Mexico City, July 8, 2026.— The National Institute of Technology and Higher Education ( Universidad Panamericana ) continues to break new ground and demonstrate that the education it provides to its students is on par with the world’s most demanding institutions.
The delegation, composed of the IISE (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers) University Chapter at the Universidad Panamericana, in coordination with Nexus and with the full support of the SMART Center, represented our university outstandingly at the 2026 NASBITE International Case Competition.
The Panamericana team competed against universities with a long history of success—mainly from the United States—and proudly secured 5th place internationally.
Talento UP: A High-Performance Delegation
The success at this international competition was driven by the outstanding performance, dedication, and talent of the students who made up the delegation: Alonso Garza Casas, Jesús Héctor García Guemez, Carlos Javier de la Paz Luna, and Mariano Cortés Kaim. These four young people demonstrated that the academic rigor of the Universidad Panamericana bears fruit in the most competitive settings.
The competition involved solving a highly complex real-world business case: the development and implementation of an international marketing and export strategy for an artisanal whiskey brand.
The outstanding performance by Alonso, Jesús Héctor, Carlos Javier, and Mariano was doubly impressive. Not only did they face a strict panel of judges and competitors with years of experience in this type of tournament, but they also presented their project and answered complex strategic questions in English, their second language. Their fluency, technical mastery, and the confidence with which they presented on stage made it clear that talent knows no bounds.
SMART Center: A High-Performance Incubator for Achieving Goals
For a delegation to achieve these levels of excellence, institutional support is key. The team’s participation was strengthened by the support of the SMART Center, whose mission is to enhance students’ academic, professional, and personal performance through high-achievement programs.
During the preparation for the competition, the SMART Center provided comprehensive support to strengthen strategic skills, leadership, communication, and teamwork, contributing to the delegation’s excellent performance.
This international achievement is not an isolated effort; it is a strategic step. The team’s outstanding performance earns the IISE UP chapter the crucial points it needs to solidify its path toward the Gold Award. The SMART Center thus reaffirms its commitment to fostering the growth of student groups toward world-class standards.
Mentoring for Excellence and Personal Growth
Behind the team’s brilliant strategy was the guidance of Fernando Villela, who served as a mentor and played a key role in developing the case. His experience and business acumen served as the compass that guided the students during the weeks of intense preparation leading up to the competition.
Beyond the valuable fifth-place finish, the experience at the NASBITE International Case Competition served as a catalyst for personal growth for the delegation members. The rigor of the competition led to:
- Team Unity: Established a multidisciplinary and resilient working group, united by the same values of excellence as the Universidad Panamericana.
- Professional maturity: Facing real-world, high-pressure situations gave them a business perspective that can only be gained outside the classroom.
- Holistic growth: The process transformed the students, who returned convinced that they are ready to compete and lead anywhere in the world.
With achievements like this, the Universidad Panamericana, through the SMART Center, Nexus, and the IISE Chapter, reaffirms its commitment to training professionals capable of competing on the international stage, generating innovative solutions, and representing Mexico with excellence.
The participation of its students in world-class competitions reflects the impact of an educational model that combines academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and a solid foundation for tackling the challenges of the global environment.
