WITH INDUSTRIAL RELEVANCE

DESCRIPTION

The Master’s in Advanced Technology with Industrial Relevance (MAT-IR) is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to provide a structured methodology for solving real-world problems identified by social, industrial, governmental, and service-sector stakeholders. It leverages scientific knowledge and technological innovation with high academic rigor and strong practical relevance.

A key element of this program is addressing the specific needs expressed by external organizations outside the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). Typically, an organization approaches CICATA Querétaro with a particular challenge or requirement. The institution then evaluates whether its team of faculty members has the expertise to address the issue. If so, the project is undertaken within the framework of the MAT-IR program.

The program’s activities revolve around project-based development. Each project evolves through a series of iterations, with the goal of progressively approaching a complete and effective solution. Team members actively work to overcome obstacles that stand between the current situation and the desired outcome.

THE WORKING TEAM

In this modality, a collaborative team is formed, composed of members of the participating organization, CICATA Querétaro faculty, and graduate students.
Within the MAT-IR, students are considered the main agents responsible for developing solutions, while the members of the Tutorial Committee (TC) act as co-participants and advisors in the project’s development process.

The Tutorial Committee (TC) includes representatives from the organization and professors from CICATA Querétaro. Its composition is determined according to the project’s needs at a given stage and may evolve between iterations. The TC is responsible for monitoring progress, guiding outcomes, and contributing critically to the project’s development.

Students may be employees of the participating organizations or external candidates interested in addressing the identified challenge. In all cases, students are expected to be full-time participants—proactive, independent, mature, and fully committed to the project’s goals.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

In each iteration, a set of courses is defined according to the student’s academic background and the project’s specific needs. These may include courses offered by CICATA Querétaro, courses from other institutions, or online courses that can be accredited toward the required program credits.

Project progress is assessed through a presentation and a written report before the Tutorial Committee. Both components reflect the student’s ability to analyze, interpret, and critically describe the problem and its proposed solutions.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The participation of the organization’s representative on the Tutorial Committee serves several purposes. It ensures that the project remains aligned with the organization’s objectives and facilitates the identification of value generation that can be transferred back to the organization.

In general, intellectual property (IP) belongs to its creator(s). However, each project operates under a specific agreement that defines IP ownership and rights according to the nature of the collaboration.

OBJECTIVE

The MAT-IR aims to train highly skilled professionals at the graduate level, using a flexible and relevant framework that integrates research and technological application. The program focuses on the innovative development of practical solutions to real-world problems.

Graduates of the program are expected to:

• Identify and understand organizational needs.

• Develop technical and economically feasible solutions.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• Advance the development of solutions to real challenges faced by organizations.

• Foster independence, maturity, teamwork in interdisciplinary settings, critical thinking, and strong communication skills.

• Enable participants to remain at the forefront of knowledge and professional practice in their field of work.