About Us

For 35 years, the Institute of the Americas has promoted sound public policy and fostered cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders across the hemisphere. Our diverse programs emphasize innovation and technological advance as the key to building 21st century economies in the Americas.

To us, innovation is not a buzzword. Through our programs, we link traditional productive sectors with new technologies and strategies, all in an effort to help the region move up the value added chain.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We build bridges across the Americas — linking business leaders, policymakers, teachers, and students to advance education, share ideas, and facilitate opportunities. We help understand and catalyze innovation in core sectors, including: energy & sustainability, agriculture & food, life sciences & biotech, water & oceans, and the digital economy as it pertains to these core, productive activities.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Our programs have been regional staples for decades. Since 1990, we have played a crucial role in keeping policymakers and businesses informed about the most important trends in the energy sector, both through our La Jolla Energy Conference and our newsletter, workshops, webinars and podcasts.

We have hosted numerous Latin American heads of state, and our Award for Democracy and Peace has been an important way to highlight leaders who have made singular contributions to development and prosperity.

Now, as the global economy continues to evolve and the Americas look to the industries of the future, we are ready to expand our agenda. We are poised to leverage our history, our extensive network, and our unique location in California, a global nexus of innovation, to drive forward 21st century economies through innovation and sustainable development. As part of this new agenda, we have created our Innovation & Entrepreneurship program, and we have expanded our Energy Program to incorporate a strong focus on renewables through our Energy Transition Initiative.

OUR STORY