RIO DE JANEIRO - Latin America’s largest country Brazil is one example of how a nation is preparing its next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) students. With an economy worth US$1.45 trillion and a population of 209.5 million, it vastly outnumbers nearby countries like Argentina, Chile, and Colombia in this regard. This means there are millions of students spread throughout the country looking to embark on an AI educational path.

It’s also important to note that Brazil has an English proficiency of 50.1 percent, similar to other countries in Latin America. While AI technologies will eventually span many different languages, this is crucial in modern times given the fact that most AI is trained on English datasets. So, what is Brazil doing to foster an environment where students can excel in these new areas? 

The most significant advantage Brazil has compared to many other nations is its public education system, which enables accessibility at the undergraduate level. According to the 2019 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, the top five universities throughout Brazil are public, run by the federal government and there are no tuition fees. All of these universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in relevant fields and subject-related research and AI centers. 

Several of these public universities have played prominent roles in AI development on a national level. One such seat of learning offering AI programs is the Federal University of Minas Gerais. It has contributed to a number of relevant projects, and holds close relationships with a number of AI companies. Among these projects and relationships is