{"id":173497,"date":"2026-06-01T18:46:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:46:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/?p=173497"},"modified":"2026-06-08T15:14:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T21:14:50","slug":"mit-lab-microbusinesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/industrial-transformation\/mit-lab-microbusinesses\/","title":{"rendered":"From MIT to Tec: The Lab that Boosts Evolution and Survival for Microbusinesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) account for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/publications\/2024\/07\/sme-policy-index-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-2024_d0ab1c40.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more than 90% of all companies<\/a> in Latin America and the Caribbean and generate roughly 47% of the region\u2019s jobs. Yet <a href=\"https:\/\/download.ssrn.com\/worldbank\/8236.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30% of them do not survive beyond their first five years<\/a>, often due to challenges such as limited access to technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In response, Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey\u2019s educational group, through the <a href=\"\/en\/industrial-transformation\/tec-launches-ai-for-manufacturing-and-supply-chain-institute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Institute<\/a> (AIMS), and the <a href=\"\/en\/tag\/mit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Massachusetts Institute of Technology<\/a> (MIT) have relaunched the <strong>Low Income Firms Transformation (LIFT) Lab<\/strong> in Mexico, an applied research initiative aimed at <strong>strengthening microenterprises and small businesses across the region<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/liftlab.mit.edu\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LIFT Lab<\/a> was founded at MIT in 2021 by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/josuevm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Josu\u00e9 Vel\u00e1zquez<\/a>, then a researcher at the Center for Transportation &amp; Logistics and now director of AIMS. Its mission is to <strong>strengthen the management capabilities of these businesses in logistics and supply chains<\/strong> through <a href=\"\/en\/tag\/artificial-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) tools and collaboration with industry partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, the lab operates in 10 countries, works with more than 20 universities across the region, and has established partnerships with companies such as FEMSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think today is a special day because we are bringing a lab, we\u2019re bringing a collaboration. We are continuing an extensive work that we have done with MIT for the last <a href=\"\/en\/tech\/mit-tec-de-monterrey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ten years<\/a>,\u201d said <a href=\"\/en\/industrial-transformation\/javier-guzman-vp-research-at-tec\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Javier Guzm\u00e1n<\/a>, Executive Vice President of Research at Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey\u2019s educational group. \u201cWorking on these types of projects that focus on micro companies, micro entrepreneurs, and the most vulnerable in society is a great thing that we can do for our country and for Latin America.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture>\r\n                <source srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-2.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\r\n                <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-2-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\r\n            <\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Javier Guzm\u00e1n, Executive Vice President of Research at Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey\u2019s educational group, highlighted the collaboration with MIT in advancing innovation and applied research for the benefit of society. (Photo: Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Corner Stores, Small Shops, and Family-Run Eateries: The Challenge of Going Digital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey, the lab aims to expand the reach of technologies and projects that support micro and small enterprises in areas such as business management and workforce training, Vel\u00e1zquez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These businesses\u2014which may include neighborhood convenience stores, small independent shops, and family-run eateries\u2014typically have fewer than 10 employees and operate with limited resources, making it difficult for them to adopt new technologies and digitize their operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The laboratory\u2019s research agenda focuses on developing solutions based on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and management practices, while helping close the knowledge gaps that many microentrepreneurs face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vel\u00e1zquez noted that several existing research tracks and projects from the MIT LIFT Lab will be expanded through <a href=\"https:\/\/conecta.tec.mx\/en\/news\/santa-fe\/research\/tec-students-propose-solutions-small-businesses-mit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">greater involvement from Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey students<\/a> and faculty, including the AI for Inclusion initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture>\r\n                <source srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab-1024x1024.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/quotes-lift-lab.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\r\n            <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Lupita<\/em>, the Virtual Assistant Helping Small Business Owners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the projects supported by the LIFT Lab is <a href=\"https:\/\/liftlab.mit.edu\/lupita\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Lupita<\/em><\/a>, a virtual assistant that serves as a <strong>business advisor for merchants, offering guidance on sales, inventory management, demand forecasting<\/strong>, and purchasing recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system uses <strong>voice commands<\/strong> and simple conversations to deliver valuable information that supports better decision-making. \u201cThese are technologies that continue to evolve in ways that allow people with limited technical knowledge to access a world of opportunities for managing their businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another area of focus is personalized training and education for business owners through <strong>intelligent tutors<\/strong> and AI-powered virtual avatars designed to communicate in approachable, everyday language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture>\r\n                <source srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-4.