I am in Guadalajara, México (GDL) discussing the possibility of presenting classes with several universities. This turns out to be one of the most innovative and energetic cities not just in México, but across Latin America.

GDL produces about $21 billion per year in tech goods and services, with huge manufacturing plants, research facilities and IT centers for companies ranging from Oracle to HP and Microsoft. The startup scene is also at a fever pitch, with local Starbucks that look like their counterparts in Silicon Valley.

This week, I attended a contest for social entrepreneurs who were presenting innovative products that could address urgent social needs. One team of presenters showed off a prototype of a wristwatch that monitors blood glucose, syncs the readings to an app on your phone, then relays the info to your doctor. The contest was sponsored by the MIND Center and AuroraGloba.mx. (MIND = México Innovation and Design)

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