Google to Launch First Mexico AI Lab in Puebla in 2026

Google will begin installing its first AI lab in Mexico in January 2026. The project, to be developed in Puebla, is expected to operate within the federal government’s Development Hub for Wellbeing in San Jose Chiapa. The initiative aligns with ongoing public investment in electric infrastructure designed to support energy-intensive companies. Manuel Tierno, Commercial Manager, Google Cloud, confirmed the project during the Tech Capital Summit held in Puebla.

“These strategic alliances support young people and transform government processes,” says the state’s Minister of Science and Technology, Celina Peña.

The government of Puebla reports that Google’s AI lab will be linked to a broader effort to position San Jose Chiapa as a development hub for technology projects. The area, commonly referred to as Ciudad Modelo, spans 400ha and is part of a federal program intended to attract companies that depend on high-capacity energy systems and continuous operational availability.

A new electric substation is under construction to meet the requirements of companies that plan to deploy data-driven operations, automation workloads, and cloud-based services in the region. The state cabinet reports an investment of MX$600 million (US$32.8 million) in the substation, which will provide 60MVA once operational. The facility will supply the capacity needed for companies that require uninterrupted energy consumption.

The initiative coincides with increased interest from technology companies in Puebla. The city of Puebla was designated Capital of Technology and Sustainability in 2025, which expanded the participation of companies focused on cloud computing, digital services, and AI-driven applications.

According to the state's Ministry of Science and Technology, the new AI facility will operate under the Google Labs model. The division develops, tests, and publicly demonstrates applied AI tools aimed at supporting operational, public service, and business use cases. Peña says that the laboratory is expected to be located within Ciudad Modelo, although Google has not confirmed the precise site or investment amount.

During the Tech Capital Summit, where Google described the project as an opportunity to streamline administrative processes and reinforce digital security within public systems. The company has not disclosed further details regarding its deployment timeline beyond the scheduled installation start in January 2026.

In parallel, state cabinet coordinator Jose Luis García reported that the electric substation, located about 65km from the city of Puebla, is expected to be completed by February 2026. The facility will provide enough energy to support operational requirements for domestic and international companies that plan to expand within the region. The energy supply will also accommodate workloads associated with high-performance computing, AI training cycles, and data center-level demand.

Peña says that additional technology companies, including Amazon, Oracle, and Huawei, will collaborate with the state education ministry to enhance internal processes and develop applied digital tools for students.