IPN: Nine Decades at the Forefront of Technical Education in Mexico

January 1, 1936, marked a milestone in Mexico’s history. During the administration of President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río, an institution was founded that, to this day, is not only dedicated to technical education but also to the promotion of applied research and innovation.

General Cárdenas’ vision was clear: if Mexico was to advance its industrial and technological development, it was essential to train professionals capable of addressing the challenges of a growing nation.

For this reason, newspaper headlines—among them El Universal—reported a momentous event ninety years ago: the creation of the great Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). This announcement was far more than routine news; it represented the culmination of years of debate, effort, and vision focused on transforming technical and scientific education in Mexico.

To fully understand the significance of this event, it is essential to examine the historical context that preceded it. The 1930s were a period of profound political, economic, and social transformation in Mexico. Following the Mexican Revolution, the country undertook a process of reconstruction and modernization.

The government of Lázaro Cárdenas, distinguished by its progressive outlook and commitment to social justice, recognized education as a key driver of national development. A pressing need was identified to strengthen technical and scientific education to promote industrialization and reduce dependence on foreign expertise.

Although technical training institutions already existed, they lacked the coordination and resources required to meet the country’s growing demands. The creation of the IPN was conceived as a comprehensive solution to overcome these limitations and to establish a solid, coherent educational system.

This initiative has had a profound and lasting impact on Mexico’s education system and national development. Over the course of nine decades, the IPN has trained thousands of highly qualified professionals across a wide range of disciplines. Through its classrooms, laboratories, and research centers, the Institute has nurtured talent that has excelled in diverse fields, including engineering, medicine, the arts, sports, and public life.

The celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional is an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future. The IPN has been—and will continue to be—a cornerstone of education and development in Mexico, with a legacy that will inspire new generations of students, faculty members, and researchers.

On this anniversary, we pay tribute to all those who made its creation possible and to everyone who has contributed to its growth throughout the years. The Instituto Politécnico Nacional is a source of national pride and a clear example of what can be achieved through sustained investment in education and a commitment to the future.

The Historical Archive of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (AH-IPN) preserves documents that bear witness to this legacy and are available for consultation. This historical heritage, together with the values transmitted by the institution over the years, deserves to be preserved and remembered by future generations. Those interested in obtaining more information or accessing these materials may contact the Office of the Presidency of the IPN Dean’s Council at +52 (55) 5729 6000, extensions 63057 and 63054, or via email at consultaah@ipn.mx.