Mexico City, July 22, 2026.— Dr. Hiram Ponce Espinosa, director of the Center for Innovation and Technological Development (CINOV) at the Universidad Panamericana, was appointed a full member of the Mexican Academy of Engineering, one of the most prestigious honors an engineer can receive in our country.
Dr. Ponce, who is also president of the Mexican Society for Artificial Intelligence (SMIA) and a full member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences (AMC), thus adds a new achievement to a career that combines cutting-edge research with the practical application of technology in sectors critical to Mexico.
A personal and professional achievement
For Dr. Ponce, this appointment represents more than just recognition of his career. “Being named a full member of the Mexican Academy of Engineering is a personal and professional achievement for me because it is one of the most prominent academies in the country. Admission requires a broad track record in engineering—not only in terms of theory or scientific publications, but also in the practical application of knowledge,” he says of this milestone.
He adds: “I am filled with pride to be part of this Academy and to share this honor with other distinguished members from Mexico. This appointment reaffirms my commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.”
A track record with tangible impact
The Mexican Academy of Engineering honors its new members based on a track record that demonstrates not only academic excellence but also the ability to apply knowledge to concrete applications. In the case of Dr. Ponce, the well-rounded profile he has built throughout his career—in which cutting-edge research goes hand in hand with applied technological development—was a decisive factor in his admission.
Among the achievements that support his appointment, the development of Artificial Organic Networks stands out—an original proposal from his doctoral studies that has transcended the confines of the page: he has numerous international publications, several copyrights, and one granted national patent.
In addition, he has led CINOV, where he has spearheaded artificial intelligence and robotics projects in strategic productive sectors, thereby gaining a broad and up-to-date perspective on Mexico’s innovation and engineering ecosystem.
The Future of AI in Mexico
Dr. Ponce has a clear vision of the role that artificial intelligence will play in Mexican engineering. For him, artificial intelligence is a key tool for increasing the country’s competitiveness through solutions applied to various sectors.
“Artificial intelligence is a technology that can be integrated into the workflow of a vast array of human activities. In this regard, my work on AI in Mexico is focused on its application in sectors such as manufacturing, the agri-food industries, education, finance, and health technologies,” he says.
Regarding the current situation, he states: “We are living through a historic moment in which AI has made it possible to improve processes and methods; and this is how I see it influencing our country. In particular, I am focused on the sustainable use of AI, and this is what I will be working on in the coming years and what I will seek to promote through my appointment at the Academy”.
Strengthening CINOV and Industry-Academia Collaboration
Admission to the Mexican Academy of Engineering not only represents a milestone in Dr. Ponce’s career but also directly strengthens the work he does as head of CINOV.
From his perspective, this recognition highlights two key aspects. The first relates to the very concept of the relationship between academia and industry: a virtuous and ongoing collaboration that, on the one hand, enhances companies’ competitive edge by incorporating academic research and development, and on the other, strengthens researchers’ capabilities as they tackle projects with real-world applications in the productive sector.
The second dimension focuses on building relationships with the country’s intellectual community of engineers, a group with which it seeks to join forces and share knowledge to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem.
Commitments and Responsibilities as a Tenured Faculty Member
Upon being inducted into the Mexican Academy of Engineering, Dr. Ponce takes on new commitments that go beyond symbolic recognition. For him, his primary duty is to actively contribute to the development of engineering in Mexico.
“The primary commitment of a Full Professor is to strengthening the country’s engineering capabilities by influencing the delivery of keynote lectures, fostering collaborative networks, and advancing engineering research and application to solve practical problems facing Mexican society,” he states.
In that regard, he expressed his willingness to get fully involved: “With that in mind, I will seek to participate in the activities of the Mexican Academy of Engineering itself, share my knowledge and experience, and work on joint collaborations.”
The Challenges Facing Engineering in Mexico
Dr. Ponce identifies two major challenges facing the country in the field of engineering: “Two significant challenges Mexico is facing in the field of engineering are low investment in research, development, and innovation, and second, the talent gap.”
However, he also sees clear opportunities: “On the other hand, I see two opportunities for Mexican engineering that are focused on digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and advanced manufacturing.”
Regarding the Academy’s role, he noted: “In this regard, the Academy positions itself as a leader in promoting efforts to address these challenges and foster opportunities. Its scholars possess the capacity for transformation, and this is achieved through the weekly talks they deliver, as well as through events and calls for participation.”
An Invitation to Researchers
Finally, Dr. Ponce extends an invitation to his fellow researchers to join CINOV’s projects, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary work with social impact.
“I invite all researchers at the National Institute of Agricultural Research ( Universidad Panamericana ) to join CINOV’s technological development projects. Your own lines of research and areas of expertise are essential for enabling interdisciplinary projects aimed at addressing specific problems or needs in our country.”
He concluded with a call to go beyond the confines of the classroom and the laboratory: “Your involvement extends not only to the knowledge that is generated, but also to the importance of making a positive impact and influencing the challenges facing Mexican society”:
About the Mexican Academy of Engineering
The Mexican Academy of Engineering is an institution that brings together the country’s most distinguished engineers with the aim of promoting the development of national engineering and its contribution to solving Mexico’s major problems. Dr. Hiram Ponce’s induction as a full member is a recognition of his career, excellence, and commitment to applying knowledge for the social good.
