Mexico seeks to compete in the semiconductor industry race with the creation of the National Semiconductor Design Center 'Kutsari'. Although the country has developed the assembly, testing, and packaging part of microchips, concentrating the entire production chain in Mexico presents a complicated challenge due to the need for capital intensity, the scarce supply of patents for new chips, and the high water consumption that this industry requires.
'Developing the semiconductor industry will not be easy at all; it depends on investment, that is the key, investment and more investment,' expressed the general director of Amiti. In 2022, Mexico was the country that received the most patents with 2,418 rights, while giants like TSMC and Nvidia also lead in patent applications globally.
The lack of water is another significant challenge for semiconductor manufacturers, as these factories consume large amounts of water, comparable to the consumption of a city like Hong Kong. For the development of this industry in Mexico, it is crucial to have a comprehensive plan that includes public investment in infrastructure, education, research, and development.
The necessary investment in semiconductors is considerable. The U.S. Science and Chips Act contemplates allocating $280 billion to revitalize semiconductor manufacturing, a figure that significantly exceeds Mexico's GDP. Additionally, the lack of patent registration in Mexico is an obstacle to competing in this market globally.
During 2024, Mexico received 84 patent applications in the semiconductor field, a low figure compared to other manufacturers. For the country to position itself in this industry, it is necessary to accelerate patent registration and promote investment in research and development. A single semiconductor factory can consume a huge amount of water, highlighting the importance of having a solid and sustainable plan for the development of this industry in Mexico.
