Baja California’s potential in the IT industry positions the state above many others in Mexico. Its proximity to California and its bilingual and bi-cultural workforce are major advantages for IT companies established there, which have been developing diverse, specialized services and software applications.

According to the state’s IT cluster, ITBaja, there are, on average 5,000 skilled software engineers in the region, and the industry is growing 11% each year, based on a five-year average. Additionally, there are more than 300 companies that are integrated into Baja’s tech ecosystem, providing services from software outsourcing to game development.

The region has a number of technology parks, such as the BIT Center, and plenty of spaces focused on startups and innovation development, such as Mind Hub and Hub Station. Additionally, Baja’s state government provides assistance and incentive packages to reduce installation costs for new companies.

Technology companies already operating in Baja vary in size, but include web site developers, software designers, and outsourcing specialist service suppliers, among others. Companies like Sony, Gameloft, Softtek, Hitss, IBM, Asitec, Tress, Aprovi, Grupo Red, Samsung SDI and Telvista, already operate successfully in the state.

The main IT fields that companies focus on in Baja are government services, MFG design, telecommunications, SMB service and applications, accounting, taxes and human resource software, foreign trade applications, video games, embedded systems, online learning, biometrics, logistics, translation software, R&D Services, and CRM & ERP solutions, as well as call centers and BPO Services, and software development outsourcing.

State of Baja California: Key Facts

Location
North West state of Mexico, bordered with the US. Closest major city is San Diego.

Main Cities
Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, Playas de Rosarito, Tecate.

Population
3.155 million (2010), according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI)

Higher Education
The state has 32 universities offering 103 professional degrees. These universities have 19 Research and Development centers for basic and applied investigation in advanced projects of Biotechnology, Physics, Oceanography, Computer Science, Digital Geothermal Technology, Astronomy, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering and Clean Energy, among others.