ARLINGTON, VA – January 22, 2026 – The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® and Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA: 

“We are thrilled to congratulate ​Dr. ​Ximena Gates-Lincolao on her appointment as Chile’s new Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation. Ximena is a proven builder and global technology leader who has been deeply engaged in CTA’s work for years, serving on both our Executive Board and Board of Industry Leaders. Through her leadership at BuildWithin, respected voice on ​technology, workforce development and CES exhibitor, she has helped redefine how skills, talent, and technology come together to drive inclusive economic growth.  
 
She has also been a valued CES speaker, bringing practical insight on AI, ​innovation, ​apprenticeships, and the future of work to audiences across the global tech ecosystem.​ ​Ximena is featured in two of Gary Shapiro’s books, ​​Ninja Innovation​​ and ​​Pivot or Die​​, where her leadership experience is highlighted as a source of practical lessons for entrepreneurs and technology innovators.​​ 

Ximena’s appointment reflects the growing importance of innovation leadership that bridges ​technology, ​startups, industry, government, and education, while underscoring Chile’s ambition to be a major force in the global technology economy. We are looking forward to working closely with her in this new role and look forward to welcoming a strong delegation of Chilean startups, founders, ​innovators, ​and policymakers to CES. This moment represents a powerful opportunity to deepen South American participation at CES and accelerate cross-border collaboration that fuels innovation worldwide.” 

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.  

About CES®:

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2027 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2027, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.