The building, located on the Pilar campus, began construction in 2021 and received financial support from the Techint Group. Paolo Rocca toured the facilities and spoke with engineering students about the importance of technical and professional training and an industrial vocation.
The inauguration of the new Ceibo building of the Universidad Austral, where Engineering classes will be taught starting this year, was headed by Gabriela Robiolo, dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Paolo RoccaPaolo Rocca, president of the Techint Group, participated in a meeting with young scholarship students from the Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering programs during the inauguration.
In this regard, Dr. Robiolo emphasized that “we welcome Paolo Rocca as a friend, who has accompanied us throughout the history of our faculty, supporting us in decisive steps, such as our move to Pilar and the strengthening of the Technology Hub.” She added that technological advancements open up a vast field of innovation, hence the importance of seriously developing programs for students with a vocation for technology. Finally, she highlighted that both the Universidad Austral Like the Techint Group, they share the same educational objective: to train the best professionals who stand out for their honesty, teamwork skills, interest in the environment around them, and who demonstrate collaborative leadership and want to move the country forward.
Rocca, for his part, addressed the students, emphasizing, “It is very encouraging to see the dedication and willpower with which you choose to study Engineering, a field absolutely essential for the development and growth of our country.” He added, “The key to attracting and retaining talent rests on three pillars: engaging projects where you can develop your skills, a work environment that values diversity and commitment, and a constant dedication to sustainability.”
Furthermore, he emphasized that education is the main pillar of the Techint Group's social programs: "In the countries where we operate, we see the importance of education to promote social mobility and develop the talents of each person."
Finally, the president of the Techint Group concluded, “We all share the vision of a country with significant growth opportunities. Argentina has potential not only in its traditional sectors like agriculture, but also in the development of the energy value chain—oil and gas—and in renewable and transitional energies.”
A group of engineering students from the university accompanied Techint Group officials during their visit and tour of the new facilities; and presented them with various innovation and Industry 4.0 projects. One of them was developed by fourth-year students and is an object transport device that, using sensors, pneumatic and electromechanical actuators installed on a conveyor belt, classifies the pieces according to size and material, and separates them with a robot that picks them up and moves them to another stage of the process.
Additionally, a meeting took place where the authorities of the Universidad AustralTogether with professors from the Faculty of Engineering, they presented the institution's objectives for the future, its work with communities, and various technological training plans.
The first phase of the building encompasses a total area of 1000 m2 and includes three new laboratories for physics, chemistry, and a BioLab, which is used by students in STEM fields and for various research projects. One of its first uses will be for processing samples for genomic analysis in the MicrobiAr clinical trial, which has been underway since [date missing]. Universidad Austral alongside renowned institutions. The building's facilities also include classrooms, coworking spaces, and offices for faculty.
Currently the Universidad Austral It offers 26 undergraduate and graduate programs to 4243 students, of whom just over 700 are studying engineering. The Faculty of Engineering also offers postgraduate programs, currently with around 500 students. The institution also has a financial aid system—including scholarships, student loans, and discounts—for students who would otherwise be unable to complete their studies. Currently, 266 engineering students receive scholarships.
The link and synergy of the Universidad Austral The partnership with the Techint Group began with the creation of the Faculty of Engineering almost 30 years ago, where the Techint Group contributed its technical expertise to the design of some of the main engineering programs offered there. Furthermore, through the Roberto Rocca Scholarship program, which the company offers to students from different parts of the country, and the Roberto Rocca Technical School in Campana, some graduates and scholarship recipients continue their undergraduate studies at the university. Universidad AustralAmong other universities, the Roberto Rocca Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and financial need, enabling students to develop their professional future.
The collaboration between the two institutions has extended beyond the educational sphere. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Techint Group collaborated on the construction and equipping of the Austral COVID Solidarity Hospital in Pilar, which opened in June 2020. This highly complex project was developed by the University Hospital and the Universidad Austral to care for critically ill patients without health insurance, referred from the public health system. The support at that time included the donation of biomedical equipment, ventilators, beds, monitors, electrocardiographs, defibrillators, and the participation of more than 20 engineers and specialists from the company to carry out building modifications.
