IPN and Switzerland Strengthen Ties Through Innovation and Startups

Startups from both countries exchange strategies, business models, and innovation ecosystems.

As part of its efforts to foster technological development, promote knowledge transfer, and expand internationalization opportunities for emerging companies, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) hosted the event “Mexico and Switzerland: Innovation and Startups Exchange 2025.”

The forum featured networking activities and presentations from four Swiss and three Mexican startups, who engaged with investors and strategic partners. A highlight of the event was the presentation by Dr. Sonia Mayra Pérez Tapia, Director of the Bioprocess Development and Research Unit (UDIBI), who outlined the Unit’s work in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical development and emphasized its robust ecosystem and specialized services.

Dr. Pérez Tapia underscored that UDIBI conducts regulated science from the outset. “Regulation is something we, as innovators and developers of health therapies and devices, must understand from the very beginning,” she stated.

Among the participating Mexican startups, two stood out for their innovation and IPN roots: Viit Health, founded by Victoria Merino, and VLIM, a company offering integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions created by IPN graduates.

The event was part of a broader initiative jointly organized by the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (SECIHTI), the Embassy of Switzerland in Mexico, and the University of St. Gallen. The goal is to strengthen the innovation ecosystems of both countries by bringing together key players including incubators, accelerators, research centers, higher education institutions, investment funds, and government agencies.

80 IPN Students to Conduct Innovation Projects in Switzerland At the opening ceremony, Yessica Gasca Castillo, Secretary of Innovation and Social Integration at the IPN, announced that 80 students will travel to the University of St. Gallen as part of the IPN’s Leadership Development Program. Over a three-week stay, participants will work on entrepreneurship-focused projects and gain first-hand experience of Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem, to translate that knowledge into social impact initiatives in Mexico.

Rocío Robinson, Director of Innovation, ICT and Startups at the University of St. Gallen—the institution’s main liaison for Latin America—emphasized that academic and entrepreneurial exchanges recognize the borderless nature of innovation.

“By aligning our strengths, sharing knowledge, and nurturing talent, we are building a more resilient and truly global ecosystem,” she concluded.