About The Next Decade
For the past four years, the Tecnológico de Monterrey has been driving The Next Decade, an open innovation model that connects brilliant minds and enthusiasts to become part of Latin America’s most innovative community. This project aims to provide both physical and digital spaces that bring ideas to life, focusing on health, education, and sustainability.
The Fourth Annual Event: Horizons in Health
This year, The Next Decade held its fourth annual event under the theme “Horizons in Health,” gathering key players from the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem to propose solutions for global challenges. The event took place at the Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Campus Ciudad de México.
Focus on Aging Healthily and Precision Medicine
Laura Segarra, leader of The Next Decade, shared that this edition focused on creating significant innovations in healthy aging and precision medicine through interdisciplinary collaboration to improve quality of life and promote equitable access to healthcare.
Masterclasses, Conferences, and Startup Presentations
The event featured masterclasses and conferences during “Horizons of Health,” held on June 25-26, where participants discussed the future of healthcare, future models, and challenges to overcome. They agreed that innovation alone cannot change anything; a strong ecosystem and mechanisms are needed to ensure advancements reach the community, preventing further inequality.
- Key topics discussed included:
- Reimagining human aging for health
- Addressing challenges in precision medicine and cellular regeneration
Participants proposed high-impact, innovative ideas, such as advanced therapies, digital platforms, and AI-based solutions. Experts from institutions like UNAM, UAM, IPN, INGER, INCAN, IMSS, SA, COFEPRIS, and private companies contributed to these sessions.
Distrito de Innovación Tlalpan
This year, The Next Decade activities were also supported by the Campus Ciudad de México’s flagship project, Distrito de Innovación Tlalpan. El Economista spoke with Benito Sotelo Villa, the district’s director.
The Vision for Distrito de Innovación Tlalpan
Sotelo Villa explained that the Distrito de Innovación Tlalpan aims to transform territories and cities, acting as a catalyst and platform for reconfiguring spaces that generate well-being and development for local communities. The district focuses on three main areas: Communities, urbanism, and innovation & entrepreneurship to drive the development of Mexico City’s southern pole.
Leveraging Existing Capabilities
Historically, this area has developed capabilities that now allow for a health-focused ecosystem, with eight national health institutes and leading educational institutions like UNAM, Poli, UAM, and Tec de Monterrey. The goal is to connect these capabilities for the benefit of local residents within this 530-hectare area with ten colonies.
Academia’s Role in Driving Change
Sotelo Villa emphasized that academia is the source of knowledge, but The Next Decade promotes applied knowledge, from transforming public spaces to changing healthcare paradigms. He highlighted the importance of connecting academia with businesses, government, and entrepreneurs to develop applicable knowledge and research addressing shared challenges.
Collaborative Culture Building
Sotelo Villa confirmed the presence of public, private, academic, entrepreneurial, and venture capital sectors, all working together to create a common agenda. The aim is to foster collaboration, support, and project development for mutual benefit.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is The Next Decade? An open innovation model by Tecnológico de Monterrey that connects bright minds to foster Latin America’s most innovative community, focusing on health, education, and sustainability.
- What was the theme of this year’s event? “Horizons in Health,” addressing global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
- What is Distrito de Innovación Tlalpan? A project by Tecnológico de Monterrey aiming to transform the southern area of Mexico City, focusing on communities, urbanism, and innovation & entrepreneurship.
- What role does academia play in The Next Decade? Academia provides knowledge and connects with businesses, government, and entrepreneurs to develop applicable knowledge and research addressing shared challenges.
