Astronaut Marcos Pontes has taken over as Brazil’s new minister of science, technology, innovation and communications. He aims to focus on cybersecurity, AI and pledged to review key areas such as IoT and broadband, according to ZD Net.
Pontes claimed that he was interested in working with other government departments in strategic technologies such as space, nuclear energy and cybersecurity.
One of his priorities will be to extend broadband coverage throughout the country, especially in remote areas.
Pontes is a former Air Force lieutenant colonel and the only Brazilian to have completed the NASA astronaut training program. He wants to invest around 3% of Brazil’s GDP into science and technology, which will be a jump from the current investment figure of 1%.
Add comment