The rapid growth of commercial biotechnology activities in Mexico is being fueled by expanded R&D activities and novel applications in the areas of human healthcare, agriculture, marine environment, energy production and new materials. Each of these areas are benefiting significantly from product and process innovation as well as from workforce development and expanding markets in the U.S., and other regions. Creative public-private research initiatives are underway which build upon Mexico's new generation of biotechnology innovation opportunities. With representatives from business and the research community, this session will discuss the challenges associated with these trends and explore collaborative exchange with BIO participants.