In a landmark move to position Mexico as a global leader in science and technology, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the creation of the National Center for Semiconductor Design “Kutsari”. The initiative, named after the Purépecha word for “sand,” symbolizes the raw material used in semiconductor production and underscores Mexico’s ambition to become a key player in the high-tech industry.

The Kutsari Project will unite scientists and researchers from leading public institutions, including the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE), the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV), the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN). Headquartered in Puebla, Jalisco, and Sonora, the center will focus on designing cutting-edge semiconductors for industries such as automotive, medical equipment, and household appliances.

To support this effort, the Mexican government will reform the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property (LFPPI) to streamline patent processes, reducing approval times from over four years to three. A provisional patent system will also be introduced to protect innovations and prevent plagiarism.

The project is part of the broader Plan Mexico, which aims to strengthen domestic production and attract foreign investment. By 2027, the Kutsari Center aims to consolidate its design capabilities, with plans to expand into semiconductor manufacturing and assembly by 2030. An Accelerated Training Program will also be launched to develop skilled designers and support public and private sector collaboration.

“This initiative is a testament to Mexico’s scientific talent and our commitment to innovation,” said President Sheinbaum. “We are not just designing semiconductors; we are building a future where Mexico is a global technological power.”

With semiconductors being critical to modern industries, the Kutsari Project represents a strategic step toward reducing Mexico’s reliance on foreign technology and fostering economic growth through innovation.