UNAM, ICA Partner to Advance Innovation and Sustainability

The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) has signed a collaboration agreement with Ingenieros Civiles Asociados (ICA) to strengthen research, technological innovation, and talent development in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The agreement aims to foster sustainable development through joint initiatives in areas such as automation, robotics, AI, digitalization, and environmental management.

“UNAM generates 25% of the country’s scientific output and covers all areas of knowledge. Partnering with ICA is a strategic decision to further our mission of contributing to Mexico’s sustainable development,” says Jorge Vázquez, Coordinator, UNAM’s Coordination of Technological Linkage and Transfer (CVTT). This new agreement expands the relationship beyond the Faculty and Institute of Engineering to other academic entities, adds Vázquez.

The construction sector is evolving rapidly and offers vast opportunities for innovation across engineering, legal, and administrative domains, explains Timothée Yves, Director of Innovation, ICA. “We are particularly interested in collaborating on climate change, AI, and intellectual property. ICA’s platforms are open for UNAM’s initiatives to be tested and developed,” he adds.

Both institutions identified priority areas for collaboration, including:

• Digitalization and Traceability: Development of integrated platforms, drones, robots, and predictive dashboards to monitor progress, costs, and safety

• Automation and Robotics: Use of collaborative robots (cobots) for assembly, inspection, and logistics, with on-site pilot programs and training

• Resource Optimization: Implementation of predictive maintenance mechanisms and energy and material efficiency systems

• Decarbonization and Compliance: CO₂ measurement tools, sustainable concrete solutions, and traceable water and waste management systems

• Information Governance and Ethics: Digital lifecycle contract management and automated contractor validation processes

• Human Capital Development: Digital onboarding systems, robotic process automation, and digital files to reduce errors and improve efficiency

The agreement also sets the stage for scientific and technological advisory services, joint research projects, and specialized training programs. Both parties committed to promoting youth talent, co-editing scientific and technical publications, and identifying new opportunities for research and innovation.