History of ORT in Uruguay

1880 World ORT Foundation

ORT began its work in St. Petersburg, Russia, to support Jewish communities facing discrimination, helping them acquire the skills needed to achieve economic independence.

Throughout its history, which has spanned revolutions and wars, ORT has fundamentally demonstrated its ability to adapt to change.

Few organizations can claim to have maintained such an active, meaningful, and sustained presence over so many years.

Much has changed, but fortunately, much remains the same.

To understand the current structure of ORT in Uruguay, it is helpful to trace the organization’s history in the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLnrw6tEJis

1942 Foundation of ORT Uruguay

In Montevideo, ORT Uruguay joined the network in 1942 World ORT

. The organization was founded by members of the Jewish community who wanted to support the waves of immigrants fleeing Nazi barbarism by teaching them trades that would facilitate their social integration into the country’s economy and civic life.

1950 Expansion of the educational program into technology-related fields

From the 1950s to the 1970s, ORT Uruguay established and expanded its educational offerings to the general public, while also beginning to specialize in more advanced technological fields, such as electronics, training the technicians and professionals the country needed.

1970 Establishment of computer centers at ORT in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay

Bernard Wand-Polak served as director of World ORT Latin America in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was noted for his forward-thinking vision regarding the importance that computer science and electronics would have for the development of countries and their educational systems.

Under his leadership, ORT's computer centers were established in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. 

1980 Development of academic cooperation activities with other countries 

Starting in the 1980s, ORT Uruguay grew rapidly, becoming one of the leading institutions in the training of technicians in electronics, telecommunications, and computer science.

In addition, ORT Uruguay decided to expand and diversify its educational programs in response to the needs of Uruguayan society at that time.

Since the 1980s, ORT Uruguay has been engaged in academic cooperation with universities in other countries.

It is a member of leading international academic associations, including the International Association of Universities and the Union of Latin American Universities.

It has academic cooperation agreements with more than 170 academic institutions in Latin America, North America, Europe, Australia, China, South Korea, India, and Israel.

These agreements enable faculty and student exchanges and facilitate collaborative activities.

ORT's support through its outreach programs

Since its inception, ORT Uruguay has been conducting research and development activities in the field of education.

Within this framework, experimental projects in the field of educational computing were developed and received national and international recognition.

Dr. Jorge Grünberg, rector , received the National Computer Science Award in 1980 and the Silver Award from Spain’s Regional Center for Computer Science Education (CREI) in 1984 for his work in this field.

Through its outreach programs, ORT supported several schools in Montevideo, offering Creative Education programs for elementary school students and Computer Science programs for middle and high school students.

The support included the academic and logistical resources needed to establish the first computer labs in secondary schools.

Currently, Universidad ORT Uruguay computer science instruction at 14 private schools, including the Jewish School Network of Montevideo, through its Computer Science Knowledge Certification Program.

1985 Application for Official Recognition of Postsecondary Degrees

In 1985, ORT applied to the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) for official recognition of its associate degrees in Systems Analysis and Electronics.

These programs were offered by various departments within the institution, which were consolidated in 1996 into the current School of Engineering, named after Bernard Wand-Polak.

It is important to note that as early as the 1980s, ORT Uruguay was already regarded by Uruguayan society as a tertiary-level institution in terms of its resources, size, faculty, graduates, and academic programs—even before it was granted university status by the MEC.

ORT's recognition as a university was the result of many years of hard work.

1988 First tertiary licenses granted by the Uruguayan government

Systems and Electronics Programs

The 1988 accreditation of the Systems Analyst and Electronics Analyst programs—the first of their kind in the country—marked the first tertiary-level authorizations granted by the Uruguayan government to a non-governmental educational institution.


Opening of the School of Management

The School of Management was also founded in 1988, making it the first business school established in Uruguay.

Maternal and Child Health Programs and Productive Training Programs

Among the university's outreach activities, the Integrated Social Action Project stands out; it was designed and implemented by ORT Uruguay in partnership with the Municipality of Montevideo and funded by international organizations such as the European Union and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The creation of a Maternal and Child Health Program and a Productive Training Program benefited more than 20,000 people during the period overseen by ORT Uruguay. Five facilities were built, four of them in informal settlement areas—Jardines del Hipódromo, La Cantera, Paso de la Arena, and El Cilindro—and one in an urban area, Eduardo Víctor Haedo (formerly Dante).

