Guanajuato has made a significant leap forward in its bid to become the innovation hub for Central Mexico by launching the Japan-Mexico Cross Connect initiative. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen ties between the two nations through knowledge and innovation exchange.
According to Juan Antonio Reus Montaño, General Director of IDEA GTO, the state’s “Mentefactura” policy has been driving its development through strategic partnerships with international organizations such as JICA and JETRO. The initiative is a testament to Guanajuato’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth.
The Cross Connect Japan-Mexico project was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IDEA GTO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This MOU marks an important milestone in promoting startups and strengthening Guanajuato’s innovation ecosystem.
A Demo Day, featuring over 20 Mexican startups, showcased the state’s innovative potential. Only six companies presented pitches, highlighting their strengths as Guanajuato-based businesses. The event provided a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among startup entrepreneurs, industries, and academies from various regions.
Guanajuato’s innovation ecosystem has made significant strides in recent years, solidifying its position as the fastest-growing ecosystem in Central America by StartupBlink in 2024. Its recognition includes:
1st Place in patent applications per 100,000 economically active population (IMCO)
2nd Place globally in the Fab City Awards 2023
Recognized as a finalist in the Smart City Expo Latam 2024 in the Smart City category
The Japan-Mexico Cross Connect initiative is set to boost Guanajuato’s innovation ecosystem further by promoting communication and collaboration within the startup community. With its strong track record, the state is well-positioned to establish itself as the hub of innovation for Central Mexico.
Consul General of Japan in Mexico, Katsumi Itagaki, expressed his excitement about this initiative, which will strengthen ties between the two countries through innovation and knowledge exchange. The Cross Connect Japan-Mexico project marks an important step towards promoting economic development and improving productivity in the private sector.
In conclusion, Guanajuato has established itself as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Mexico. Through its collaboration with Japanese organizations, it aims to solidify its position as the innovation hub of the region. The Japan-Mexico Cross Connect initiative is set to propel Guanajuato’s innovation ecosystem forward, driving growth, productivity, and economic development for years to come.
Source: Press Release
