Uruguay’s technological university develops pilot programmes in AI, sustainability and entrepreneurship through a 10-week co-creation initiative
The Technological University of Uruguay (UTEC) and UNESCO IESALC have completed a major training and technical assistance programme aimed at building an institutional model for microcredentials. The initiative brought together members of UTEC’s academic and administrative community to explore how short, flexible learning programmes can respond to changing workforce needs and support lifelong learning.
The closing session was held online on 20 August 2026 with 86 participants. It marked the conclusion of the programme titled “Training and Technical Assistance Program for the Co-design and Implementation of the Microcredential Model”, along with the seminar series “UTEC Microcredentials: Building an Institutional Model.”
Ten weeks of institutional training
Over a period of 10 weeks, 51 members of UTEC’s academic and administrative team participated in a structured learning process. The programme combined keynote presentations from international experts, weekly mentoring, virtual visits to other universities and collaborative institutional design sessions.
A total of 13 specialists from universities and organisations in Spain, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Uruguay and UNESCO contributed to the programme. Expert mentors from Colombia, Mexico and Spain also supported participants throughout the process.
The objective was not simply to teach participants about microcredentials, but to help UTEC develop the internal expertise required to design, deliver and evaluate its own programmes.
Microcredentials for emerging sectors
As part of the practical component, 10 teams developed prototype microcredential programmes across a range of subjects. These included:
- Sustainability.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Industrial process management.
- Other areas connected to UTEC’s academic and social priorities.
The prototypes were presented through short videos at the end of the training. Although they are not yet final academic offerings, they provide a foundation for future pilot programmes and allow UTEC to test how short-form education can respond to professional and community needs.
Microcredentials are generally smaller, focused learning experiences that recognise specific knowledge or skills. They can be delivered online, in person or through blended formats and may complement formal degrees. UNESCO IESALC’s emerging regional framework emphasises that quality assurance, recognition and relevance are essential to making microcredentials useful to learners and employers.
A model built through co-creation
The institutional model developed by UTEC was created through co-creation sessions involving representatives from all 10 teams and UNESCO IESALC. The process focused on building a common language and shared vision among teachers, programme directors, administrators and academic leaders.
Blanca Bernabé, Academic Coordinator at UNESCO IESALC, said the work represented an important step forward, while stressing that the next phase would involve adapting the model to real-world needs and launching practical pilots.
UTEC representatives also highlighted the wider value of microcredentials. They can help universities reach new audiences, strengthen links with local communities and establish a clearer institutional identity.
Connecting education with society
For UTEC, microcredentials are not only a response to changing employment trends. They are also a tool for extending the university’s contribution beyond traditional degree programmes.
Short courses in AI, sustainability and industrial management can help workers update their skills, support entrepreneurs and provide communities with access to specialised knowledge. They may also create flexible learning opportunities for people who cannot commit to a full-time degree.
The next stage will involve implementing pilot programmes based on the prototypes developed during the training. These pilots will help UTEC evaluate learner demand, teaching methods, assessment systems and the recognition of microcredentials.
The partnership with UNESCO IESALC reflects a wider global movement toward flexible, skills-based higher education. By developing a self-defined institutional model, UTEC is positioning itself to offer learning that is shorter, more adaptable and closely connected to the needs of Uruguay’s workforce and society.
Conclusion
The collaboration between UTEC and UNESCO IESALC marks an important step toward developing flexible, skills-focused higher education in Uruguay. Through the 10-week programme, UTEC has built internal expertise and created prototype microcredentials in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship and industrial process management. The next phase—testing these prototypes through pilot programmes—will be crucial in understanding learner demand, assessment methods and recognition. By establishing its own institutional microcredential model, UTEC can expand lifelong learning opportunities, strengthen connections with industry and communities, and respond more effectively to evolving workforce needs.
FAQs
1. What is the UTEC and UNESCO IESALC microcredential programme?
The programme is a joint training and technical assistance initiative designed to help the Technological University of Uruguay (UTEC) develop an institutional framework for designing, delivering and evaluating microcredentials.
2. How long did the UTEC microcredential training programme last?
The programme lasted 10 weeks and involved 51 members of UTEC’s academic and administrative teams, along with international experts and mentors.
3. What subjects are covered by UTEC’s proposed microcredentials?
The prototype microcredentials cover areas including artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship and industrial process management, as well as other subjects aligned with UTEC’s academic and social priorities.
4. What are microcredentials?
Microcredentials are short and focused learning programmes that certify specific knowledge, competencies or skills. They may be offered online, in person or through blended learning and can complement traditional degree programmes.
5. What is the next step for UTEC’s microcredential model?
UTEC plans to develop and implement pilot programmes based on the prototypes created during the initiative. The pilots will help evaluate learner demand, teaching approaches, assessment systems and the recognition of microcredentials.