events including the Mercado Urbano urban market, bazars and activations.
• Centro de Acopio de Reciclables (CAR) On-campus recycling collection center open Monday to Saturday, accepting paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, plastic containers, glass, aluminum, tetrapak, electronic waste, batteries and oil; operated with Fundación Acción Social por Panamá as a non-profit activity.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70M invested in R&D, Design and Innovation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FIDUCA ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026Part of the international FIDUCA project (Erasmus+ funded) strengthening innovation and transdisciplinary research in Central American universities. Consortium includes 12 institutions from Central America and Europe.
• IASP (International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Ciudad del Saber has been a member of IASP since 1998. Currently presiding the Latin American Division of IASP, with Janelle Castrellon Ruiz as Manager of Business Development assuming the leadership role to connect capabilities, talent, and opportunities in the region.
• Fundación Danilo PérezcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producers of the Panama Jazz Festival, one of the most anticipated events on Panama's cultural calendar. The festival celebrated its 22nd edition in 2025.
• SENACYT (Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for national science, technology and innovation initiatives including Technovation Girls Panamá (4th year), OliPaCE olympiad, and various innovation programs.
• Jump LatinoaméricaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial training partner for Jump Latinoamérica Season 2, providing formation in value proposition, financial projections, pitch, marketing, team leadership, and customer experience to over 2,000 applicants.
• Más Móvil PanamáminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor supporting the Panama Jazz Festival for over 16 years, strengthening commitment with culture and arts in Panama.
• Petróleos DeltacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Delta Station at Ciudad del Saber, marking a milestone with Panama's first electric charging station at a gas station, advancing sustainable mobility.
• UNICEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for children's rights advocacy; hosted first World Children's Day commemoration with UNICEF Panama Representative Sandie Blanchet.
• Cruz Roja Panameña / IFRCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing humanitarian cooperation; hosted World Red Cross Day commemoration with IFRC Regional Director Cristian Torres.
• Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution participating in Panama Jazz Festival educational activities and clinics.
• New England Conservatory (NEC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOldest independent music school in the United States participating in Panama Jazz Festival educational events.
• New York Jazz AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJazz education institution participating in Panama Jazz Festival educational programming.
• Panama American CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural center of the US Embassy, collaborating on educational programs including 'Diseña tu primer Videojuego' summer camp for teenagers.
• Universidad Interamericana de Puerto RicocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in educational programs including video game design camp with faculty from the university and students from the Video Game Design program.
• Fundación Yaguará PanamáminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlly in jaguar conservation and sustainable cattle ranching initiatives, implementing GEF-7 Jaguares Panamá project with MiAMBIENTE and UN Environment.
• United Nations / Hub Interagencial de las Naciones UnidascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub with 18 UN agencies and programs hosted at Ciudad del Saber campus, with Coordinator Resident Ana Graça engaging with the ecosystem.
• UNESCO-connected InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnected to UNESCO's knowledge cities initiative; dedicated to knowledge transfer, innovation, and social change.
• FUNDAMORGANminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Microfondos Concursables initiative promoting social and environmental entrepreneurship among young Panamanians aged 18-30.
• InnovanationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Microfondos Concursables supporting youth entrepreneurship with mentorship and specialized accompaniment.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ruta N: Ruta N is Medellín's public innovation center operating incubation, acceleration, and corporate venture programs with municipal backing. Highly comparable to Ciudad del Saber as a Latin American government-anchored innovation hub combining tenant incubation, programming, and venue infrastructure.
• Parque Tecnológico de Itaipu (PTI): PTI is a Brazilian technology park operated in partnership with Itaipu Binational, focused on innovation, sustainability, and incubation. Comparable as a Latin American state-affiliated science park with sustainability and innovation programming.
• Tecnopuc (PUCRS): Tecnopuc is the technology park of PUCRS university in Porto Alegre, Brazil, hosting tech companies, startups, and innovation programs. Comparable as a science park combining university affiliation, incubation services, and commercial tenants on a dedicated campus.
• ParqueTec (São Paulo): ParqueTec is a private technology park in São Paulo hosting innovation-focused companies and startups with strong ties to academic institutions. Comparable as a Latin American science park providing incubation, office space, and event infrastructure.

Broad incumbents

• Skolkovo Innovation Center: Skolkovo is a state-backed innovation city near Moscow combining a tech university, science park, and innovation cluster with government and corporate tenants. Comparable as a larger, government-anchored innovation ecosystem with incubator, accelerator, and event programs.
• Research Triangle Park (RTP): Research Triangle Park in North Carolina is one of the largest research parks in the world, anchoring major corporate and academic tenants. Comparable as a mature, large-scale science park model that Ciudad del Saber aspires toward in scope and tenant mix.
• 22@Barcelona Innovation District: 22@Barcelona is an urban innovation district in Barcelona hosting tech companies, universities, and research centers. Comparable as a multi-tenant innovation cluster with strong university, corporate, and public-sector participation.
• Innopolis (Russia): Innopolis is a purpose-built tech city in Tatarstan, Russia, focused on IT companies, a tech university, and R&D centers. Comparable as a dedicated innovation city combining commercial tenants, academic institutions, and R&D infrastructure on a planned campus.

Regional players

• Tecnópolis (Argentina): Tecnópolis is Argentina's large-scale science and technology park in Buenos Aires, hosting exhibitions, cultural events, and innovation programming with government backing. Comparable as a regional government-anchored science and culture campus combining education, events, and innovation themes.

Emerging players

• Dubai Internet City / Dubai Knowledge Park: Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Park are purpose-built free zones hosting tech, media, and education tenants with government support. Comparable as state-sponsored multi-tenant knowledge clusters mixing commercial, academic, and innovation tenants.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ciudaddelsaber
• Facebookfacebook.com/ciudaddelsaber
• Instagraminstagram.com/ciudaddelsaber
• Xx.com/CiudaddelSaber

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments4 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City of Knowledge