June 17, 2025 – Santiago — A coalition of a dozen Latin American countries is gearing up to launch Latam‑GPT this September—a groundbreaking large language model designed and trained within the region to reflect Latin America’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity.🌎 A Language Model for Latin AmericaLed by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and backed by more than 30 regional institutions, Latam‑GPT aims to address the shortcomings of global AI models that are predominantly English‑centric. “It could be a democratizing element for AI,” said Chilean Science Minister Aisén Etcheverry, noting its use in schools and hospitals. 🧠 Built on Open-Source and InclusivityGrounded in Llama 3 architecture and open-source principles, the initiative has been in development since January 2023. Instead of competing directly with consumer tools like ChatGPT, the model will serve as a foundational technology for region-specific applications like chatbots and public service tools. 🗣️ Preserving Indigenous LanguagesA standout feature is support for Indigenous tongues—starting with a Rapa Nui translator for Easter Island, with plans to support more languages in education and public services. ⚙️ Regional Infrastructure & SupportTraining will leverage computing resources from Chile’s University of Tarapacá and cloud platforms facilitated by CAF (the Development Bank of Latin America) and AWS. 💰 Funding and Future ProspectsAlthough Latam‑GPT currently lacks dedicated funding, CENIA director Álvaro Soto remains optimistic that showcasing its potential will attract investment. 🔍 Regional OutlookThis regional “AI made in Latin America” initiative mirrors efforts in Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore’s Sea‑Lion), aiming to boost local relevance, digital sovereignty, and ethical standards in data usage. A recent analysis by Foreign Policy highlights how such models could empower regional participation in the global AI race. ⸻📌 Bottom LineLatam‑GPT is set to debut in September as a testament to Latin America’s push for a homegrown, inclusive AI ecosystem. While it won’t rival global consumer apps at launch, its foundation could spark tailored educational, healthcare, and government services—reshaping how AI serves the region.
