Entrepreneurial Spirit in Universities
Today’s young individuals are no longer waiting until graduation to start a business; they’re launching ventures right from university, where they acquire the skills to manage businesses, collaborate in teams, and create social impact within their communities.
According to the UVM National Graduate Survey 2025, 11% of graduates own their own business, and 22% are independent professionals, reflecting that higher education is increasingly embracing the entrepreneurial spirit as a key tool to boost national competitiveness.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Skills
Mónica Miguel Cárdenas, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Incubators at UNITEC, explains that the university aims to help students develop entrepreneurial skills from the beginning of their studies, not just learning to create a profitable business but also addressing social issues.
She adds that starting an enterprise during university provides students a safe space to experiment, fail, and learn. Moreover, it helps them develop valuable transversal skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and resilience—competencies highly sought after in today’s job market.
Successful University Startups
Sinfono and Baga-Fib, creators from UNITEC’s South Campus and the Oaxaca Technological Institute, exemplify successful university-based ventures. Their innovative projects earned them the UNITEC Technology Innovation Award for Social Development 2025.
Eco-Friendly Bricks from Agave Pulp
Baga-Fib is an initiative by young entrepreneurs from the Oaxaca Technological Institute that creates sustainable construction materials using agave pulp waste.
Initially a student project one year ago, their first product was an acoustic plafon. Realizing the potential, they expanded to create eco-friendly bricks.
Julio Cesar Rojas, Baga-Fib’s founder, states that their bricks outperform commercial alternatives at a lower cost—11 pesos compared to 13 pesos in the market. The raw material comes from mezcal industry waste, thanks to a partnership with Mezcal Casa Embajador.
“We save 80% water during production, reducing our carbon footprint and avoiding CO2 emissions from curing.”
The bricks have a proven resistance of 120 kg/cm², exceeding standards and providing thermal and acoustic insulation. They can be used in any construction method, compatible with traditional techniques like bahareque.
They hope to sign a contract soon for pilot construction of a school in Oaxaca.
App Translating Sign Languages
Sinfono began as a school project at UNITEC’s South Campus, tasking students to create a socially impactful technology initiative.
Inspired by his parents’ struggles with hearing impairment, Carlos Rodriguez aimed to develop an app translating Mexican Sign Language into text and voice, accessible via mobile without internet connection.
He explains that 30% of people with hearing impairment or hypoacusis cannot read or write and only 40% understand sign language. The app bridges this communication gap by offering interactive, multichannel responses via audio or sign language.
“The app will enable both deaf individuals and the general public to understand technical sign language while learning it themselves.”
The business model is subscription-based, but those with disabilities and DIF credentials receive it for free. The app functions offline, even in remote areas without internet access.
