Latin America Technology and Industry

Do you remember the Cifra calculators from FATE Electrónica? Starting with the model 311, surprisingly beautiful in design, between 1969 and 1980 they “went viral”: they dominated between 50% and 30% of all Latin American markets (except Brazil) from Argentina to the border of Mexico with the USA. They practically ousted IBM and Olivetti, cornered the American brands Hewlett Packard, Remington and Victor, and stopped the “unstoppable” Japanese Sharp, Toshiba, Casio and Citizen for 5 years.

In 1975, and already without customs protection, Argentina, thanks to such companies, remained in the “Top Ten” of handheld and office calculator manufacturers. But some of the executives of FATE Electrónica (“a bunch of moishes and amounts”, as the most stupid business leaders called them) began to suffer threats and an attack by the Triple A. However, the guys persisted. In 1979, FATE Electrónica fought against the Japanese invasion by escaping into the future: it built one of the first two desktop computers in the world, capable of competing with an IBM mainframe the size of a wardrobe. The other desktop computer was built by two hippies in a garage in Palo Alto, California, and seemed to have less “banking” to conquer markets: it was the Apple I.

Japan's electronic dumping and the hostility of Minister Martínez de Hoz against Fate Electrónica finally won, and to protect ALUAR and FATE Neumáticos, the Madanes closed their most brilliant and offensive plant in 1980. It was bought by a Japanese firm, to dismantle it. The Argentine Silicon Valley could have been San Fernando, province of Buenos Aires.

The manufacture of complex weapons in Argentina is older. It had its official debut in 1927, when President Torcuato Alvear founded the Military Aircraft Factory. And from 1941 to 1970, with Fabricaciones Militares (FM) and the Río Santiago Shipyards, this defense industry was the most advanced in South America, and had a huge influence on the civil industry. Without Fabricaciones Militares, Argentina would not have even produced electric cables or sulfuric acid.

The oddity of Pérez, in any case, was belonging to a very technical branch, like the Navy, but especially adverse to national equipment. The numbers define it. A review of the Histarmar catalog of Navy ships between 1900 and 2013 shows a cumulative total of 318 ships of all types, of which 56 were built in Argentina.

If we narrow the field to “designed and built” in Argentina, to exclude those assembled under license, there are 47 ships that are truly Nac & Pop, among which there are only 12 combat ships. But if the title is “Combat ships designed and built in Argentina”, we are left with 10 small ships: 8 trackers and 2 patrol boats scrapped long ago. 10 out of 318 units.

The dates of commissioning of these totally local warships are significant: they entered service between 1937 and 1946. Europe and the US were not selling anything, because they were at war or preparing for it. We had to manage on our own not only with the weapons, but with the spare parts and components of the tractors, machine tools, locomotives, automobiles and even airplanes. And unlike the rest of the region, as a result of 70 years of excellent public education, we were a country full of engineers and technicians. Argentine industry did not grow out of a cabbage.

We prefer to remember the times when the country used its best capital in war in peace: research, the development of cutting-edge human resources, and technological creativity. Because he achieved much more, and with zero Argentine casualties.
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For this reason, this note goes to Pérez, Torelli and Shugt.

 
FROM MEXICO TO THE WORLD: THE ERA OF 100% MEXICAN SEMICONDUCTORS HAS STARTED
President Sheinbaum explained that they are working with institutions such as INAOE, Cinvestav and UNAM to create a semiconductor design center, with the objective of boosting technological sovereignty and streamlining patent processes in the country.
00:00 Introduction
03:16 Internet expansion in rural areas of Mexico
05:25 Electrification of rural areas
07:07 Semiconductor design center.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkG3Ql3lupM
 
Mexican company Koblenz
Brand of household appliances and cleaning technology.
It offers products such as vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and household appliances.
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Mexican company Mirage
Brand specialized in air conditioners and white goods.
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Mexican company Hukën
Brand of household appliances and kitchen accessories.

 

QSM Semiconductores wants to put Mexico on the semiconductor map

Editor: Dennis Dahlgren

QSM Semiconductores, a Mexican company focusing on the design and manufacturing of semiconductor devices, has recently inaugurated a development center in Querétaro, creating 60 new specialist jobs.

The company has invested USD 3 million in the new center, which it will use to put Mexico on the semiconductor map.

Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, the head of the Secretariat of Sustainable Development (SEDESU), said during the inauguration that Querétaro “is a pioneer in the field of semiconductors” and this type of investment promotes new industry niche with design, programming and packaging. He continued to state that Querétaro will continue to promote manufacturing in the state, as it represents 30% of the state's GDP and adds value to the economy.

