Pillar 7: Applied Research & Innovation Capacity

Written By Manuel Molina

Build regional capacity for applied innovation in ATP technologies through shared infrastructure, industry collaboration, and commercialization support — to strengthen Sonora’s long-term position in global semiconductor supply chains.

KEY ACTIONS

  1. Create a seed fund or challenge grant program to support startups and university teams working on:

    • Thermal packaging materials and encapsulation

    • Test automation, sensors, and analytics software

    • Cleanroom robotics and backend production technologies

  2. Establish technology transfer offices (TTOs) in Sonoran universities focused on backend innovation and industrial IP commercialization.

  3. Enable shared access to prototyping infrastructure and ATP testbeds hosted at Sonoran universities or binational labs, aligned to backend manufacturing needs.

  4. Pilot regulatory sandboxes and fast-track IP protection for backend innovations, with clear commercialization and licensing pathways.

  5. Formalize R&D partnerships with Arizona universities and U.S. research institutions, including shared projects, lab access, and joint publications.

  6. Launch binational innovation consortia or pilot labs to co-develop and test backend technologies with U.S. industry partners, based on validated demand and supply chain needs.

Related Field Notes

Field Notes
Plant the Seeds Now

Sonora doesn’t need to become the next Silicon Valley. But if we’re serious about playing a long-term role in the global semiconductor supply chain, we can’t just train technicians and build factories. We also need to plant seeds for what comes next.

That means backing the people who invent, not just those who operate.

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Manuel Molina

De 1993 a 1997, como directivo en InfoSel, formé parte del equipo que desarrolló la primer red de acceso a Internet en México, instalando nodos de acceso y oficinas comerciales en 32 ciudades del país. Desde entonces he dedicado mi vida a investigar las formas en que la tecnología influye en el comportamiento humano.

Estoy particularmente interesado en redes, plataformas y protocolos con el potencial de:

1) Ampliar el acceso al conocimiento (educación, aprendizaje, análisis de datos, nuevas ideas)

2) Ampliar el acceso al capital (sistema financiero actual, crypto, capital humano, infraestructura tecnológica)

3) Ampliar el acceso al bienestar (salud, wellness, comunidad, entretenimiento, diversión)

Más acerca de mi aquí: https://www.sailorseven.org/acerca

https://sailorseven.org
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Pillar 6: Policy Certainty, Workforce Mobility & Investor De-risking