Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí

What Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí does

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) is a public autonomous university headquartered in David, Chiriquí Province, Panama, established in 1995 under Panamanian law as a state educational institution. It serves as the principal higher education provider for western Panama, offering more than 50 undergraduate programs across 11 faculties spanning business administration, public administration, architecture, education sciences, social communication, law and political sciences, economics, nursing, humanities, medicine, and natural and exact sciences. Its core student base consists of Panamanian undergraduates, complemented by graduate and professional students pursuing master's, doctoral, and postgraduate diploma programs.

The institution operates a hybrid physical-digital education platform. The core technical product is UNACHI Virtual, a Moodle-based Learning Management System (LMS) managed by the Dirección de Tecnología de la Información y Comunicación (DTIC) for online and hybrid course delivery. Supporting infrastructure includes Microsoft 365 integration for students and faculty, an institutional Outlook email service, a digital library system providing access to over 300,000 virtual books, the JÄ DIMIKE institutional repository for academic output, and an electronic student registration system. Communication and media assets include UNACHI TV (YouTube), Radio Universitaria at 93.3 FM (TuneIn-streamed), and the SIDIC Editorial Seal publishing imprint. Research infrastructure comprises nine specialized institutes covering environmental sciences, women's development, social sciences, clinical services, interdisciplinary innovation, nutrition, territorial management and climate change, and human rights, alongside the CBI-UNACHI research ethics committee.

UNACHI's revenue model is multi-stream and typical of public autonomous universities. Primary revenue derives from tuition and academic fees across undergraduate, graduate, master's, and doctoral programs, with subscription-style annual billing cadences. Auxiliary revenue streams include clinical services (Medical, Dental, and Psychological Clinics), legal consultation services, a university pharmacy, and research and technical consulting delivered through the University-Enterprise Linkage Office (Dirección de Vinculación Universidad Empresa). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with structured discounts of 15–25% offered to employees of partner institutions and government agencies, an additional 5% discount for early payment, and scholarship pathways through IFARHU and SENACYT partnerships. The institution does not disclose revenue figures publicly. Distribution is executed through a main campus in David, four regional centers (CRUTA in Tierras Altas, CRUCHIO, CRUBA) plus a Boquete extension and Universidad Popular de Alanje community program, with self-serve online admission and registration portals serving as the primary enrollment channel.

Name

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí

Legal name

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí

Website

https://unachi.ac.pa

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) is a public autonomous university in David, Panama, delivering undergraduate and graduate programs across 11 faculties to students in western Panama through a main campus and four regional centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Professional Schools (MBA/MPA/MPH/Etc.) (EDAHALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA), Articulation & Credit Transfer Partnerships (EDAIABAE)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Undergraduate programs
• Graduate education
• Health sciences education
• Regional university

Headquarters

HQ city

Ciudad De David

HQ country

Panama

HQ region

Latin America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Academic Fees: Revenue from student tuition, credit fees for undergraduate, graduate, master's and doctoral programs. Discounts offered to public employees and partner organizations (15-25% for employees of partnered institutions)
2. University Services Revenue: Revenue from clinical services (Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Psychological Clinic), legal consultation services, pharmacy, and other auxiliary services offered to students and the general public
3. Research and Technical Services: Revenue from consulting services, technical cooperation projects, and research services developed with government agencies and private sector through university-enterprise linkage office

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) is a public autonomous university offering undergraduate and graduate academic programs across 11 faculties, including Business Administration, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Education, Architecture, and Natural Sciences. The institution delivers on-campus and online education through a Moodle-based virtual campus, supports research via nine specialized institutes, and provides auxiliary clinical, legal, and consulting services to students and the broader community in Panama's Chiriquí Province.

Product overview

Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) is a public university in David, Chiriquí, Panama, offering a comprehensive higher education ecosystem. The institution operates primarily as an educational services provider with a platform-plus-services architecture. The core product is UNACHI Virtual, a Moodle-based virtual learning management system serving undergraduate and graduate programs across 11 faculties. Supporting the academic mission are the Sistema de Bibliotecas e Información (accessing over 300,000 virtual books), the Repositorio JÄ DIMIKE digital repository, and the Portal de Revistas academic journal catalog. Media and communication services include UNACHI TV (YouTube-based) and Radio Universitaria (TuneIn-streamed). Research infrastructure features the CBI-UNACHI bioethics committee. Administrative services span medical, dental, and psychological clinics, plus specialized facilities like the 320-seat Auditorium Elsa Estela Real. The Vinculación Universidad Empresa program bridges academia with industry through joint research and technology transfer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UNACHI Virtual: Virtual campus platform powered by Moodle, providing online education services
• JÄ DIMIKE Repository
• UNACHI TV
• Radio Universitaria
• SIDIC Editorial Seal

