On February 20, 2013, a ceremony was held to celebrate the graduation of the first biotechnology technicians. The program is recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture and has by the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII). Speakers included the Minister of Education and Culture, Dr. Ricardo Ehrlich; the President of ANII and LATU, Dr. Rodolfo Silveira; and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Mario Fernández, Ph.D. The ceremony was attended by the Director of the Directorate of Innovation, Science, and Technology for Development, Gabriel Aintablian; the former Minister of Economy and Finance, Álvaro García; and representatives from companies in the sector.