Dr. Macarena Espinilla delivers a keynote lecture on the transition from artificial intelligence research to social impact, presenting MicroChip4Age as a successful case study.
Concepción, 10/04/2025 – The MicroChip4Age project played a leading role in the opening ceremony of the Artificial Intelligence PhD Program, jointly delivered by the universities of the CRUCH Biobío-Ñuble consortium, thanks to the participation of Dr. Macarena Espinilla, Professor at the University of Jaén and coordinator of the project, as the keynote speaker.
The event was held at the San Agustín Auditorium of the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, and brought together students, academics, and researchers from various fields related to technology development and innovation.
During the ceremony, Dr. Espinilla was also appointed as a visiting scholar of the PhD program, in recognition of her outstanding research career and international contribution in the field of applied artificial intelligence with social impact.
A keynote on the social value of artificial intelligence
Under the title “From Artificial Intelligence to Social Impact: MicroChip4Age, from Lab to Market”, Dr. Espinilla delivered an open keynote lecture to the academic community, in which she shared her experience in developing non-invasive technologies based on microelectronics and AI, aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults and chronic patients.
She described the journey of MicroChip4Age, from its early research stages to its real-world validation, and reflected on the ethical and technological challenges involved in transferring scientific innovations to the healthcare system and the market, always keeping the focus on the people.
A pioneering and collaborative PhD program
This academic event is part of the FIC project “Advanced Human Capital in Artificial Intelligence for the Biobío Region”, funded by the Regional Government of Biobío through the Innovation Fund for Competitiveness (FIC-R). The initiative aims to promote strategic capacities in artificial intelligence, with a focus on generating social and economic impact in the region.
The Artificial Intelligence PhD Program is a pioneering initiative in Chile and Latin America, bringing together faculty from the University of Concepción, University of Bío-Bío, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, and Federico Santa María Technical University. This inter-university collaboration offers a robust framework for the training of highly qualified professionals in a field that is strategic for the future.
The participation of MicroChip4Age in this academic setting strengthens its position as an example of applied innovation with international reach, and highlights its potential to inspire emerging talent and contribute to the development of an ecosystem where artificial intelligence is placed at the service of society.
