UAA Business Incubator Celebrates 20 Years with New Call for Applications and 95% Project Survival Rate

The commitment to entrepreneurship in Aguascalientes has evolved from being an self-employment alternative into a discipline of technical rigor. As the UAA Business Incubator celebrates two decades since its inception at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA), the assessment reveals not only over 400 projects supported, but also a profound transformation in the competitiveness of new local organizations. In an interview with Líder Empresarial,

, the head of the Incubator, states that the model’s success lies in its adaptability. While in 2005 the university received barely a dozen proposals, today the ecosystem demands attention for over 150 annual applications, which has allowed for scaling up graduations to an average of 38 companies per year.

The Survival Challenge: AI and Operational Efficiency

One of the factors distinguishing the Autonomous University’s trajectory is the survival rate of its graduates. In a market where business mortality is the norm, the UAA Business Incubator’s support has ensured that 80% of its incubated projects remain in the market for two decades. Furthermore, in the most recent cohort, the retention rate reached 95%, a figure Verdín attributes to the professionalization of business models in the face of new digital regulations.

«Entrepreneurship today is not the same as 20 years ago; now artificial intelligence and hybrid strategies (physical-digital) dictate viability,» Verdín explains. This evolution is reflected in sectoral diversification where services (28%) and food and beverages (22%) continue to lead, but with a growing presence of software, high technology, and social impact enterprises.

From «Troubled Businesses» to Profitable Models: The UAA Business Incubator’s 2026 Roadmap

Following this momentum, the leading institution of higher education has launched its 2026 call for applications, maintaining a criterion of full openness to civil society. The program seeks not only early-stage ideas but also what Verdín refers to as «troubled businesses»: economic units that are already operating and legally established but lack profitability margins or clear competitive advantages.

The incubation process, lasting six months, offers weekly immersion with experts in areas ranging from corporate law and strategic planning to digital marketing and private equity management. The ultimate goal is to transition from an empirical approach to one with tangible operational indicators.

How to Participate?

For business owners and entrepreneurs interested in formalizing their business model, registration will remain open until February 13. The selection process includes submitting a video pitch where the project’s value proposition and financial feasibility are evaluated. Following an evaluation period concluding on March 6, results will be published on March 13, with formal mentorships commencing on the 26th of the same month.