History

In the 1980s, Bolivia faced an institutional and social crisis, with high inflation and inequality. To counteract the drain of talent, a group of visionary businessmen founded the Bolivian Private University (UPB) in 1992. The UPB focuses on the training of professionals and entrepreneurs committed to the development of the country. With a focus on academic excellence, UPB offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Continuing Training programs, as well as research activities in various centers and laboratories. In addition, the university adapted to the COVID-19 crisis by implementing a multimodal academic model that combines in-person classes and remote activities.

UPB has obtained international recognition, being rated as the best private university in Bolivia and obtaining four stars in the QS Stars Rating System. The UPB Graduate Business School has been positioned as number one in Bolivia and has obtained recognition in Latin America. These achievements reflect the university's commitment to academic quality and innovation.

Leadership has been fundamental in the success of UPB, with presidents of the Board of Directors such as Roberto Peña Rodríguez, Fernando Illanes de la Riva, Julio León Prado and Fernando Campero, and rectors such as Absael Antelo Montero, Manuel Olave Sarmiento and Francisco J Mayorga. These people have driven the growth and excellence of the university. In summary, the UPB emerged as a response to the institutional crisis in Bolivia, focusing on the training of professionals and entrepreneurs committed to the development of the country. With a focus on academic excellence, UPB has obtained international recognition and has adapted its educational model to current challenges, standing out as a quality university at the national and regional level.

The analysis and justification for the creation of a Business University in Cochabamba must be framed in the economic and social situation that was experienced in Bolivia after 1985. Before that it would have been very difficult to think about the execution of a work of these characteristics. Not only because the law did not allow it, but because the concepts of globalization and world competitiveness would not have directly pressured Bolivian businessmen, much less their union institutions.

The UPB is sponsored by the business community organized through the Confederation of Private Entrepreneurs of Bolivia and the Federation of Business Entities of Cochabamba. Likewise, at the end of the last decade the FUNDES-Bolivia Foundation has promoted the development and qualification of its human resources and classroom and laboratory infrastructure.

UPB 30 YEARS SPREADING THE WINGS