The CEO of QSM, Alejandro Franco, said that they are a local company and that it has a clear objective, to put Mexico on the semiconductor map, from design to manufacturing. He stated further that in this chip engineering center, QSM will employ more than 60 specialists.

He continued to say that by December of this year, the company will be inaugurating the facilities of the first semiconductor manufacturing center in Querétaro. With the opening of the future plant, up to 160 jobs will be created.
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AT THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, QSM SEMICONDUCTORS REPORTS ON THE AGREEMENT FOR EQUIPPING THE MEXICAN CHIP MANUFACTURING PLANT
Alejandro Franco, Founding Partner and Chairman of the Board of QSM Semiconductors, presented to the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, the company's progress in manufacturing chips with the Made in Mexico seal.

Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, November 25, 2024. - During the presentation of the Master Plan for the Development of the Semiconductor Industry in Mexico 2024-2030 at the Ministry of Economy, organized by the Mexico-United States Semiconductor Collaboration Forum; Alejandro Franco, Founding Partner and Chairman of the Board of QSM Semiconductors, presented to the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, the company's progress in manufacturing chips with the Made in Mexico seal. This includes the recent signing of an agreement in Europe to acquire the manufacturing equipment for the Mexican chip plant, the cornerstone of which will be laid in the State of Querétaro in the first quarter of 2025.

The Master Plan for the Development of the Semiconductor Industry in Mexico 2024-2030 is an initiative of the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum, a binational group that brings together leading companies, officials from the U.S. Embassy, members of some twenty industry-related associations, as well as academics from both countries.

Alejandro Franco, Founding Partner and Chairman of the Board of QSM Semiconductors, the only Mexican company leading efforts for the comprehensive development of chips, from design to manufacturing and their integration into innovative technological solutions; He was part of the group of representatives from the Forum who visited the Secretary of Economy on November 12.

Carlos Rebellón, Forum Coordinator, explained at the meeting that the master plan consists of a set of public policies, cooperation measures, investments, and developments aimed at doubling investment, consumption, and domestic content in the industry and placing Mexico "among the elite of sophisticated economies."

"Having an advanced semiconductor industry is vital for Mexico to achieve the high levels of development to which we aspire; this is decisive. We must be successful together with the United States to resolve this," said Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard.

At the meeting, Alejandro Franco presented the progress of QSM Semiconductors to the Secretary of Economy, highlighting the important agreement signed in Europe regarding the equipment for the next Mexican chip factory, as well as the operation of its Engineering Center (CEI) and Design Center (CEDI), both located in the state of Querétaro, where innovative technological solutions are designed and created by the talented Mexican engineers who make up QSM Semiconductors.

“With this, QSM Semiconductors is ready to contribute to boosting the semiconductor industry in Mexico. Our vision is focused on technological independence, strengthening local infrastructure, and creating a comprehensive ecosystem for semiconductor design and manufacturing,” Alejandro Franco said of the meeting.

In this way, QSM Semiconductores begins the equipment acquisition and integration phase of the Mexican legacy node chip manufacturing plant. With its engineering and design centers, it not only strengthens local talent but also generates wealth for the country and highly skilled jobs in areas such as engineering, mechatronics, solid-state physics, and advanced electronics.

More information here: https://qsmsemiconductores.com/projects/monitoreo-de-oxigeno/
 
Olinia and the CLAUT Innovation Center will promote electromobility
AUTOMOTIVE

Editorial Staff
March 18, 2025
Photos

The team from Olinia, the Mexican electric vehicle manufacturer, visited the Driven/CLAUT Innovation Center, the main independent technological development center for mobility, part of the Nuevo León Automotive Cluster (CLAUT), with the goal of identifying strategic players in innovation and electromobility.

Olinia and Driven also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting electromobility in Mexico, strengthening their collaboration. This alliance is a key step in consolidating Mexico as a leader in sustainable mobility, demonstrating that the synergy between government initiatives and industrial capacity is the driving force of the future.

One of the key points of the meeting was the identification of Olinia's main technical challenges. “Driven's experience in mechanical, mechatronic, electrical, electronic, and advanced manufacturing engineering, powered by CAD/CAE software, aligns with the project's needs, enabling key collaboration in subsystem development and validation,” highlighted Rafael Garayoa, national coordinator of the Olinia project.
This Center was founded in 2016 and has established itself as a benchmark in innovation, collaborating with leading companies such as Ternium, Nemak, John Deere, Metalsa, Magna, Questum, and Caterpillar. Its expertise ranges from component design and validation to the integration of minimobility and transport vehicles on four continents.

