Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Investigación Científica e Innovación - ISTICI

What Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Investigación Científica e Innovación - ISTICI does

ISTICI is a private technological higher education institution based in Quito, Ecuador, established in 2023 under CES Resolution RPC-SO-34-No.570-2023 with SNIESE Code 3053. It offers five accredited technologist degree programs—Administration, Digital Commerce and Logistics, Big Data and Business Intelligence, Transportation Management, and Technology Infrastructure Administration—delivered through online and hybrid modalities via the EVA learning management system, the SGA academic management platform (academicok.com), and Microsoft 365/Teams. The institution also operates two wholly-owned research and innovation centers: CIICTADES (Centro Internacional de Investigación Científica, Tecnología Aplicada y Desarrollo Sostenible) based in Quito, and CIITEDIS (Centro Internacional de Innovación y Tecnologías para el Desarrollo Inclusivo y Sostenible) based in Guayaquil.

The company generates revenue from three primary streams: tuition fees from Regular and Validation (prior-knowledge recognition) programs on an annual subscription cadence, continuing education and labor competency certifications accredited by the Ministry of Labor under Resolution MDT-SCPGA-2025-0023, and research services including consulting, patent licensing, and scientific publication support. ISTICI's distinctive technology is the Árbol de Aprendizaje, a patented autonomous solar-powered educational device with an embedded AI chatbot designed to deliver interactive learning in Amazonian, rural, and insular regions lacking electricity or internet connectivity. Supporting products include two peer-reviewed scientific journals (REDIN and CCGECON) hosted on Open Journal Systems and a Digitalia Hispánica e-book library.

ISTICI serves prospective university students in Ecuador (361 enrolled across both programs as of latest data), working professionals seeking Ministry-of-Labor-recognized certifications, government institutions seeking research collaboration, and healthcare/pharmaceutical organizations through its CECMED (Cuba) and CIDEM-BioCubaFarma partnerships. With only 9 permanent employees, 42 non-permanent teaching faculty, and 16 graduates from the Validation Program to date, ISTICI is a two-year-old institution at an early commercial stage, anchored by 97 inter-institutional cooperation agreements and a research output of 19 indexed publications across its centers and journals.

Name

Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Investigación Científica e Innovación - ISTICI

Legal name

Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Investigación Científica e Innovación

Website

https://istici.edu.ec

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ISTICI is a private Ecuadorian technological institute founded in 2023, offering five accredited technologist degree programs via online and hybrid delivery, two research centers (CIICTADES and CIITEDIS), and a patented solar-powered AI-enabled educational device (Árbol de Aprendizaje) for rural and underserved learners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Computer Training (611420), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAHAEAC

Institutes of Technology (IoT / Technical Universities)

Education/Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)/Technical & Polytechnic Universities

SECONDARYEDANAIAF

Information Technology & Cybersecurity Certification Prep (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2/ISACA)

Education/Tutoring & Test Preparation/Professional Certification & Licensure Exam Prep

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Technology degree programs
• Online learning platforms
• Professional certifications
• Scientific research services

Headquarters

HQ city

Quito

HQ country

Ecuador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Registration Fees: Revenue generated from student tuition fees for technologist programs in Regular and Validation modalities, including registration and academic fees.
2. Continuing Education and Certifications: Revenue from professional certification programs and continuing education courses approved by the Ministry of Labor (MDT).
3. Research Services: CIICTADES and CIITEDIS generate revenue through research collaboration projects, consulting services, patent licensing, and scientific publication support for external institutions and organizations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ISTICI is a private Ecuadorian higher education technological institute that delivers accredited technologist degree programs in Administration, Digital Commerce and Logistics, Big Data and Business Intelligence, Land Transportation Management, and Technology Infrastructure Administration through online and hybrid modalities. The institution supplements its academic offerings with Ministry of Labor-accredited labor competency certifications, scientific research and consulting services via CIICTADES and CIITEDIS research centers, peer-reviewed scientific journals (REDIN and CCGECON), and the proprietary ÁRBOL DE APRENDIZAJE autonomous educational device.

Product overview

ISTICI is an Ecuadorian higher technical institute offering a platform-based educational ecosystem. The core offering includes five technology programs (Administración, Comercio Digital y Logística, Big Data e Inteligencia de Negocio, Gestión del Transporte, and Administración de Infraestructura y Plataformas Tecnológicas) delivered through the EVA learning management system and SGA academic management system. Supporting the educational platform are two international research and innovation centers: CIICTADES (focused on scientific research and applied technology) and CIITEDIS (focused on inclusive and sustainable development services). The institution also offers the Árbol de Aprendizaje, an innovative autonomous educational technology device with AI capabilities, and operates two peer-reviewed scientific journals (REDIN and CCGECON). Labor competency certifications are available through the Ministry of Labor accreditation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CIITEDIS: Centro Internacional de Innovación y Tecnologías para el Desarrollo Inclusivo y Sostenible - International center focused on innovation and sustainable development technologies
• CIICTADES
• Revista REDIN
• CCGECON Journal

Products and services

• Programa Regular - Carreras Tecnológicas Five accredited technologist degree programs delivered through online and hybrid modalities: Administración (Administration), Comercio Digital y Logística (Digital Commerce and Logistics), Big Data e Inteligencia de Negocio (Big Data and Business Intelligence), Gestión del Transporte Terrestre, Tránsito y Vialidad (Land Transportation, Transit and Roadway Management), and Administración de Infraestructura y Plataformas Tecnológicas (Technology Infrastructure and Platform Administration). Targeted at prospective higher education students in Ecuador seeking technology-focused career credentials.
• Programa de Validación de Conocimientos Alternative validation pathway offering formal recognition of prior knowledge and work experience in three technologist disciplines: Administración, Comercio Digital y Logística, and Gestión de Transporte Terrestre, Tránsito y Vialidad. Designed for working professionals seeking credentials without full-time study, with 137 students enrolled and 16 graduates produced.
• Certificaciones por Competencias Laborales Labor competency certifications accredited by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Labor covering seven professional areas: Administración de Plataformas de Formación Virtual, Administración de Bases de Datos, Administración de Empresas, Gestión de Sistemas Informáticos, Operaciones de Control de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre, Implementación de Aulas Virtuales de Aprendizaje, and Facilitación en Actividades de Capacitación-Formación Dual. Targeted at employed individuals seeking official competency recognition.
• ÁRBOL DE APRENDIZAJE (Learning Tree) Autonomous educational technology device designed to guarantee access to interactive education programs in Amazonian, rural, and insular regions without electricity or internet connectivity. Features a solar-powered system, embedded AI chatbot for conversational learning, training zones with simulators and games, and offline/online operation modes. Piloted at Instituto Superior Pedagógico Intercultural Bilingüe Canelos in Pastaza province.
• CIICTADES Research and Innovation Services International research center (Centro Internacional de Investigación Científica, Tecnología Aplicada y Desarrollo Sostenible) offering I+D+i projects, technology transfer, intellectual property management, patent licensing, scientific publication support, and consulting services. Serves government institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic collaborators regionally and internationally through partnerships with CECMED Cuba and CIDEM/BioCubaFarma.
• CIITEDIS Innovation and Sustainable Development Services International innovation center (Centro Internacional de Innovación y Tecnologías para el Desarrollo Inclusivo y Sostenible) offering advisory services, consultancy, training, and scientific publication management focused on inclusive and sustainable development technologies. Located in Guayaquil at Edificio Trade Building, Torre A.
• Revista REDIN (Revista de Desarrollo e Innovación) Peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journal published quarterly via Open Journal Systems, covering social sciences, ICT, administrative sciences, exact sciences, medical sciences, and agricultural sciences. Operated with double-blind peer review process and supports scientific publication for researchers and academics.
• CCGECON Journal Peer-reviewed multidisciplinary scientific journal with ISSN 2995-5491 (English) and ISSN 2995-5793 (Spanish), published quarterly on Open Journal Systems covering multiple knowledge areas. Co-published with CCGECON and the Latin American Association of Neutrosophic Sciences.

