By Camila Rojas
Smartphones and the digital home
In Lima, technology has moved from luxury to necessity. Recent data from OSIPTEL’s ERESTEL survey shows that almost 99.2% of households in Lima Metropolitan already have a smartphone. This device now functions as a portal: for education, mobile payments, social life, work, and entertainment. Suddenly, laptops are increasingly part of the mix too, especially for students and remote workers.
AI tools part of everyday tasks
AI is no longer an abstract concept for many limeños—it’s being integrated into our day-to-day. ChatGPT appears among the AI tools most commonly used across Peru, particularly in Lima, where about 23% of people report using AI tools regularly. These are tools for writing drafts, summarizing tasks, and seeking guidance—tiny helpers that save cognitive load. Messaging apps like WhatsApp remain essential for keeping in touch, while digital wallets like Yape are changing how people pay for things in stores or send money to each other.
Startups turning ideas into impact
Lima’s startup ecosystem is alive with new projects pushing boundaries. Edtech leader Crehana continues to expand its course offerings. The university incubator Startup UNI is supporting ventures like AXIORA AI, which automates order management and monitors progress in construction projects, reducing errors and costs. Another example is Green ID, a platform focused on environmental conservation and sustainable production in rural areas. Each startup may be in a different field, but they share a common thread: using technology to solve real problems for Lima and beyond.
How these changes affect you
If you live and work in Lima, here are signs this shift likely touches your life:
- You no longer carry cash as often—digital wallets and apps are more common.
- You explore learning new skills online—platforms offering courses in design, coding or illustration are easier to find and enroll in.
- You rarely sit down to watch live events on TV alone—smartphones, tablets and streaming have changed viewing habits.
- You may see smarter services—logistics using AI for delivery routes, or safety systems that use AI to detect threats.
What remains to be done
Despite progress, gaps still exist. Access to high-speed, reliable internet remains uneven across districts, and low-income households often struggle with costs beyond devices—data plans or accessories. Skills training is essential so people can use tools like AI safely and effectively. And regulators and entrepreneurial support programs will need to ensure innovation benefits everyone—not only those in wealthy neighborhoods.
Technology is no longer the future—it’s the fabric of daily life in Lima. And how we weave it into work, education, and culture will continue shaping our city’s trajectory.