Introduction to Claudia Sheinbaum and the Initiative
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, launched a new Public Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training Center at the Tláhuac campus of the National Technology Institute of Mexico (TecNM). This initiative aims to graduate 25,000 individuals annually in AI, data, cloud computing, Java, and cybersecurity fields. The program offers joint certifications from Infotec/TecNM and technology companies, with a Master’s degree in AI planned for 2026.
About Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum is an accomplished Mexican politician and scientist, serving as the Head of Government (similar to a mayor) of Mexico City since 2018. With a background in environmental science and engineering, she has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development and technological advancements within the city. Her recent initiative to establish a public AI training center underscores her commitment to equipping the workforce with essential digital skills.
Key Features of the AI Training Center
- Location: The center will commence operations at the Tláhuac campus of TecNM, with plans to expand to other TecNM locations in Mexico City and various states, including Mérida, Tijuana, Morelos, Veracruz, Puebla, Morelia, Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, and Nayarit.
- Delivery Modes: The program will offer both in-person and online learning options, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience without any cost through the SaberesMx platform.
- Certifications: Graduates will receive public certifications from Infotec/TecNM and technology companies, enhancing their employability in the rapidly growing AI sector.
- Master’s Program: A Master’s in AI program is planned for TecNM, with approval for 28 technology institutes including Tláhuac. The first cohort is expected to graduate in January 2027.
Program Details and Collaborations
The training program will commence in Mexico City and gradually extend to other TecNM campuses. The curriculum is designed with a focus on employability, offering 20 specialization tracks across five key areas: AI, data analysis, cloud computing, Java, and cybersecurity.
Government Support
Clara Brugada, the Head of Government for Mexico City, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the PODECOBI (Polo de Desarrollo Económico para el Bienestar) in Tláhuac and complements local programs like Mixtli Digital, aimed at equipping schools and training teachers in technology tools.
Industry Collaborations
The announcement has sparked reactions from the private sector, with companies pledging to contribute to the training program. IBM, for instance, intends to retrain 30 million people globally by 2030 and provide free AI training to 2 million students by 2026. Kyndryl has committed to a specific program, training 1,000 individuals in cybersecurity fundamentals over 20 weeks with a combination of live, online, and pre-recorded sessions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of this AI training center? The primary goal is to equip 25,000 individuals annually with essential digital skills in AI, data analysis, cloud computing, Java, and cybersecurity. The program aims to enhance employability through joint certifications from Infotec/TecNM and technology companies.
- Which companies have committed to this initiative? IBM and Kyndryl are among the first corporations to pledge their support, with IBM focusing on providing free AI training and Kyndryl concentrating on cybersecurity education.
- When will the Master’s program in AI be available? The Master’s in AI program by TecNM is planned for launch in 2026, with the first cohort graduating in January 2027.