Mexican auto tech business incubator opens in TechTown

You could call the relationship between Mexico's Technology Business Accelerator and Detroit's TechTown an "in-in" situation for both. TechBA-Michigan and TechTown both foster high-tech firms that strive to make inroads into each other's automotive industry, but lack the "ins" with decision makers. The plan is for each program — in their respective countries — to pave the way for their foreign start-up clients to network and break into global markets.

TechTown CEO Randal Charlton says that TechBA's presence in Detroit will help create opportunities for incubated Mexican firms to set up shop in Michigan down the road. With jobs being lost at an alarming rate in the state, Charlton says it's impossible to replace all of them with new businesses — and that attracting existing foreign companies can help fill the void. Conversely, Michigan firms wanting to establish ties with automotive manufacturing centers in Mexico will have access to TechBA's networking services there.

Through the partnership, TechBA-Michigan CEO Raul Carvajal envisions that Mexican companies will introduce new products to manufacturers in the U.S. He will work initially with 18 Mexican companies slated to be based in Detroit, with as many as 25 Mexican companies expected to locate in the incubator and explore business opportunities with Detroit's regional automotive industry suppliers in the coming months.

Prior to entering TechTown in November 2008, TechBA had established business incubation program in San Jose, Calif.; Austin, Texas; Madrid, Spain, and Montreal.

For TechTown, the relationship with TechBA promises to increase its international presence and prestige. "TechTown is setting out to specialize in North American Trade issues," says Julie Brock, government affairs officer for TechTown. "We are uniquely positioned on the border of Canada and next to the University of Windsor, Ontario, and we believe we can build a network of trade contacts between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada that can be valuable to foreign countries such as China and India."

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