Chihuahua IT Cluster: bridging the gap between industrial demand and real digital adoption

Chihuahua’s industrial strength has long been defined by its manufacturing capabilities. However, as digital transformation becomes a defining factor of global competitiveness, a new challenge is emerging: not access to technology, but the ability to adopt it effectively.

From the perspective of the Chihuahua IT Cluster, this transformation is not uniform—it is deeply segmented and, in many cases, still in progress.

“There are really two different realities within the industrial ecosystem,” explained Luis Alonso Ramos Fernández. “On one side, you have large multinational corporations that already operate with very advanced technological frameworks. On the other, you have local suppliers, where the level of technological sophistication varies significantly—and that’s where we can truly make an impact.”

The real opportunity: transforming the local supply chain

While global manufacturers continue to drive industrial activity in Chihuahua, the cluster’s primary focus lies in strengthening the technological capabilities of local companies integrated into those value chains. These companies—ranging from small to mid-sized suppliers—represent the space where digital transformation can generate the most tangible impact.

“Our role is to take them one step further,” Ramos explained. “And then another step after that—helping them become more efficient, more secure, and better prepared to compete.”

A key component of this effort is the Chihuahua Cybersecurity Center, one of the cluster’s flagship initiatives. Its objective is to raise awareness across three main segments: individual users, business owners and managers, and professionals.

Rather than focusing on large multinational corporations—which typically manage cybersecurity from their global headquarters—the initiative is designed to address the vulnerabilities of local companies, helping them understand not only basic risks, but also the broader implications of cybersecurity for their operations.

AI adoption: between hype and real integration

In recent years, technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics have gained visibility across industries. However, their real adoption remains uneven.

“Everyone wants to do something with AI,” Ramos noted. “But breaking the day-to-day inertia—investing time, training, and resources—is where the real challenge begins.”

While tools like ChatGPT have accelerated awareness, actual integration into daily operations remains limited.

“In many cases, companies are still using it as a better version of a search engine,” he added. “But using it to truly transform workflows—that’s still not widespread.”

From Bani Carrasco’s perspective, the challenge goes beyond technology itself.

“Artificial intelligence is ultimately a cultural shift within organizations,” she explained. “It’s not just about learning how to use a tool—it’s about using it responsibly, understanding the risks, and integrating it into how the company operates.”

Resistance, culture, and the human factor

Despite the growing availability of digital tools, adoption is often constrained by organizational dynamics. Resistance to change, lack of training, and deeply ingrained processes continue to slow transformation efforts across companies of all sizes.

“There are companies that have embraced these technologies and are actively experimenting,” Ramos explained. “But there are also many that prefer to continue operating the way they always have—at least for now.”

He adds that even within highly technical environments, adoption levels can vary widely.

“Technology doesn’t replace people—it amplifies productivity,” he said. “But you need to understand it, know how to use it, and be willing to adapt.”

From local solutions to global platforms

Beyond adoption challenges, Chihuahua is also emerging as a source of technological innovation with global reach. Through its Smart Industry Center, the cluster focuses on identifying real needs within manufacturing operations and connecting them with local technology providers capable of developing targeted solutions.

“Sometimes companies don’t even realize they have a problem until you help them solve it,” Ramos explained. “Then you discover that the same need exists across multiple facilities.”

This approach has already generated success stories. Solutions such as Kiuey, focused on supplier quality and manufacturing process management, and SmartLPA, designed for high-volume audit tracking and automation, were both developed in Chihuahua and have since expanded internationally.

“Kiuey has clients in more than 20 countries, and SmartLPA in over 40,” Ramos noted. “Both are 100% developed in Chihuahua.”

However, innovation within the ecosystem is not limited to structured programs—it also emerges organically through collaboration. As Carrasco explains, many of these breakthroughs begin with simple interactions within the community.

“For example, last year we had a very interesting AI talk, and after that session, there were people sharing what they had built,” she recalled. “That was the case of Integral Vending. They had already been working on AI, but after that moment, they decided to move forward and launch their solution. Last year, they were acquired by Nayax.”

These types of outcomes, she added, are the result of continuous interaction within a collaborative environment.

“These are the kinds of things that happen when you have networking, when knowledge is shared, and when there is a community that supports that knowledge.”

Building a collaborative innovation ecosystem

The cluster’s work is structured around three core pillars that define its strategy and long-term vision. The first is talent development, which includes everything from aligning academic programs with industry needs to reskilling professionals and engaging younger generations in technology from early stages.

The second is business development, where initiatives such as the Chihuahua Cybersecurity Center and the Smart Industry Center aim to strengthen the connection between industry demand and local technological capabilities. The third is the Living Lab, a space designed to foster collaboration, community, and innovation.

“The Living Lab is the heart of the city’s tech community,” said Carrasco. “It’s where ideas are shared, where projects are launched, and where connections happen.”

The space regularly hosts hackathons, networking events, academic presentations, and industry gatherings, creating an environment where collaboration emerges organically. Importantly, it also functions as a neutral platform—bringing together students, entrepreneurs, and professionals from different institutions.

“This neutrality makes a difference,” Carrasco explained. “People feel that it belongs to the city, not to a specific institution.”

From manufacturing hub to technology platform

Looking ahead, the challenge is not only to strengthen the local ecosystem, but to position Chihuahua as a true technology hub.

“We already have the roadmap,” Ramos explained. “The opportunity is to use Chihuahua’s industrial platform as a launchpad to develop solutions that can scale globally.”

This includes strengthening access to capital, expanding market reach, and enabling local companies to move beyond regional limitations.

“There are companies here with international-level capabilities,” Carrasco noted. “But sometimes they find it easier to sell abroad than locally.”

Ramos agrees—and emphasizes that the challenge is also cultural.

“To compete globally, you have to believe you can,” he said. “And then you have to work to prove it.”