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\r\n            <\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Josu\u00e9 Vel\u00e1zquez, director of AIMS, founded the LIFT Lab in 2021 while serving as a researcher at MIT\u2019s Center for Transportation &amp; Logistics. (Photo: Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Last-Mile Logistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The laboratory will also develop projects focused on last-mile logistics, the most expensive segment of the supply chain. These efforts include solutions designed to optimize distribution operations between suppliers and small retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One such project is <em><a href=\"https:\/\/liftlab.mit.edu\/cuantotengo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CuantoTengo<\/a><\/em>, which uses computer vision technology to analyze a photograph, identify products currently in inventory, and determine when restocking is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf we can produce research that helps improve the survival rate of these stores, increase ordering frequency, and <strong>strengthen their relationships with key suppliers<\/strong>, it will help the entire ecosystem create value,\u201d said the director of AIMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vel\u00e1zquez also highlighted another area of research focused on understanding <strong>consumer behavior <\/strong>and the dynamics of surrounding communities. These studies involve thousands of shoppers and seek to better understand their needs, demand for products and services, as well as purchasing habits and business opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The laboratory supports projects that generate data on the behavior of the various participants<\/strong> in the commercial ecosystem. One example is the <a href=\"https:\/\/liftlab.mit.edu\/lift-performance-index\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LIFT Performance Index<\/a>, which helps measure the performance of micro and small enterprises by tracking variables such as <strong>sales, inventory levels, and demand patterns<\/strong>. The goal is to generate evidence-based insights into the conditions and challenges facing small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture>\r\n                <source srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-3.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\r\n                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-173504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-3.jpg 750w, https:\/\/tecscience.tec.mx\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/lift-lab-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\r\n            <\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matthias Winkenbach, Director of Research at the MIT Center for Transportation &amp; Logistics, discussed the role of AI in shaping the future of manufacturing and supply chains. (Photo: Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">E-Commerce and Product Customization Are Making Operations More Complex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ctl-mit-edu.translate.goog\/people\/winkenbach-matthias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthias Winkenbach<\/a>, Director of Research at the MIT Center for Transportation &amp; Logistics, welcomed the launch of the LIFT Lab at Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey and <strong>noted that supply chains are becoming increasingly complex<\/strong> due to the growth of e-commerce, product customization, and geopolitical uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>\u201c<\/strong><\/strong>The beauty of Lift Lab is that it connects these two really good causes\u2014economic impact and social impact\u2014with academic rigor. It connects them to state-of-the-art methods, and it also connects them to education,<strong>\u201d<\/strong> the researcher said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his presentation, From Point Solutions to Systems: AI for Manufacturing and Supply Chains, Winkenbach explained that growing expectations for faster deliveries can be addressed through artificial intelligence. The technology has the potential to help organizations build systems capable of coordinating <strong>multiple operations across supply chains<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>\u201c<\/b><strong style=\"font-weight: bold\">Industry doesn\u2019t need more point solutions. They need tools that look at their supply chain or manufacturing systems as a whole<\/strong>,<strong>\u201d <\/strong>he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Goal: Reaching 300,000 Stores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Josu\u00e9 Vel\u00e1zquez, the laboratory has significant potential to benefit communities that <strong>depend on micro and small businesses for employment and income<\/strong>. \u201cWe certainly want to make an impact on industry, but we also want to reach those who need it most\u2014vulnerable communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the lab\u2019s goals is for its research to affect approximately <strong>300,000 stores within the next three years through the implementation of technology-based solutions<\/strong> and training programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vel\u00e1zquez added that the success of the LIFT Lab will not be measured by the number of tools or projects it develops, but by its ability to strengthen one of the most important sectors of the regional economy. <strong>The ultimate metric, he said, is whether businesses survive and grow<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI would like to see the day when <strong>this sector becomes the primary driver of economic growth in our country<\/strong>. That\u2019s when we will know that real change has taken place,\u201d said the director of AIMS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tecnol\u00f3gico de Monterrey\u2019s educational group has been a key partner, with faculty members and thousands of students from Tec and Tecmilenio participating in fieldwork and research projects. The relaunch of the laboratory, now operating as one of AIMS\u2019s initiatives, took place during the <em>MIT LIFT Lab Research Fest @ Tec 2026<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Were you interested in this story? Do you want to publish it? Contact our content editor to learn more&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:marianaleonm@tec.mx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">marianaleonm@tec.mx<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The LIFT Lab provides easy-to-adopt technology tools to help micro and small enterprises grow across Latin America and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":47,"featured_media":173500,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[557],"tags":[590,178],"class_list":["post-173497","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industrial-transformation","tag-ai-for-manufacturing-and-supply-chain-institute","tag-mit"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.0 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - 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