In addition to vehicle production, Olinia seeks to promote the development of skills in electromobility and entrepreneurship. In this context, Driven has established itself as a strategic partner not only for its experience in automotive engineering but also for its ability to develop talent and foster innovation.

 
Zacua has transformed the automotive industry in Mexico. With 60% of its components produced domestically, it demonstrates that Mexican innovation and talent are on par with international markets.

In a market dominated by automotive giants, Zacua, a Mexican company, has demonstrated that innovation and technological sovereignty are not exclusive to large corporations. Since its founding in 2018, this company has marked a turning point in the national automotive industry by embracing a unique and profoundly Mexican approach. Nazareth Black, CEO of Zacua, shared the challenges, achievements, and future plans that have made the brand a benchmark in electromobility.

A visionary beginning
Zacua began as a modest project, but with an ambitious mission. “There is no company that is born super global and multi-million dollar. Zacua was born from a small Mexican family business with the mission of demonstrating that Mexicans can innovate technologically,” Black explained.

In 2018, Mexico was just emerging in the electric vehicle market, with just over 100 units sold annually. Given this situation, Zacua decided not to compete directly with the major brands. Instead, it opted to pave the way and demonstrate that technological sovereignty was possible: “The mission is to demonstrate that in the country we have everything to innovate and develop technology; we have the tools and the talent.”

The Zacua plant, located1743120226938.webp in Puebla, is one of a kind. Unlike traditional factories, it doesn't have large machines or automated processes. Each vehicle is assembled by hand, in a process that combines precision, dedication, and craftsmanship. This approach allowed Zacua to produce its first generation of electric cars, the M2 and M3 models, in limited quantities.

“We made the car, we broke ground, we paved the way with actions, and now there's a path to growth,” Black stated. This first phase was crucial in demonstrating that a Mexican company could lead in a market as competitive and technologically advanced as electromobility.

Evolution Toward Zacua 2.0
After overcoming initial challenges and consolidating its position in the domestic market, Zacua is undergoing a transformation. The company is working on a new, larger plant in Puebla that will allow for increased production capacity and the development of new prototypes focused on micromobility and last-mile delivery.

Furthermore, Zacua is looking to the international market. By 2026, the company plans to export electric vehicles to California, a leading state in the adoption of sustainable technologies. According to Black, this expansion will be a key step in Zacua's evolution: "We are working on R&D projects for new prototypes and business models. Zacua already has hundreds of international requests, which demonstrates our growth potential."

This second generation of Zacua, dubbed "Zacua 2.0," represents a shift in the company's strategy. Now, with greater confidence and experience, the company is ready to take on new challenges and establish itself as a benchmark in the industry.

Mexican Integration as a Goal
Although Zacua currently collaborates with international companies for key components, such as the German engine and French design, its long-term vision is to become the world's first car with 100% Mexican sourcing. This goal, although ambitious, is already underway. Today, Zacua's national integration reaches 60%, thanks to the local manufacturing of parts such as transmissions and harnesses.

However, one of the biggest challenges remains the battery, an essential component for electric vehicles. In Mexico, there are still no companies developing batteries locally, but Zacua is committed to finding a solution: "We want to develop our own engine and our own battery in the medium term. We can't make mistakes; we are committed to continuing to work toward full integration," Black stated.

Inspiring a New Generation of Mexicans
Beyond its technical and commercial achievements, Zacua has become a source of inspiration for other Mexicans. Since its inception, the company has sought to demonstrate that national talent and creativity are sufficient to compete in the most advanced industries.

“Zacua proves that we have the creativity and technology to innovate,” Black stated. This message has resonated with young engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs who see Zacua as an example of what is possible with dedication and vision.

During the pandemic, Zacua faced one of the most difficult times in its history. However, thanks to the commitment and passion of its team, the company managed to stay afloat. “Our fellow travelers are the heart of Zacua. Without them, we wouldn't be here,” Black emphasized.

A sustainable legacy
Sustainable
In a world increasingly aware of the effects of climate change, Zacua is positioning itself not only as an electric vehicle manufacturer, but as an agent of change in the fight for a sustainable future. “Any effort that aims to promote electromobility is good. We applaud any initiative that reduces emissions,” stated Zacua's CEO.

With a clear vision, a committed team, and a strategy that combines innovation and sustainability, Zacua is forging a unique path in the automotive industry. The company not only represents the future of electromobility in Mexico, but also tangible proof that Mexican talent can compete and excel in the most demanding markets around the world.

Zacua has demonstrated that, with passion, resilience, and a clear vision, it is possible to transform a dream into a reality that inspires entire generations. Its legacy, although just beginning, is already making history in the electric automotive industry.

 

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