Bogotá is one of the cities that exports a large percentage of knowledge in videogames in Latin America according to former manager of Accenture Colombia

Latin America  is witnessing a notable increase in the growth of projects and communities  Web3 . Led by visionary individuals and motivated by a spirit of innovation, countries like  Argentina ,  Chile ,  Uruguay ,  Peru ,  Mexico  y  Colombia  are taking advantage of the potential of Web3 technologies.

The region has long been recognized as a growth hub for the adoption of  cryptocurrencies , and there are testimonials to the potential of the tech scene of  Latam  to bring the experiences of  metaverse  Web3 to the masses. 

In this context, we had the opportunity to talk with René Palacio, CTO of Habytat and former manager of  Accenture  Colombia, to delve into Web3, the growth of technology in Latin America and the role that Habytat plays in the development of the metaverse within Latin American communities.

Daniel Jiménez (DJ): Tell us how the growth of Web3 in Latin America has been in your opinion

René Palacio (RP): It has been truly exciting to see the growth of Web3 projects and communities in Latin America, especially  those led by women, and what we are seeing in Argentina, Chile,  Uruguay, Peru, Mexico,  and Columbia. In Colombia, for example,  Bogotá was the first city in Latin America to host the  DevCon  where new projects and communities were created and seen. 

The growth has been remarkable, but it's still important  the dissemination and education of the Web3 theme. It is necessary to show and teach how people and businesses in the region can benefit from Web3 and new technologies, in general.

DJ: Why did you choose Colombia to establish operations and not another Latam country?

RP: Firstly, its location is strategic since it is less than 3 hours by plane from the  Florida  which allows frequent contact with the teams.

In addition Colombia's growth in business terms is unique. The country has two unicorns and countless projects that take advantage of and see the potential of  technology.

In fact, Bogotá is one of the cities that exports a large percentage of video game knowledge in Latin America.  Also, growth in skills  Steam  en  Cities like Barranquilla make Colombia attractive for investment in technology.

DJ: What is the general feeling in Colombia towards new technologies such as the metaverse and cryptocurrencies?

RP: As in the whole world, you feel the enthusiasm with the new and all the 'hype' of  market , which I consider to be an always necessary step in any innovation. In general, I think the people who build metaverses and Web3 projects are aware of the potential of the technology  and the revolutionary moment that we are living.

There are many ongoing projects in cities like Bogotá, Barranquilla, Armenia, Bucaramanga and Medellín and I would dare to say that Colombia is going to become the most important country in the region in knowledge and Metaverse and Web3 projects.

DJ: What is, in your opinion, the greatest strength of Colombia and Latin America in the spectrum of the web3 ecosystem?

RP: The greatest strength is in taking advantage of the mistakes that other companies in different regions make to advance the adoption of the technology.  On the other hand, we need to know the technology and spread education about the potential of the technology  to face the competition.

DJ: How is the web3 audience in Latam, and especially in Colombia.

RP: There are groups that lead education and adoption initiatives  of Web3 projects. The community in Colombia wants to know, learn and understand how these technologies can be put to real use. In general, now, the market has a skeptical view  due to market hype and crypto issues we have seen in global news.. 

DJ: Do you consider it necessary to regulate both the cryptocurrency sector and new immersive technologies such as the metaverse?

RP: There definitely need to be rules to know what we can and can't do with technology. In addition, the regulation provides confidence for further adoption, and   regulations that provide standards of sustainability, ethics, etc.

DJ: In your opinion, what are the weaknesses of Latin America in the face of the use of new technologies immersed in the web3 ecosystem?

RP: Access to  Internet  it is very low in Latin American countries, much lower than it should be. 

The digital divide is high and global support for science and technology is very low. 

I would like to see more government investment  in the growth of entrepreneurship and projects with new technologies and, likewise, greater investment in education in Steam skills.

DJ: What perspectives do you have for the sector for 2023?

RP: There are several projects that I think will be making waves in the Latin American market by the end of this year. Every day, we see that countries like ours are attracting more and more foreign investment. In fact, in the next few weeks, we'll have investors from  Dubai  in Bogotá in an event where Web3 and metaverse projects will be presenting themselves seeking investment.

I am very optimistic about the potential of the Latin American market. Latin Americans have great creativity that will bring important changes to Web3.

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