Digital transformation has significantly impacted industrial operations, particularly within the Manaus Free Trade Zone (ZFM) in Amazonas State, Brazil. The ZFM plays an important role in regional economic development, hosting diverse industries specializing in electronics, vehicles, and other consumer goods. In this scenario, Process automation, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), has become indispensable in environments prioritizing quality and efficiency. RPAs are software tools that execute repetitive, rule-based tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing error susceptibility.

However, acquiring the competencies for process automation and reducing execution time is crucial. Education and research institutions have helped the industry to increase transformation is supported by a transformative pedagogical approach that enables individuals to develop analytical competencies relevant to business and industrial contexts. In this paper, we present the DX Academy program that emerged as a strategic initiative to integrate academia and industry to overcome barriers to digital transformation. We adopt disruptive technologies like deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, aimed to empower professionals to implement process automation solutions that optimize efficiency and stimulate innovation.

As a result, we use problem-based learning, to prepare participants to tackle real-world industrial challenges. Engaging with actual cases from the TV industry, students applied their knowledge directly, developing practical solutions, including the creation of 30 Robotic Process Automations (RPAs). These RPAs automated specific production tasks, enhancing productivity and quality while reducing costs and execution times. As contributions, this program enabled the 20 participants as transformative catalysts, leading automation and innovation initiatives in their respective industries, thereby catalyzing local economic growth and integrating the ZFM into the digital transformation paradigm. And consequently equipping professionals with competencies proved pivotal for advancing the ZFM's technological landscape and enhancing regional industrial competitiveness.

Keywords: Digital transformation, problem-based learning, immersive learning.