In a panel dedicated to exploring the intersection of Bitcoin, technological innovation, and education, the executives of Penguin Infrastructure and Penguin Academy shared how the Bitcoin ecosystem represents not only a driver of economic transformation but also a concrete tool to finance educational opportunities in Paraguay.
During his participation in a panel at the Accelerating Bitcoin event, Björn Schmidtke, CEO of Penguin Group, explained the reasons that led the company to choose Paraguay as its operational base.
“Why Paraguay? I think I fell in love with Paraguay step by step. Paraguay sounded so free, like a place where new ideas could be born. I was inspired by its potential and discovered a land of opportunities,” Schmidtke said.
The executive emphasized that Penguin Group’s relationship with Paraguay goes beyond economics: it represents a commitment to local development and the creation of an ecosystem that fosters technological innovation and inclusive education.
Schmidtke also shared his vision on the evolution of the Bitcoin ecosystem:
“Bitcoin adoption keeps growing. Bitcoin is on its path, and it’s not growing exponentially—not as fast as many of us would like. But what grows exponentially, dies soon. Bitcoin is not a passing fad,” he stressed.
With these words, the CEO reaffirmed that Penguin Group’s philosophy is based on a long-term vision. Bitcoin, he pointed out, is a safe and transformative asset: “Bitcoin is by far the safest thing humanity has ever created. It’s those little moments when suddenly you click and you understand Bitcoin… and at the same time you understand money,” he explained.
Penguin Academy: Education and Women’s Empowerment
While Penguin Group develops digital infrastructure and data centers, part of its profits are reinvested in Penguin Academy, the organization’s educational arm.
Delia Garcete, CEO of Penguin Academy, highlighted during the panel at Accelerating Bitcoin the institution’s fundamental role in including women in the technology sector.
“I think at the beginning we all have that feeling that technology is a career for men. So, many women are afraid to enter a world that seems ruled by men. At Penguin Academy we always had initiatives exclusively for women, like the bootcamps in 2022 and 2023, where more than 800 women applied for only 80 spots,” she said.
This enthusiasm was repeated in the most recent edition of workshops, where 60 women learned to build their first web portfolio.
Garcete announced that a new training program exclusively for women will soon be launched, reaffirming the academy’s commitment to gender equity.
Female Leadership and Inspiring Journeys
Leadership within Penguin Academy reflects the cultural change the institution seeks to create. According to Garcete, 80% of leadership positions are held by women, making it a benchmark in the region.
“We want many more women to get involved and reach careers in technology. To become heads of programs or head developers all over the world. That’s what inspires us,” Garcete emphasized.
Beyond technical training, Garcete highlighted the human quality of the team as one of Penguin Academy’s differentiating factors. “The content or facilities may be similar to those of other academies, but what they don’t have is the human team that we have. Mentors, coaches, and participants form a community that supports one another and instills confidence in those just starting out,” she said.
The academy’s philosophy is summed up in its mission: to give young people, women and men alike, the knowledge they need to move forward.
The collaboration between Penguin Group and Penguin Academy is an exemplary case of how the Bitcoin ecosystem can transcend financial speculation and become a force for social change. Bitcoin mining, through the group’s data centers, generates the resources that are then channeled into technological education.
In this way, each mined block translates into more opportunities for Paraguayan youth—especially women—to access training in programming, web development, and technological leadership.
Penguin Group and Penguin Academy demonstrate that innovation in digital infrastructure can go hand in hand with a deep social commitment. From Paraguay, a nation that inspires freedom and new ideas, both organizations project a future in which Bitcoin finances education, and technology opens doors to gender equity and human development.
