GLOBAL CHALLENGES

In Mexico, a New Center for IT Innovation

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 03-24-11 | Comments

A newly opened Innovation Center in Mexico City will bring IT training, experts and other resources to local startup businesses. The center is part of a worldwide initiative to bring technological resources to new areas of IT growth.

In countries like Tokyo, South Africa and India, IBM Innovation Centers are already fueling IT growth and providing education for local businesses, students and professionals. The newest center opened this month in Mexico City, where a diverse group will benefit from its opportunities.

IBM Innovation Centers are aimed at local startups, venture capitalists, developers and academics. The centers teach new skills for specific industries such as banking, communications, health care, retail and government.

Currently, there are 39 Innovation Centers in 32 countries, including Brazil, Vietnam and the United States. The Mexico City center is the first to open in 2011.

The new center will offer no-charge access to resources like software, researchers and technical access for Mexican startup companies.

"Mexico is experiencing significant growth in IT opportunities," said Hugo Santana, general manager of IBM Mexico, in a statement. "With access to the right skills and resources, we can build a stronger Mexican IT community that is prepared to compete on the global IT innovation stage."

IT spending in Mexico is expected to grow 11 percent in 2011 due to an anticipated US$13.6 billion. Fueling this growth is the increased interest in cloud computing, as well as new government services and infrastructure projects. Based on these trends, the center will offer training workshops, consulting services and personal assistance.

The Innovation Center is a part of IBM's Global Entrepreneur project, which has already helped launch more than 500 businesses worldwide by providing "technical expertise, coaching and mentoring in areas such as business model development and marketing." Current topics include mobile computing, business analytics and industry-focused solutions.

IBM has also been working with institutes like Tecnologico de Monterrey, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Instituto Politecnico Nacional to develop curricula and provide free software and hardware.

The launch of the Innovation Center is a continuation of IBM's 84-year presence in Mexico. More than 800 Mexican companies are already IBM business partners, including solution integrators and software vendors.

For instance, MEVE Soluciones, a Mexican case-management solution provider, has received resources from IBM to test and validate its technology. "With support from the IBM Innovation Center, we've been able to broaden our knowledge in IBM technology and grow our pipeline," said Sonia Mendoza, director of sales for MEVE Soluciones, according to a statement.

In Mexico, privately held startups that have been in business for less than three years and are actively working on projects related to IBM's Smarter Planet goals are eligible to join the program.