Dec 1 2009
The government of Mexico City today announced it will build a world-class center for biomedical and nanomedical research, called Campus Biometropolis. The center for medical research and development will be integrated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the top Spanish speaking university in the world. The research complex, scheduled to begin construction in 2010, has been designed by the internationally-acclaimed architectural firm, Foster + Partners, whose previous works include the Hearst Tower in New York City and Berlin's Reichstag building.
Campus Biometropolis, which will attract significant investment over the next several years, will become an engine for the transformation of Mexico's economy. Mexico has first-class human resources and considerable infrastructure to position itself as the leading knowledge center for Latin America. It will attract medical tourism, deliver multiple medical services for the US economy and become a platform for world-class clinical research.
This state-of-the-art research and development cluster will look to attract pharmaceutical and biomedical companies and organizations from around the world. Given its close proximity to corporate laboratories, start-ups and public research institutions, it will provide fertile ground for R&D, and offer an environment to accelerate product development and commercialization. As one of the world's leading financial capitals, Mexico City is an ideal location for companies looking to access Spanish-speaking markets.
"Mexico City's Campus Biometropolis is the cornerstone of a broader vision to transform Mexico City into a knowledge capital," said Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard. "This is a critical investment in the future of Mexico City, taking us a step further toward becoming a global hub of scientific and technological excellence."
Mayor Ebrard continued, "As one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Mexico City is the ideal location for pharmaceutical and biomedical companies and organizations looking for new development opportunities and access to new markets."
Campus Biometropolis will be sustainably designed and built, and will be composed of hospitals, laboratories and medical universities, as well as residential and retail areas. In addition, the complex will include a natural reserve and will become a model for green buildings and water conservation. This project is in accordance with Mayor Ebrard's plan to transform the city into one of the most environmentally-conscience and sustainable cities in the world.
The medical hub is at the core of Mayor Ebrard's General Development Plan, which was designed to convert Mexico City into Latin America's premier knowledge economy. The five-year plan, launched in 2007, aims to create more equity for Mexico City's inhabitants by building a sustainable and inclusive city, promoting equality through better health, education and technology and improving the competitiveness of the Mexican capital.
Source: Gobierno del Distrito Federal