From left, José Jesús Jordán Orozco of the State Trust for the Promotion of Productive Activities in the State of Chihuahua; Kathy Hansen, director of New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, Lisbeily Domínguez Ruvalcaba of the Institute of Innovation and Competitiveness of the State of Chihuahua; and Jorge Manriquez of DAI International sign a memorandum of understanding after Arrowhead Center was selected as one of the international accelerators for an agreement with the head of Chihuahua’s Ministry of Innovation and Economic Development. (Courtesy photo)

New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Chihuahua, Mexico, after Arrowhead Center was selected as one of the international accelerators for an agreement with the head of Chihuahua’s Ministry of Innovation and Economic Development.

“We are extremely excited to offer our resources and programs to entrepreneurs in Chihuahua,” said Kathryn Hansen, director of Arrowhead Center.

This collaboration will give Mexican startups the ability to take part in business training or local advising to examine potential customers, viability of products and strategic business plans.

“A large benefit for Chihuahua startups will be to have a chance at validating their projects for the U.S. markets with the network of business advisors at Arrowhead Center,” said Lisbeily Domínguez Ruvalcaba, director of the Innovation and Competitiveness Institute of Chihuahua State.

In May 2019, the Chihuahua government signed an agreement with other public institutions to promote startups. Specifically, Chihuahua Mayor Maru Campos and director of Economic and Tourism Development María Angélica Granados Trespalacios signed an agreement with Alejandra de la Vega, head of the Ministry of Innovation and Economic Development of the State Government, and with five international accelerators. Through this agreement, Mexico’s government agencies can provide support for transportation, lodging and per diem for Chihuahua startups.

During Innovation Week 2019, organized by the state with the support of the municipality of Chihuahua, the official ceremony for the MOU took place Nov. 14 at the Technology Hub in Juárez, Mexico. Among the other accelerating institutions participating in this agreement are Colorado’s Techstars, Boston’s MassChallenge, Chile’s Start-Up Chile, Switzerland’s Seedstars, United Kingdom’s DAI International and Texas’ Tech Ranch.

“With New Mexico and Chihuahua sharing a border, we have a closer understanding of some of the more unique needs of many of the emerging businesses in the state,” said Carlos Murguia, director of international entrepreneurship services at Arrowhead Center. “By virtue of that shared connection, we look forward to stimulating bilateral economic growth for both states.”

Julio Casillas, investment forum coordinator for Chihuahua Innova, agreed with Murguia.

“The creation of collaborative bridges like these is that it will accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems in both New Mexico and Chihuahua, along with promoting the creation of bi-national enterprises,” Casillas said.