CIECP: A Beacon of Innovation and Progress in Manta
Artist’s rendering of the new Pacific Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Convention Center in Manta, Ecuador
December 26, 2024, marked a historic milestone for the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM) and Ecuador. In a groundbreaking ceremony attended by President Daniel Noboa himself, the first stone of the Pacific Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Convention Center (CIECP) was laid. This ambitious project aims to establish Manta as a regional leader in academic, technological, tourism, and social development in Latin America.
Strategically located in one of Ecuador’s most dynamic coastal cities, the CIECP will be a driving force for the region’s growth, integrating critical sectors such as education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
A World-Class Project
Spanning 8,500 square meters, the CIECP will feature three key components:
Pacific Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Convention Center (CIECP)
Convention Center
Designed with flexible modular spaces, this center will host events ranging from corporate training sessions to large-scale international conventions. Each hall will be equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, ensuring a seamless and professional experience.Entrepreneurship Plaza
This space will serve as a hub for creativity and innovation. It will be a meeting point for local and international entrepreneurs, offering facilities for incubators, coworking spaces, and networking events.Tourism and Multidisciplinary Laboratories Building
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, this building will bridge academia and industry. The laboratories will focus on research in tourism, sustainability, and other multidisciplinary areas, driving positive economic and social development.
Local and Global Impact
The project, with a construction timeline of 18 months and an investment exceeding nine million dollars, is set to transform Manta and significantly impact over 100,000 people through direct and indirect job creation. According to César Vásquez, Secretary of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senescyt), "This project will mark a turning point in the region’s economy and development."
By integrating spaces for training, learning, and international productive development, the CIECP aims to attract global companies, renowned events, and emerging talent. Its strategic location near Manta’s international port makes it a crucial hub for regional and global connections.
A Vision for the Future
The CIECP represents a commitment to quality education, international collaboration, and economic diversification. As noted by tourism entrepreneur Paúl Andrade, "This project will position Manta as a beacon of academic innovation and sustainable development in the region."
As construction progresses, the CIECP promises to serve as a model for other countries in the region, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
For more information, visit the official Manta Conventions website and stay updated on the progress of this transformative project that will place Manta, Ecuador in the spotlight of the international community.