Products and services

• Undergraduate Degree Programs More than 50 bachelor's degree programs across scientific, administrative, economic, humanistic, and technological areas, delivered through 11 faculties for high school graduates and transfer students seeking professional qualifications.
• Graduate and Postgraduate Programs Master's degrees, doctoral programs, postgraduate diplomas, and continuing education offerings for working professionals seeking advanced academic credentials and specialization.
• UNACHI Virtual Online Learning Platform Moodle-based virtual learning environment (version 2024042202.01) providing online and hybrid course delivery, course management, and remote learning capabilities for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Library and Information System University library system providing access to physical study spaces, computer equipment, wireless internet, and over 300,000 virtual books across scientific, humanistic, and economic disciplines through institutional subscriptions.
• Auditorio Elsa Estela Real Main university auditorium with 320-person capacity, equipped with audio and video systems for hosting social, cultural, and academic events.
• University Medical Clinic On-campus medical clinic providing healthcare services to UNACHI students and the broader campus community.
• CBI-UNACHI Research Ethics Committee Research ethics committee providing ethical review, approval, and monitoring of scientific investigations to ensure protection of participant rights in compliance with national and international bioethics standards.
• Vinculación Universidad Empresa (University-Enterprise Linkage) Program led by Dr. Hugo Moreno promoting collaboration between the university and productive sectors through joint research, training programs, entrepreneurship support, and technology transfer initiatives.
• Research Institutes Services Research services delivered through nine specialized institutes covering environmental sciences, women's development, social sciences, clinical services, interdisciplinary research, nutrition, territorial management, and human rights.
• Consulting and Technical Services Consulting services, technical cooperation projects, and research services developed with government agencies and private sector clients through the university-enterprise linkage office.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400+ students trained in educational inclusion
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Centro de Innovación en Ciencias Espaciales de Panamá (CENACEP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 December 2024Innovation and training activities in space sciences. Research collaboration and university service opportunities. Result sharing and inter-institutional cooperation for student development.
• Fundación Olimpiada Panameña de MatemáticacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2024Mathematics competition promotion and support. Specialized mathematics training. Full tuition scholarship for top-performing regional math competition winner.
• Energía Natural S.A. (ENESA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2024Joint training courses in open science and research management. Annual Scientific Initiation Workshops for students. River restoration, water management and environmental training projects.
• Ministerio de Salud (MINSA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2024Clinical practice and healthcare student training in MINSA facilities. 20% discount on postgraduate programs for MINSA personnel (up to 50 slots annually). Research collaboration in public health.
• Hospital ChiriquícoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2024Clinical practice placements for health sciences students. 25% discounts on postgraduate programs for 2 hospital employees annually. Joint training workshops and access to university facilities.
• Autoridad de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (AMPYME)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2024Professional practice opportunities for students. Entrepreneurship and SME strengthening programs. 20-25% discounts for AMPYME employees on postgraduate programs.
• Contraloría General de la RepúblicacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2024Social audit project for government local projects. Service learning opportunities for Accounting, Economics, Finance, Architecture and Law students. Student participation in national accounting oversight programs.
• Caja de Seguro Social (CSS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2024Clinical practice for health sciences students in CSS healthcare facilities. 25% discount on postgraduate programs for up to 50 CSS employees annually. 30 annual tuition-exempt slots for CSS public servants in undergraduate programs.
• Feria Internacional de DavidcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 December 2023Joint projects in self-management activities focused on sports, culture, art, science and technology. 24m² exhibition space for university projects during annual fair. Staff training programs.
• INDICASAT-AIP (Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2023Advanced scientific research and technology development collaboration. Human resource training. Infrastructure, equipment and laboratory sharing for joint research projects.
• Fundación Los NaturalistascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2023Interdisciplinary biodiversity research projects in Panama. Field trips, professional practice and student research opportunities. Academic support and specialized equipment sharing.
• SENACYT - UNACHI (Maestría en Ciencias Químicas)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 September 2023Master's program in Chemical Sciences with emphasis on food safety and security. SENACYT provides funding for program development. Focus on training researchers in contaminant analysis and prevention.
• Fiscalía General de CuentascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2023Internship and professional practice opportunities for graduating students. Administrative, faculty and student training programs.
• Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá (UMIP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2023Framework cooperation agreement for academic exchange, joint research and institutional collaboration between maritime and land-based higher education institutions.
• Registro Público de PanamácoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 February 2023Internship, volunteer work, professional practice and service learning opportunities for students. Expert exchange and joint projects in registrral jurisdiction.
• Ministerio de Vivienda y Ordenamiento Territorial (MIVIOT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2022Internship, professional practice, service learning and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Government employee discounts of 15-20% on postgraduate programs (up to 5 annual slots).
• Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral (MITRADEL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2022University practice scenarios, service learning and research opportunities. Research and training programs in social dialogue, tripartism and conflict resolution. 20-25% discounts for MITRADEL employees on postgraduate programs.
• Ministerio PúblicocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2022Professional practice opportunities for final-year students in Law, IT, Business Administration, Library Science, HR, Executive Secretary, English, Psychology and related fields. 15% discount on postgraduate programs for Ministry employees.
• Instituto Nacional de la Mujer (INAMU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2022Professional practice and university service opportunities for students. Academic exchange and research collaboration. Legal support through UNACHI's Legal Clinic for women in need.
• Estación Científica COIBA-AIPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2022Scientific research collaboration in Coiba National Park. Student field trips, professional practice, service learning and graduate theses. Specialist and researcher exchanges.
• Fundación Ciudad del SabercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2021Academic and scientific collaboration with Panama's innovation district. Research promotion, knowledge dissemination and staff training excellence initiatives.
• Patronato del Hospital Materno Infantil José Domingo de ObaldíacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2021Clinical practice placements for Medicine, Nursing, Natural Sciences, Public Administration and Humanities students. 20% discount on postgraduate programs for hospital staff (up to 10 employees per program).
• IFARHU - SENACYT - Universidad de Panamá - UDELAS - UNACHIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2021Collaborative doctoral program in education for professors from Faculty of Education and Official Teacher Training Centers. Scholarship program for international doctoral studies.
• Cámara de Comercio, Industrias y Agricultura de Chiriquí (CAMCHI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 March 2021Cooperation agreement for business-education linkage. JOB BOX UNACHI employment platform connecting graduates with member companies. Chamber facilities used as practice laboratories.
• Mi AMBIENTE (Ministry of Environment)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 December 2019Joint scientific research studies, consultancy and extension projects. Exchange of specialists, technicians, scientists and students. Professional practice and internships support for students.
• European Erasmus+ ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Participation in Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) and Skills Development in Vocational Education and Training (CBVET) projects. Education modernization initiatives with European university partners. Budgets ranging from €73,000 to €999,000 with timelines from 2015 to 2028.
• Ministerio de Educación (MEDUCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2011Reciprocal professional development and training through institutional exchange programs. Shared use of facilities including classrooms, conference halls and auditorium for collaborative programs, courses, seminars, postgraduate programs, master's, doctorates and community development research projects.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá: Public technical university in Panama offering engineering, technology, and science programs. Comparable as a public autonomous university with similar governance structure, regional campus model, and government funding mechanisms.
• Universidad de Panamá: The largest public university in Panama, offering similar undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple faculties. Direct comparison as the flagship public higher education institution in the country with comparable mission and student segments.