These programs continued to make a significant contribution to society once they became self-managed.
The management committees, which emerged from the community itself, were trained by ORT and supported by departmental authorities, and successfully manage the centers.

All units continue to operate independently.

1989 ORT has established itself as the largest technical education NGO in Uruguay

The growth in student enrollment was accompanied by significant expansion in facilities and technology.

The ORT Institute of Technology was then the largest non-governmental organization for technical education in the country. 

1991 Visit by the World ORT Executive Committee

1995 First legal framework governing the operation of private universities in the country

In 1995, the national government, through Decree 308/95 of August 11, established the first legal framework governing the operation of private universities in the country.

1996 First organization authorized to operate as a private university

In February 1996, ORT Uruguay became the first institution to apply for authorization to operate as a private university, which was granted in September of that year.

Thus, ORT Uruguay became the first institution to be recognized as a private university in our country under the new legal framework, and was renamed Universidad ORT Uruguay.

Following its institutional recognition as a university, between 1996 and 1999 all the major academic departments that make up ORT today were established:


School of Engineering

The Systems Analyst and Electronics programs, for which official recognition was requested from the MEC in 1985, were offered by various departments within the institution.

These departments were merged in 1996 to form the current School of Engineering, which is named after Bernard Wand-Polak in recognition of his contributions and work in Latin America.

It is housed in a five-story building in downtown Montevideo that includes computer, electronics, telecommunications, physics, and biotechnology labs.


School of Management and Social Sciences

In 1996, the School of Management became the School of Business and Social Sciences.

Its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was ranked in 2017—for the 21st consecutive year—among the best in Latin America in the annual ranking published by América Economía magazine.

The school offers undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, and International Studies, along with a wide range of postgraduate degrees executive education programs.


School of Communication and Design

The School of Communication and Design was a pioneer in offering undergraduates degrees design.

In 1995, ORT Uruguay launched the first private college-level design program in our country, which was recognized as undergraduate degree in September 1996.

Effective July 1, 2024, the School of Communication and Design was split into two new schools: the School of Communication and the School of Design.

School of Architecture

The School of Architecture was founded in 1999 with the mission of offering undergraduates degrees Architecture and Interior Design, as well as certificate programs and short courses in related fields.

Universidad ORT Uruguay the officially recognized degree of Architect, along with the corresponding professional qualifications.

In 2015, the self-sustaining architecture project La Casa Uruguaya, designed and built by students, graduates, and faculty from the School of Architecture and other ORT schools, won the international Solar Decathlon Latin America and the Caribbean competition in Colombia.


Institute of Education

Following ORT's recognition as a university, the Institute of Education was established.

Over the years, the institute has earned a national and international reputation for its postgraduate degrees programs, continuing education initiatives, research projects, and support and guidance provided to educational institutions. has prestigious academic and teaching has , with their distinguished track record and extensive experience, ensure an education of the highest quality.

The Institute of Education established itself beginning in 1996 with the launch of postgraduate degrees education and the initiation of an academic partnership with Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

The Institute is home to the Center for Professional Development in Higher Education, whose mission is to support the continuous improvement of teaching quality through advisory services and ongoing professional development for university faculty and external instructors.

2001 Launch of the country's first business incubator

In partnership with the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay (LATU) and with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Universidad ORT Uruguay Ingenio in 2001, the country’s first business incubator aimed at entrepreneurs and start-ups in the IT and telecommunications sectors. 

2003 Renovation of the Department of Jewish Studies

In 2003, with the aim of revitalizing and expanding the program in Jewish studies that had been in place at ORT Uruguay since its founding in 1942, the Department of Jewish Studies was reorganized.

Its mission is to promote Jewish culture and history through the publication of books, films, lectures, and exhibitions on the subject.

Among its activities is the course “The Shoah: The Human Condition and Memory,” now in its ninth year, which has been designated as being of educational interest by the Ministry of Education (MEC) pursuant to Resolution No. 0637/020.

Since 1982, the university has published the "Ioman ORT" annually for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)—a free, themed annual calendar that highlights events and figures relevant to the Jewish world. 

2004 Establishment of the Student Exchange Coordination Office

In 2004, the university established the Student Exchange Coordination Office, which oversees bilateral exchange agreements through which more than 100 students from around the world come to ORT each year.

One example of these programs is the partnership with Harbin Normal University in China, which began in 2009.

The Chinese students are in their third year of their degree program at ORT through the Joint Spanish Language Program developed by ORT and the Chinese university.

They also take courses in undergraduates degrees, alongside other international students and local students.

The first group of 42 Chinese students arrived in Uruguay in September 2012, marking the first time a student exchange program had been organized between a Uruguayan university and a Chinese university.



Publication of the university's first yearbook

In 2004, the first yearbook of Universidad ORT Uruguay was published.

Since then, the yearbooks have provided an overview of the organization’s main activities, with the aim of showcasing the dynamism, diversity, and creativity of its academic community.

2005 First time receiving Mercosur accreditation

In 2005, the Electronics Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering programs were accredited at the Mercosur level through the Experimental Program Accreditation Mechanism (MEXA) for a maximum period of six years.

This accreditation was renewed in 2011 through the ARCU-SUR system, which replaced MEXA.

The Architecture program was also accredited by the ARCU-SUR system in 2009 for the maximum term, and its accreditation was renewed in 2016.

2008 Signing of an agreement with the California Institute of the Arts

In 2008, the School of Communication and Design signed a framework agreement for academic cooperation with the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in the United States, which served as the basis for the launch of the Bachelor’s Degree in Animation and Video Games (2010), undergraduate degree only undergraduate degree this field offered in Uruguay.

2009 Establishment of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In 2009, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) was established at Universidad ORT Uruguay to promote and foster the development of new entrepreneurs.

Its initiatives are designed to encourage innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset among students, promote opportunities, and strengthen ties between entrepreneurs and the academic and socio-productive sectors.

Students and graduates receive support in entering the workforce (with an employment rate exceeding 95% for graduates as a whole) and in starting businesses, often based on their graduation projects.

Thousands of graduates are excelling in their professional careers, often in companies they have founded themselves.

2012 Launch of the country's first Doctorate in Education

In July 2012, the Institute of Education launched Uruguay’s first Doctorate in Education.

This postgraduate degree , accredited by the MEC in 2014, connects students to an international network of researchers whose work focuses on issues of relevance to national educators.

2013 Launch of the first MOOC on programming for teenagers

In late 2013, the School of Engineering developed SM4T, the country’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed to teach programming to teenagers. The pilot edition of this course attracted 1,290 students. SM4T was a joint initiative of Universidad ORT Uruguay Plan Ceibal.

Based on SM4T, the course “Let’s Code!” was developed for the Coursera platform, along with an English-language version created in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom).

Opening of the 3D Prototyping Lab

In 2012, the university received funding from the National Agency for Research and Innovation (ANII) through a competitive grant program, which enabled the construction of the 3D Prototyping Laboratory, which opened in June 2013.

This laboratory was the first of its kind in Uruguay and complements the School of Design’s other facilities for working with metal, wood, plastic, and textiles.
 

MBA accreditation by AMBA

In January 2013, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program received accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), an international authority in postgraduate degree business education postgraduate degree to certifying the quality of MBA and Doctor of Business Administration programs.

This accreditation places the MBA among the top 6% of accredited MBA programs worldwide.

The AMBA accreditation was renewed in 2021.

2014 Recognition of the Doctorate in Education by the MEC

Students from various Latin American countries are enrolled in the Doctor of Education program at Universidad ORT Uruguay, which received accreditation from the MEC in 2014. 

This doctoral program is a pioneering educational initiative in the country, designed to address the need—present both nationally and regionally—to train highly qualified researchers in the field of education.

The goal is that, upon completion of the postgraduate degree, Doctor of Education graduates will be able to conduct original and innovative research that provides solutions to today’s major educational challenges.

2015 Visit by Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Dr. Dan Shechtman

On November 24, 2015, Dr. Dan Shechtman, chair of the Academic Advisory Board of World ORT and winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, visited the university.

