The Technological University of Panama has secured a national patent for a pair of smart glasses designed to assist people with visual disabilities. University officials announced the formal registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on December 23, 2025, marking a significant step in translating academic research into practical, inclusive technology.
This invention originated from a student project at the university’s Veraguas Regional Center. It was developed during a Scientific Initiation Journey, a program aimed at fostering early research. The patent application was filed by Rut Sierra, the Intellectual Property Coordinator at the university’s Directorate of Knowledge Management and Transfer.
“This invention represents a concrete example of how academia can contribute to inclusive development,” said Engineer Cecibel Castrellón, Director of Knowledge Management and Transfer. [Translated from Spanish] She emphasized the project integrates science, technology, and innovation to directly improve people’s quality of life.
The development process was supported by a specialized patent generation workshop held at the Veraguas centro regional. Led by Professor Adiz Acosta, the workshop provided participants with the tools to transform innovative ideas into protected intellectual property. Technical specialists from the directorate assisted in structuring and drafting the formal Patent application to meet all legal requirements.
From Classroom Project to Protected Innovation
University leadership views this achievement as a milestone for its innovation ecosystem. Protecting the smart glasses design legally safeguards the invention and opens pathways for potential commercialization or partnerships. It demonstrates a working model for moving concepts from the lab into the realm of tangible social impact.
Castrellón noted the patent strengthens a growing culture of intellectual property and tech entrepreneurship within the Technological University of Panama. She said it reaffirms the institution’s role as a key player in national development through inclusive knowledge transfer. The project specifically addresses the needs of Panamanians living with a Visual impairment.
While specific technical details of the glasses’ functionality were not fully disclosed, the focus remains on their origin as a solution-driven academic endeavor. The patent grant itself is a critical validation. It provides the university with exclusive rights to the invention within Panama for a set period, a key incentive for continued investment in research.
This success follows other notable innovations from Panamanian students, including recent award-winning work in energy. It highlights a broader trend of young minds tackling global challenges. The immediate next steps likely involve further prototyping and seeking opportunities to test and refine the assistive device with potential end-users.
Officials see the smart glasses patent as more than a legal document. They frame it as a testament to the university’s commitment to social responsibility through engineering and design. The project’s journey from a regional center workshop to a nationally recognized invention provides a blueprint for future student-led innovations aiming to create a more accessible world.