Quantifiable outcome

• 361 students enrolled across Regular and Validation programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Motoescuela Quito Cía. LtdaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2025Convenio Marco de Cooperación Interinstitucional signed to strengthen academic, technical, and civic formation. Joint projects benefiting the community through the Transportation Management program.
• Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo de Medicamentos (CIDEM) - BioCubaFarmacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 December 2024Marco de Colaboración Científica signed for joint research and development of medications. BioCubaFarma's CIDEM collaborates with ISTICI through CIICTADES for scientific research and pharmaceutical innovation projects in Havana, Cuba.
• Centro para el Control Estatal de Medicamentos, Equipos y Dispositivos Médicos de Cuba (CECMED)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2024Marco de Cooperación Institucional signed between ISTICI and CECMED for collaboration in pharmaceutical evaluation, drug development, medical device certification, and regulatory compliance services. This partnership enables CIICTADES to offer experimental evaluation of drugs and health products through CECMED's expertise.
• Instituto Superior Pedagógico Intercultural Bilingüe CaneloscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 August 2024Pilot implementation of the Árbol de Aprendizaje project at the bilingual intercultural educational institute in Pastaza province. The project aims to provide educational access in Amazonian communities with limited infrastructure.
• Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic academic partnership for joint research initiatives including the VIII Congreso Internacional de Investigación e Innovación Universitaria. UNIANDES Extension Quevedo collaborated with CIICTADES on the presentation 'Gobernanza de datos en la era de la nube híbrida'.
• Centro de Capacitación y Gestión del Conocimiento (CCGECON)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for scientific event organization and academic publication. CCGECON co-organizes international congresses and hosts the CCGECON Journal on the ISTICI scientific publication platform. Editor located at Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes.
• Red CLIIEE - Comunidad Latinoamericana de Investigación, Innovación y Emprendimiento EducativomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISTICI officially adhered to the Latin American Network for Research, Innovation and Educational Entrepreneurship. Membership provides access to regional collaboration opportunities and knowledge sharing across Latin American institutions.
• Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENESCYT)coreOthersPrimary regulatory and oversight body for higher education in Ecuador. SENESCYT manages the national higher education information system (SNIESE) where ISTICI is registered (Code 3053) and oversees scholarship programs including the ICT scholarship program for digital gap reduction.
• Consejo de Educación Superior (CES)coreOthersRegulatory body that granted ISTICI's institutional creation through Resolution RPC-SO-34-No.570-2023 and approves career programs through resolutions such as RPC-SO-51-No.845-2023.
• Ministerio de Trabajo de EcuadorcoreOthersGovernment ministry that granted ISTICI recognition as an Organismo Evaluador de la Conformidad through Resolution MDT-SCPGA-2025-0023, enabling professional certification services.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Coursera: Global online learning platform partnering with universities to deliver technology and certification programs. Emerging player that increasingly competes with regional universities for online enrollment.

Direct peers

• Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL): Ecuadorian private distance-learning university offering online and hybrid technical programs with strong regulatory standing. Closest direct competitor in the online higher-education and technology-program niche in Ecuador.
• Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE): Private Ecuadorian university with strong online and on-campus programs in administration, technology, and commerce. Direct competitor for ISTICI's target student segments.
• Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar (UASB): Postgraduate-focused Ecuadorian university with regional academic positioning and research output. Comparable as a research-active private higher-education institution in Ecuador.
• Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES): Private Ecuadorian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs including business and technology. Comparable as a private higher-education institution competing for the same domestic student market.
• Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES): Partner Ecuadorian university collaborating on the VIII Congreso Internacional de Investigación and the CCGECON journal. Comparable as a private regional university with technology and research offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE): One of Ecuador's largest traditional private universities with broad academic portfolio. Competes for the same qualified student pool and labor-credentialing recognition.
• Tecnológico de Monterrey: Large Mexican private university with extensive online programs, international partnerships, and Latin American reach. Broad incumbent in tech-focused higher education across the region.

Regional players

• Instituto Tecnológico Superior Compu Sur: Ecuadorian technical institute focused on IT and technology training. Comparable regional player in the same Ecuadorian technologist education niche.

Others

• Universidad Estatal Amazónica: Public Ecuadorian university headquartered in Puyo with focus on Amazon-region sustainability. Adjacent to ISTICI's Amazonian outreach and CIITEDIS sustainable-development mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ISTICI_Ecuador/status/1708897785741729963
• Facebookfacebook.com/p/Instituto-Superior-Tecnol%C3%B3gico-Istici-61553797421649/?locale=es_LA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/instituto-superior-tecnol%C3%B3gico-de-investigaci%C3%B3n-cient%C3%ADfica-e-innovaci%C3%B3n-istici
• Instagraminstagram.com/instituto_superior_istici

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Instituto Superior Tecnológico de Investigación Científica e Innovación - ISTICI