In a bold step to position itself as a hub of technological innovation, Mexico has launched the National Semiconductor Design Center, dubbed “Kutsari,” aiming to shape the future of the global semiconductor industry. Announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the center’s name—derived from the Purépecha word for “sand”—symbolizes the foundational raw material crucial to semiconductor production and reflects the country’s commitment to advancing its role in high-tech development.
Kutsari will serve as a collaborative space for top-tier scientists and researchers from institutions such as 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). Located in Puebla, Jalisco, and Sonora, the center will focus on the design of semiconductors for key sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and home appliances.
As part of the initiative, Mexico’s government will overhaul the Federal Law for the Protection of Industrial Property (LFPPI) to streamline patent processes, reducing approval times from over four years to just three. The introduction of a provisional patent system will further safeguard innovations and deter intellectual property theft, providing a more secure environment for research and development.
Kutsari is a cornerstone of the broader Plan Mexico, which seeks to boost domestic production and attract foreign investment. By 2027, the center aims to solidify its semiconductor design capabilities, with a vision to expand into manufacturing and assembly by 2030. In addition, an Accelerated Training Program will be launched to develop a skilled workforce and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“This initiative highlights Mexico’s scientific talent and our determination to drive technological innovation,” said President Sheinbaum. “We are not just creating semiconductors; we are building the foundation for a future where Mexico is a global tech powerhouse.”
With the semiconductor sector being vital to industries worldwide, Kutsari represents a strategic move to reduce Mexico’s reliance on foreign technologies and stimulate economic growth through domestic innovation. The project aims to elevate Mexico’s position in the global tech landscape, while providing a robust platform for research, development, and manufacturing in one of the most crucial industries of the 21st century.
