Developing Semiconductor Industry

The federal government has published an agreement aimed at boosting the development of the semiconductor industry in Mexico, highlighting the country's existing capabilities and talent in related fields.

The document notes the growing market demand in North America, particularly in Mexico, for semiconductors used in manufacturing end-use devices such as vehicles, medical devices, electronic gadgets, phones, watches, personal computers, and household appliances.

The agreement was established between the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport, as well as the Ministry of Public Education, the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development, the National Council of Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies, and the National Water Commission.

In this regard, Armando Cortés, Director General of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA), emphasized that Mexico can be a viable semiconductor supplier.

“It is essential to develop the semiconductor industry in the country to ensure supply to key sectors like automotive. Additionally, international market conditions indicate that there is a demand that could position Mexico as a viable supplier,” Cortés stated.

Cortés detailed that the semiconductor manufacturing process is divided into three parts: design, which involves technological development and high engineering; frontend or semiconductor manufacturing; and backend, which includes assembly, validation, and packaging of the semiconductor.

“In these three parts, Mexico is involved in design, with efforts by Dell in Guadalajara. However, the identified opportunity for Mexico is in the third part or backend,” he emphasized.

Meetings will be held to identify challenges and develop processes in the backend, i.e., assembly, validation, and packaging.

Regarding human talent in semiconductor technology, actions have also been announced for certain regions.

Participation

Recently, Tec de Monterrey Guadalajara, through the School of Engineering and Sciences (EIC), signed a collaboration agreement with Intel to allow students to participate in a Professional Internship in semiconductors and contribute to real projects of the company.

Jesús Palomino, General Manager of Intel's Guadalajara Design Center (GDC), explained that the agreement will enable students to engage in projects through training or courses.

“We have several collaborations with Tec. One of them is talent development; another one is knowledge development,” he said. With these types of actions, Mexico is paving its way in semiconductor manufacturing.