The Cuban software development company Avangenio, affiliated with the Business Group of Information and Communications, presented a new national artificial intelligence (AI) platform called SocIA this Thursday.
The announcement was published on the government portal Cubadebate on its Facebook profile, where a video was shared featuring statements from Alain Abel Garófalo, head of AI strategy at Avangenio, who defended the technological proposal as an alternative to international solutions that, he argued, are not always available to the Cuban entrepreneurial community.
SocIA allows simultaneous work with files in various formats, such as text, audio, and video, using customizable AI agents that can be tailored to the specific needs of organizations or individuals utilizing them.
Garófalo stated that the agent is already being used within the Avangenio company with positive results, and that, in comparative tests with foreign solutions, users preferred the performance of SocIA.
Additionally, he highlighted that its implementation has allowed for cost savings compared to hiring external services.
"If Cuban companies do not adopt artificial intelligence, we will simply lose the opportunity to participate in the global market completely," warned the official during a speech focused on developing local capabilities in light of technological restrictions stemming from the embargo and limited access to foreign tools.
She also noted that AI can play a key role in intellectually demanding sectors such as public health, especially in diagnostic and medical evaluation processes, areas in which, she said, the potential of SocIA is already being explored as a process accelerator.
According to the Cubadebate website, during the official presentation, Ariadne Plascencia Castro, president of the Business Group of Computing and Communications, emphasized that this solution represents a step in the digital transformation of the country, having a “sovereign platform developed from Cuba” to provide artificial intelligence services.
SocIA integrates with other tools developed by the company Avangenio, such as NosWork (a virtual office) and ERPNext, a digital business environment.
Its design enables real-time work with text, audio, or video files from mobile phones, tablets, or computers, making it a cross-platform solution adaptable to various environments, the cited source emphasized.
Among its features are task automation, data analysis, email drafting, and other common actions in AI systems, all operated through customized agents according to the needs of the user or organization.
The software is designed for use in various sectors, ranging from pure sciences to social sciences, and will be available in three versions: Basic, Team, and Enterprise, as was mentioned in the presentation.
Garófalo explained that SocIA functions as a platform of intelligent agents capable of synchronizing with the specific dynamics of each organization, aimed at improving efficiency and outcomes.
During the day, there was also an exchange with representatives from companies, ministries, and institutions, where potential applications of this technology were discussed in areas such as public health, academia, science, and culture.
Since early 2025, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has intensified his rhetoric surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution to the deep structural problems facing Cuba. In a recent speech, he promoted the use of this technology in strategic sectors, although the reality of the country contradicts that ambition.
An evident example is the distribution of liquefied gas, whose regulated sale continues to be carried out manually, while the promised automation is nowhere to be seen. This contradiction between official discourse and technological reality calls into question the viability of government plans.
Shortly thereafter, during an appearance on the show Desde la Presidencia, Díaz-Canel proposed replacing mass emigration with robots, advocating for the use of robotics and AI to save the national industry. He stated that the only way to support the economically inactive population is through the automation of processes.
More recently, the leader held a meeting with the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council, where he reiterated that the nation's future depends on AI and urged for reforms in university curricula.
Despite acknowledging that there are no minimum technical conditions to develop these projects, he argued that the country can progress thanks to its human capital. This position, presented as a strategy for "digital emancipation," clashes with the daily shortcomings of the population and the lack of technological resources, confirming the disconnection between the official narrative and real life on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artificial Intelligence in Cuba and the Development of SocIA
What is SocIA and who has developed it?
SocIA is an artificial intelligence platform developed by the Cuban company Avangenio, which is part of the Business Group for Computer Science and Communications. This tool enables work with text, audio, and video files through customizable AI agents, and it is positioned as an alternative to international solutions, particularly in the context of technological restrictions in Cuba.
What are the main features of SocIA?
The main features of SocIA include task automation, data analysis, and email drafting. It also allows real-time collaboration on files from different devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, or computers. Its design aims to enhance efficiency across various sectors, from healthcare to the academic and cultural fields.
Why is the Cuban government promoting the development of artificial intelligence?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, is promoting the development of artificial intelligence as part of its strategy to avoid falling behind in the global technological landscape. The aim is to empower the country through the use of AI in strategic sectors, despite limitations in infrastructure and internet access. This approach is presented as a solution to the country's structural problems, although it faces criticism for the disconnect between the official discourse and the daily reality of Cubans.
What challenges does Cuba face in the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies?
Cuba faces significant challenges in the implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, such as a lack of adequate infrastructure, constant power outages, and limited internet access. Additionally, the country's economy is in crisis, which restricts investment in advanced technology. These issues hinder the execution of the AI projects that the government promotes, highlighting a gap between official intentions and the real conditions on the island.
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