GIZ in Chihuahua: Co-designing the 2026 Work Plan to move from agreements to pilots

From January 8–10, at StartUp Chihuahua we welcomed GIZ (the German Agency for International Cooperation) for an agenda with a very clear goal: to co-design the 2026 Work Plan and set a route to move from agreements to execution. This process was carried out in coordination with the Government of the State of Chihuahua, the Municipal Government of Chihuahua, and SIDE (the Secretariat of Innovation and Economic Development), with a key emphasis to ensure the agenda is realistic: direct validation with industry and clear conditions to activate measurable pilots. Why does this visit matter?Because a strategy only matters if it can be implemented. And for that, three things are needed: clear priorities, accountable owners, and a follow-up path. This visit allowed us to move precisely in that direction—connecting ecosystem capabilities with real challenges and aligning a 2026 agenda that can be sustained over time. The 2026 agenda: two strategic tracks CIE – Chihuahua Innovation Engine: open innovation with industry to turn challenges into pilots. Catalist – Climate Hub Chihuahua: strengthening a climate innovation pathway with a results-driven focus. What we built during these days We advanced three key outcomes: A co-designed 2026 Plan (with roadmap and follow-up): priorities, lines of action, owners, and measurement criteria. Industry validation to unlock pilots: sessions with companies to identify priority challenges and activate collaboration opportunities for 2026. Strengthening Climate Hub Chihuahua: alignment of actions to drive climate innovation oriented toward results. As a central part of the agenda, we held a working breakfast at CIMAV and also conducted technical visits with GCC, BM Castings, and Batesville, helping translate the plan into real operations and design pilots with a higher likelihood of scaling. What’s next: from agreements to pilots These agendas work when there is shared responsibility. The 2026 route connects capabilities across industry, government, academia and research centers, entrepreneurs, and capital to reduce friction, accelerate pilots, and sustain results. At StartUp Chihuahua, that is exactly our role: connecting stakeholders, translating priorities into executable opportunities, and sustaining progress through follow-up. We move forward—what comes next is to activate pilots, measure, learn, and scale. Thank you to GIZ, the Government of the State of Chihuahua, the Municipal Government of Chihuahua, and SIDE, as well as the companies and partners who participated and contributed capabilities to build a 2026 agenda with measurable impact for Chihuahua.