About us
For nearly 40 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.
Mission
To be a catalyst for promoting economic development and integration, emphasizing the role of the private sector, as a means to improve the economic and social well being of the people of the Americas.
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, , life sciences & biotech, 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 Life Science & Biotech, and we have expanded our Energy Program to incorporate a strong focus on renewables through our Energy Transition Initiative.
OUR STORY
The Institute of the Americas is Founded
November 16, 1981

The IOA is founded by Ted Gildred, US Ambassador to Argentina.
RaĂșl AlfonsĂn receives the first IOA Award for Democracy and Peace
May 29, 1987

AlfonsĂn was Argentinaâs first democratically elected president after seven years of dictatorship.
First La Jolla Energy Conference takes place
May 22, 1990

In 1990 First La Jolla Energy Conference takes place. In 1991 the Multi-Year Environmental Project starts with Environmental Technology Conference
IOA second major expansion
April 21, 1992

Gildred and Paul H. Boeker, the second President of the IOA, oversee the second major expansion.
IOA Award for Democracy and Peace
May 29, 1992

Patricio Aylwin, Chileâs first democratically elected president after almost 20 years of dictatorship, receives Award for Democracy and Peace.
Zedillo receives Award for Democracy and Peace
June 21, 2001

President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico receives Award for Democracy and Peace
Ricardo Lagos of Chile receives Award
April 15, 2004

President Ricardo Lagos of Chile receives Award for Democracy and Peace.
President Ălvaro Uribe of Colombia receives Award for Democracy and Peace
March 16, 2005

President Vicente Fox of Mexico receives Award for Democracy and Peace.
April 12, 2007

First STEM Summer Camp
June 11, 2010

Since this 2010, more than 500 students have graduated from our program
First Innovation Workshop
March 31, 2014

Irwin Jacobs, co-founder of Qualcomm, delivers a presentation to workshop participants from throughout the Americas.
First STEM Workshop for High School teachers
August 8, 2014

Since 2014, this program has expanded to Mexico and Argentina.
XXV Annual La Jolla Energy Conference
May 24, 2016

IOA Launches Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program
November 11, 2016

OECD Secretary-General Ăngel GurrĂa delivers the keynote speech at the launch event. He is shown here with Ambassador Jamal Khokhar, former President and CEO of the IOA.
Launch of Energy Transition Initiative
June 15, 2018

Mr. Theodore E. Gildred III Becomes Interim President of the Institute
November 19, 2018

The Board appointed Mr. Theodore E. Gildred III as the new President of the Institute.
Theodore Edmonds Gildred U. S. Ambassador and Institute of the Americas Founder Dies at 83
January 3, 2019

United States Ambassador Theodore Edmonds Gildred, ambassador to Argentina from 1986 â 1989 during that countryâs newfound democratic presidency, died on January 3, 2019, at his home in Montana.
Women in Energy 2019â conference in Quito, Ecuador
September 10, 2019

The Institute of the Americas was pleased to collaborate on the inaugural  âWomen in Energy 2019â conference in Quito, Ecuador. Jacqueline Sanchez, Energy Policy Associate,  participated on a panel of women professionals in the energy and finance sectors
The Institute Launches Professional Workshop for STEAM Instructors International Editions
September 17, 2019

This training workshop, organized by the Institute of the Americas, was held from February 17 to February 21, 2020 at the UADE campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Richard Kiy Named as the Instituteâs new President and CEO
June 23, 2020

The Board of Directors of the Institute of the Americas (IOA) is pleased to announce that Mr. Richard Kiy will be the Instituteâs new President and CEO effective August 1, 2020.