Mexico City is Latin America’s most populous research hub, home to UNAM — one of the world’s largest and most respected universities — along with Cinvestav, the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, and the Mexican Academy of Sciences. Melan works with teams across Mexico’s research ecosystem to structure partnerships that bridge Latin American and global science.
The Mexico City Research Partnership Landscape
Mexico’s research ecosystem is centered in Mexico City, home to UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) — one of the world’s oldest and largest universities, with over 30 research institutes spanning astronomy, biomedical sciences, engineering, physics, and the humanities. Cinvestav (Center for Research and Advanced Studies) operates multiple campuses and is one of Latin America’s most productive research institutions, with particular strengths in biotechnology, computer science, and materials science. The Instituto Politécnico Nacional provides engineering and applied science capacity, while the Mexican Academy of Sciences coordinates national science policy and international collaboration.
Corporate R&D presence in Mexico City includes research centers operated by Bayer, Novartis, IBM Research, Intel, and Continental. The National Council for Science and Technology (CONAHCYT) provides substantial funding for research and innovation, including programs that specifically incentivize corporate-academic partnerships and international collaboration.
Mexico’s research landscape is defined by its unique position at the interface of Latin American and North American science, a growing biomedical and engineering research base, and a government increasingly focused on using research to address national challenges in health, energy, and the environment. Melan navigates this ecosystem to help international partners access Mexican research capacity.
What Melan Does for Teams in Mexico City
Melan helps organizations across Mexico form research partnerships that leverage the country’s deep scientific traditions and growing innovation capacity.
For corporate R&D teams: We map Mexican research partners aligned with your priorities — from UNAM’s extraordinary breadth across astronomy, biomedical research, and environmental science to Cinvestav’s strengths in biotechnology and materials science. We structure partnerships that access CONAHCYT and other Mexican research funding programs.
For Mexico City universities and research institutes: We help TTOs and research offices identify international corporate partners who value Mexican research excellence, navigate the regulatory environment for international collaboration, and structure partnerships that maximize the impact of Mexican science.
For international organizations and foundations: We provide strategic guidance on engaging with Mexico’s research ecosystem — from joint programs in biomedical research and public health to partnerships in environmental science, engineering, and energy research.
FAQ
How does Melan help companies partner with UNAM or Cinvestav?
We map the specific research groups and PIs aligned with your priorities, then approach UNAM’s Technology Transfer Office or Cinvestav’s liaison office with a pre-structured framework tailored to Mexico’s research funding and regulatory landscape.
What makes Mexico City unique for research partnerships?
Mexico City combines one of the world’s oldest and largest research universities (UNAM), a productive network of specialized research centers, and a strategic position as a bridge between Latin American and North American science — all within a country of immense cultural and biological diversity.
Does Melan work with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. We work with companies seeking Mexican research partnerships across astronomy, biomedical research, environmental science, engineering, and energy research — fields where Mexican institutions have recognized strengths and growing international partnerships.
How do I start a research partnership in Mexico City?
Contact Melan at themelan.com/contact-us. We discuss your R&D priorities and map the Mexican research ecosystem to identify the right collaborators for your goals.
Ready to form a research partnership in Mexico City?
Melan helps corporate R&D teams, universities, and research institutes across Mexico City structure successful research collaborations.