Schechtman delivered a lecture titled “Challenges in Materials Engineering,” co-organized with Keren Kayemet Leisrael, and spoke at a meeting with students in the Biotechnology Engineering program and the Bachelor’s in Biotechnology program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7q0g_BQW-Q

2016 Establishment of the Technology Center

Universidad ORT Uruguay research across all its schools, with a focus on applied research.

The research is conducted in close collaboration with companies and research centers, with the aim of involving as many students as possible.

Academic output takes the form of articles in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at technical conferences, books and book chapters, as well as research findings transferred to industry in various forms.

In 2016, ORT’s faculty produced 166 publications, distributed across virtually all academic departments.

In 2016, a Technology Center was established to facilitate collaboration with the biotechnology industry. The center had been awarded to the university by ANII in 2015 through a competitive grant process.

The center aims to contribute to research on the design of new products and services, including bioprocess design, the development of analytical and diagnostic tools, the creation of genetically modified organisms, and various aspects of protein chemistry and its integration with nanotechnology.

2017 Opening of the Biotechnology Laboratory

In 2017, the 300-square-meter Biotechnology Laboratory was inaugurated, featuring new Class 1 and 2 biosafety rooms, fermentation rooms, protein purification equipment, areas for washing and preparing materials, and shared spaces for Analytical and Molecular Biology.

As a result, students have access to state-of-the-art equipment from their first year, which provides them with extensive technical knowledge and helps them develop their skills.

Throughout the program, students use the department’s own laboratories, which are specially equipped for work in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetic engineering.

Students gain extensive training in the use of instruments and in mastering laboratory techniques commonly used in industry and research.

Through agreements with institutions such as LATU, the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA), and the Pasteur Institute of Montevideo, students also have access to large-scale equipment, both to facilitate the development of projects and special activities and to demonstrate and practice instrumental techniques.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rdFLEStfWw

Launch of the Master's Program in Trainer Development

In April 2017, the Institute of Education launched the first cohort of its Master’s Program in Trainer Development.

This postgraduate degree, the only one of its kind in the country, provides an opportunity to develop skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating training initiatives in various settings, both within the formal education system and in non-formal education.

Launch of the ORT Recicla Initiative

Universidad ORT Uruguay implementing initiatives to recycle some of the more than 600 kilograms of waste generated daily by the institution across the more than 25,000 square meters of its Centro and Pocitos campuses.
 

2018 Scopus Award Presented to Prof. Charlotte de Grünberg

In its first edition in Uruguay, the Scopus Prize—an award that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ) has been presenting for decades through its friends’ associations in various countries—was awarded to the president of Universidad ORT Uruguay, Prof. Charlotte de Grünberg.

The award is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields and whose humanitarian efforts toward the development of their communities, the Jewish people, the State of Israel, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and society at large have contributed to their betterment.

Visit by a World ORT delegation

A delegation of 48 representatives from various countries visited Universidad ORT Uruguay May 9. Among the visitors were World ORT President Dr. Conrad Giles, ORT France President Lucien Kalfon, and ORT Director General Avi Ganon.

Recognition by the Uruguayan Accreditation Body

As part of the 2018 World Accreditation Day celebrations, organized by the Uruguayan Accreditation Body, the Uruguayan ORT Association was recognized as the first partner in the university, technical, and scientific sectors.

Nobel Prize in Economics Lecture

Dr. Finn Kydland, winner of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Economics, gave a lecture at the School of Management and Social Sciences at the invitation of The Research Institute for Development, Growth and Economics.

The Norwegian economist delivered a lecture titled "Economic Policy in the Growth of Nations" as part of the event "Workshop on Trade and Firm Dynamics / Growth and Development in Macroeconomics," which took place from December 12 to 14.

Full member of the European Foundation for Management Development

The School of Management and Social Sciences has become a full member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), one of the world’s most prestigious accrediting bodies for business schools.

2019 Membership in the United Nations Academic Impact Network

Universidad ORT Uruguay accepted into the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network, a consortium of institutions that promotes the UN’s academic activities.

The network, comprising 1,300 members from 135 countries, promotes the protection of human rights, access to education, sustainability, and conflict resolution.

This addition serves as recognition of the work carried out by the Department of International Studies within the School of Management and Social Sciences on issues related to the United Nations.

Full member of the global Cumulus association

The School of Communication and Design has become a full member of Cumulus, the only global association dedicated to education and research in art and design, which includes more than 280 universities from 57 countries.

Cumulus is a forum for the exchange of knowledge and best practices, where member universities discuss trends and issues related to the future of higher education in these disciplines.

Visit by a delegation from the Jewish Federations of North America

A total of 130 members of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) visited the university on August 1, 2019.

Earlier, they toured the Memorial to the Holocaust of the Jewish People, accompanied by the dean of the School of Architecture and co-designer of the memorial, architect Gastón Boero.

2020 Inclusion in the Times Higher Education Latin America University Ranking

In July 2020, Universidad ORT Uruguay was included in the Times Higher Education Latin America University Rankings, marking the addition of a new country to this prestigious list.

As of 2019, there were 12 countries in the Americas, and in the 2020 edition, that number rose to 13 with the addition of Uruguay.

Times Higher Education is a British publication that reports on news and issues related to higher education.

Its ranking, considered one of the largest and most diverse in the world, is audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers and is regarded as a benchmark by students, faculty, governments, and industry experts.

Recognition from World ORT

Professor Charlotte de Grünberg, president of Universidad ORT Uruguay, was the 2020 recipient of the Robert Singer Award, presented by World ORT to outstanding professionals.

This annual award honors those who have achieved outstanding results for ORT, for the institutions where they work, and for their beneficiaries.

"De Grünberg was recognized for 'decades of dedication to ORT and to education around the world, but particularly in Uruguay and throughout Latin America,'" said the president of ORT's World Board of Directors.

Quick adaptation to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

Following the confirmation of the first cases of coronavirus in Uruguay, ORT suspended in-person classes on Monday, March 16, 2020, and began offering them online.

The sudden need to use tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams—along with increased use of other familiar platforms, such as Aulas Moodle—posed a major challenge for both teaching and learning. 

But, as in any crisis, opportunities for creativity and innovation arose, and Universidad ORT Uruguay able to adapt quickly to face the new reality, so that students could continue their studies. 


Tribute to World ORT on its 140th Anniversary

As part of the celebration of World ORT’s 140th anniversary, Universidad ORT Uruguay students, graduates, and faculty to share their experiences and stories as part of this local educational community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN50nEyMXRY

2021 Participation in the Expo Prado alongside the Israeli Embassy

On its return to Expo Prado after 24 years, the Israeli Embassy had a booth with a facade designed by two students from the Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design from the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay, which also received an honorable mention for best façade at the 2021 edition of the exhibition.




We are adapting to the COVID-19 situation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bENCZICWNYo

2022 What can we do to prepare for a world without COVID-19?

 We must keep our focus on the students as our priority and on technology as one of the cornerstones of our work.

2024 Two new schools

Effective July 1, the School of Communication and Design was split into two new schools: the School of Communication and the School of Design.

The educational offerings of the School of Communication are distinguished by their strong technological and digital focus, working in close collaboration with the business sector and related industries, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students.

The School of Design trains creative and innovative professionals with a solid multidisciplinary perspective, capable of contributing original and high-value ideas to design processes, product creation, and project development.

New Appointments at Universidad ORT Uruguay

Eduardo Hipogrosso has been appointed Vice President for Institutional Management and Development. His appointment reinforces the university’s focus on institutional development and the implementation of strategies for growth and continuous improvement. With his extensive experience in educational administration, Hipogrosso will be responsible for overseeing and strengthening institutional development programs.

Dr. Pablo Landoni is the new academic vice president, bringing his extensive experience in the field of education and his long tenure at the university. Landoni, who has held various academic and administrative roles over the years, is tasked with strengthening the quality and innovation of ORT’s educational programs.

Daniel Oliveri has been appointed as the new vice president for administration. With an outstanding career in administrative and financial management, Oliveri will be responsible for optimizing the university’s internal resources and processes, ensuring efficient administration that is aligned with the institution’s strategic objectives.

2025 Establishment of the Institute of Dermatology

The establishment of the Institute of Dermatology marks a new step in ORT’s commitment to training highly qualified professionals. The institute is a specialized academic and clinical unit dedicated to teaching, patient care, research, and university outreach in the field of dermatology. It is within this framework that ORT offers the Postgraduate Degree in Medical-Surgical Dermatology.