Emerging players

• Universidad del Istmo: Private Panamanian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, health sciences, and humanities. Competes for similar student segments but with different funding model.
• Universidad Santa María La Antigua: Oldest private university in Panama offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Comparable academic portfolio including law, business, engineering, and humanities, but with private funding model and Panama City focus.
• Universidad Interamericana de Panamá: Private Panamanian university with broad program offerings including health sciences, law, engineering, and business. Comparable academic portfolio competing for similar student demographics in Panama.
• Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT): Private Panamanian university focused on science, technology, and professional programs. Comparable in offering graduate and undergraduate programs with strong industry connections, but with private investment backing.
• Columbus University: Private Panamanian university with diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. Comparable in targeting working professionals and offering flexible scheduling, but operates in Panama City market.

Broad incumbents

• Universidad de Costa Rica: Premier public research university in Costa Rica with extensive graduate programs, research institutes, and international cooperation. Comparable as a leading Central American public university with similar mission and institutional structure.

Regional players

• Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA): Jesuit private university in El Salvador with similar academic structure, Jesuit tradition, and regional development focus. Comparable as Central American higher education institution with research institutes and social engagement programs.
• Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH): Largest public autonomous university in Honduras with national reach, multiple regional campuses, and similar governance structure. Comparable as a Central American public autonomous university with similar faculties and research mandate.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtoabaUrk4SK-FDmsyCgohw
• Xx.com/UNACHIpanama
• Facebookfacebook.com/unachipanama
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/universidadunachi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí