Regina Garza
ChampionCEO, are71
Yucatan has growing momentum in entrepreneurship but still faces key gaps that limit its innovation-driven ecosystem. Venture capital is scarce, the STEM talent pool is limited, and bureaucratic and regulatory hurdles make scaling startups difficult. Although Mérida has attracted investment in creative and manufacturing sectors, it lacks the infrastructure and coordinated strategy needed to foster sustained innovation and global competitiveness.
Through MIT REAP, Team Yucatan aims to position the region as a vibrant hub for sustainable and inclusive innovation. By strengthening STEM education, expanding access to funding, and building accelerators that link creative industries with technology and sustainability, the team seeks to cultivate a dynamic environment where entrepreneurs, investors, and universities collaborate to drive long-term regional growth.
