A group of 110 faculty members from 16 educational institutions across Baja California has been selected to participate in a specialized Semiconductor Training Program organized by the state’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation. As the global semiconductor industry establishes a presence in Mexico—particularly in Baja California—the demand for highly skilled talent is increasing. In response, the Baja California government has launched this initiative to equip educators with the knowledge and expertise needed to foster and sustain this rapidly growing industry.

The program officially kicked off at CETYS University’s Tijuana Campus, where the selected faculty members will undergo training until December. This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the government, the educational sector, and private industry, all working together to build a strong talent pipeline that will attract new investment to local businesses, given the region’s strategic position.

Speaking on behalf of educational institutions, Dr. Fernando León-García, President of CETYS University System, emphasized that this progress is possible only through the synergy of academia, government, and industry. “I want to commend the education sector for responding to the call from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Through this collaboration, we’re ensuring that semiconductor companies can access the specialized talent they need—an investment with a significant multiplying effect.”

Kurt Honold Morales, Baja California’s Secretary of Economy and Innovation, emphasized that the COVID pandemic highlighted the critical need to embrace the technological revolution, which spurred stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders. The goal is to transform Baja California from primarily a manufacturing base into a hub of highly skilled technical talent and, ultimately, a region where local talent becomes the owners of high-tech companies. “Our vision is to evolve from being a state of assemblers to one of specialized technicians, and eventually, to entrepreneurs and business owners.”

This initiative is made possible through a partnership between the state government, Santander Universities, Emtech Institute, and Arizona State University. The program focuses on two strategic areas: semiconductor design and semiconductor manufacturing.

“We firmly believe that technological advancement is key to driving sustainable growth and competitiveness, leading to better opportunities for businesses, individuals, and especially university students. The semiconductor sector plays a crucial role in this technological evolution, enhancing the country’s ability to attract high-level production in the context of nearshoring. We are convinced of the transformative power of education, and it’s encouraging to see the educators here receiving training in such essential areas,” emphasized Jaime Valls Esponda, Executive Deputy Director of Santander Universities, during the event.

In addition to the 110 selected faculty members, notable attendees at the program launch included Yanina Rubio-Bojórquez, Dean of CETYS University’s Tijuana Campus; Rodolfo Andrade, Deputy Secretary of Investment Management; Dr. Luis Enrique Palafox, President of UABC; Dr. Salvador Morales-Riubí, President of UTT; Marcela Barreras Hernández, President of UPBC; Valentín Arquímedes Sánchez-Beltrán, Dean of ITE; Manuel de Jesús López-Pérez, Dean of ITM; Dr. Julio César Rolón-Garrido, Dean of CITEDI; Florentino Badial-Hernández, Dean of Universidad Iberoamericana; Andrés Daniel Ruelas-Yáñez, Director of Grupo Educativo 16 de Septiembre; José Alfredo Sánchez-Herrera, President of CENYCA; Irma Martínez-Manríquez, State Director of CONALEP; Ariel Abam Torres, General Director and Vice President of Mexico Operations at Infineon Technologies; Luis Solis, Regional HR Director at Skyworks; Arturo Plascencia, Engineering & Operations Director and QMTC Site Manager at Qualcomm; Pablo Charvel-Orozco, President of CDI Mexicali; Mario A. Peregrina-Brizuela, President of the Ensenada Economic Promotion Commission (COPREEN); and Carlos Jaramillo, President of the Tijuana Business Coordinating Council (CCE).