From LATAM to Silicon Valley: Science startups accelerated at the Tec

In partnership with Draper House Americas, Latin America’s largest networking group whose goal is to turn cutting-edge research into scalable solutions with global impact, Tecnológico de Monterrey has concluded the second Deep-Tech for Smart Longevity program, an initiative that promotes scientific and technological entrepreneurship within Latin America. 

During Demo Day, held on April 23 at the Mexico City campus, startups Bio-Omix (Mexico) and Vesicly (Argentina) were selected to continue their participation at Draper University in Silicon Valley. 

In total, 16 startups from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela participated. 

For ten consecutive days, the teams participated in a learning environment that included mentoring, networking, and sessions with experts from the health and longevity innovation ecosystem. 

The program was led by the Technology Transfer Office’s EBCTec initiative, in collaboration with the Eugenio Garza Lagüera Institute of Entrepreneurship based in Tlalpan District. 

“This program demonstrates that we believe science is the foundation of companies which will transform the world,” said Joel Cano, Director of Technology Transfer at the Tec. 

This Mexican startup, founded by Diego Velázquez, develops molecular diagnostics that allow the risk of gestational diabetes to be detected from the first trimester onward. 

Their technology can make diagnoses up to 13 weeks earlier than traditional methods, facilitating timely medical interventions. 

“This award validates years of research and motivates us to share these solutions with more women and with the health system. 

“It means we have the opportunity to show the world that Mexico is participating in transformative science that goes beyond the laboratory and has a real impact on people’s lives,” Velázquez shared. 

Vesicly, from Argentina, works on therapies using extracellular vesicles (exosomes) for tissue regeneration. 

Its most significant innovation is a 3D-printed bioactive patch that accelerates healing without pain or scarring. 

“We’re developing new ways of healing wounds that are focused on not only increasing the speed but also the quality of regeneration,” explained founder Mikele Amondarain. 

The program is part of the Tlalpan District ecosystem, which connects science, entrepreneurship, and technological development with the health field. 

“Programs like Deep-Tech for Smart Longevity demonstrate that Tlalpan is at the epicenter of science solving the great challenges of global aging,” highlighted Benito Sotelo, Director of the Tlalpan Innovation District. 

What’s more, the initiative connects Latin American talent with global investment and scaling networks. 

The 16 participating startups developed solutions in areas including biotechnology, digital health, genetics, microbiomes, and rehabilitation. 

“We’re building a bridge between the region’s scientific talent and global ecosystems,” concluded Ignacio Campo, Co-Founder of Draper House Americas.