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For Immediate Release
September 23, 2024

Washington, DC – The National Health Information Technology (NHIT) and the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PRST) are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation and driving economic development across Puerto Rico. This collaboration will focus on key initiatives that leverage advanced data analytics and enhance business opportunities in the region.

Under this partnership, NHIT and PRST will work together on the following initiatives:

1. Data Fusion Center: By utilizing the NHIT Data Fusion Center, the collaboration aims to generate actionable insights from both existing and new datasets. This will enhance decision-making and strengthen Puerto Rico’s economic development strategies.
2. Innovation Network: The creation of NHIT’s Innovation Network for Science and Partnerships with Industry for Regional Economic Development (INSPIRED) – Puerto Rico will focus on establishing operational office space for NHIT on the island. This will provide a central hub for collaboration, innovation, and project development.
3. Pilot Projects: Both NHIT and PRST will identify and launch pilot projects under the INSPIRED initiative. These projects will align with the shared missions of NHIT and PRST, further promoting scientific research, technological advancement, and sustainable growth in Puerto Rico.

This partnership also extends to identifying business opportunities that support the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the INSPIRED initiative. PRST and NHIT will collaborate with targeted entities to fulfill their shared mission of fostering innovation and economic development in Puerto Rico.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in leveraging NHIT’s national network alongside PRST’s local expertise, especially following PRST’s recent designation as an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hub,” said Lucy Crespo, CEO of PRST. “Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact and driving innovation in Puerto Rico.”

Luis Belén, CEO of NHIT, added, “In 2017, NHIT launched the Care Campaign to support Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in their recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Today, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we have a new opportunity to address long-standing disparities. This partnership enables us to leverage our extensive network of public and private collaborators, making a meaningful difference in our most vulnerable communities. This initiative is truly a legacy project!”

For more information, please visit prsciencetrust.org or NHIT.org.

About NHIT:
The National Health Information Technology (NHIT) focuses on leveraging technology and data to reduce healthcare disparities and promote innovation across underserved communities. NHIT partners with government agencies, private sector organizations, and local stakeholders to foster meaningful change.

About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust:
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214-204, is a private, non-profit organization created in 2004 to foster the Island’s participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investment in and financing of science and technology research and development. It invests in, facilitates, and develops capabilities that continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the well-being of its citizens through research and development-based enterprises, science and technology, public health, and innovation. With the vision that Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub. The P.R. Trust for Science, Technology and Research was also designated one of 31 Tech Hubs, by President Biden’s administration in 2023, to lead the PRBio Tech Hub, with a multi-sector consortium on the Island.

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