The Industry Forum (IF) has been organized for several years in major IEEE IES events. The Industry Forum features Industry speakers discourcing on the conference themes. It serves as a vital bridge between academia and industry, fostering discussions on the latest innovations, challenges, and trends.
The Industry Forum session organized in ICIT 2026 invite key experts on multiple technology areas that will offer insights and discuss with the attendees.
AI-Driven Observability and Causal Correlation in Modern Operational Environments
AI-Driven Observability and Causal Correlation in Modern Operational Environments
Mario Romero Head of Intelligent Observability Engineering, SAP, Mexico
Santiago Reyes Chávez Innovation & Development Engineer, SAP, Mexico
Wednesday, 04-Mar-2026
Abstract: In today’s distributed, multi-stack operational environments, different monitoring tools generate massive volumes of alerts that are often siloed and viewed in isolation, causing slowness in incident resolution. This session explores how advanced observability platforms leverage cross-system data correlation and artificial intelligence to transform fragmented telemetry into actionable insights. Drawing on patented work in AI-augmented observability, we will demystify how correlated alert aggregation, contextual enrichment, and machine learning models (including large language models) can identify common root causes across heterogeneous systems. You will learn how enriched alert signals are analyzed for temporal, structural, and service dependencies; how AI models help infer causation rather than mere coincidence; and how human-centric outputs enable faster remediation and improved operational reliability. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for integrating AI-based correlation into observability practices, reducing mean time to resolution, and enabling a shift from reactive troubleshooting to proactive causation understanding in complex enterprise operations
Speaker Bio:
Mario Romero is Head of Intelligent Observability Engineering at SAP, where he leads global initiatives at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, and cloud operations. With nearly two decades of experience in enterprise IT, Mario specializes in transforming traditional monitoring into intelligent, AI-driven observability platforms that enable proactive, data-informed decision-making at scale. He founded and leads SAP’s AI Observability Engineering unit, driving innovations such as predictive anomaly detection models, AI-powered assistants built with RAG and LoRA architectures, and large-scale signal correlation systems that unify heterogeneous telemetry into business-aware insights. His work helps global cloud operations move from reactive incident response to predictive and root-cause–oriented operations. Mario is also a co-inventor of U.S. Patent US-12537734-B2, focused on advancing cross-system observability by correlating diverse signals, enriching them with business context, and applying AI to identify root causes across complex environments. Beyond industry, Mario served as a part-time professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), where he taught in the Information Security academic department, bridging real-world cloud and AI engineering practices with the next generation of technology professionals.
Santiago Reyes Chávez is an Innovation and Development Engineer specializing in alternative energies and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence. His distinguished academic background includes studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey and an international exchange experience at Tsinghua University. Currently, he works as an AI Engineer at SAP, where his work focuses on Artificial Intelligence Operations (AIOps) for network observability and security, as well as the development of AI agents. Throughout his career, he has led significant research into the application of AI across diverse fields, including observability, security, healthcare, voice analysis, screenwriting, and autonomous driving.
Manufacturing 3D Printable Filament with Poly-lactic acid (PLA) and Brewer Spent Grain (BSG)
Manufacturing 3D Printable Filament with Poly-lactic acid (PLA) and Brewer Spent Grain (BSG)
Prof. Leonardo Chávez Guerrero Agacel Nanotecnologías / RecyProtein / Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico
Wednesday, 04-Mar-2026
Abstract: 3D printing has emerged as a transformative element for sectors such as manufacturing and prototype/product development, enabling model customization and on-demand manufacturing, and establishing itself as an essential tool for innovation. This study focuses on the valorization of organic waste such as malted barley bagasse, a lignocellulosic material, for the manufacture of biocomposites suitable for 3D printing. The proposed methodology covers pretreatment and pulverization of the raw material, incorporation of the raw material into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix by extrusion, and optimization of filament manufacturing parameters. The characterization focuses on studying its composition using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), identifying the main functional groups of maltose present in the matrix, such as the carbonyl group at 1750 cm⁻¹ and stretching vibrations of the (C-O) in the ester group at 1083 cm⁻¹, characteristic of PLA, as well as stretching vibrations of the (C-O) bonds between 1000 cm⁻¹ and 1200 cm⁻¹, typical of polysaccharides such as barley. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to obtain images of the surface morphology, providing a clear view of the protein nanoparticles, which are 40-80 nm in size and can be easily integrated into the composite. This work seeks to offer innovative solutions for waste management and sustainable manufacturing, promoting the principles of the circular economy and reducing the beer industry’s environmental impact.
Speaker Bio: Prof. Leonardo Chávez Guerrero is a Mexican researcher and innovator in nanoscience and nanotechnology, recognized for combining scientific research, technological development, and social impact. He was the first researcher in Nuevo León to earn a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2008) and later founded the state’s first nanotechnology-focused postgraduate program in 2014, graduating more than 50 students. He has led the filing of nine patent applications (with four granted and five pending), addressing challenges in areas such as sargassum processing, calcium carbonate production, biomass valorization, and water treatment. He is also the founder of Agacel Nanotecnologías / RecyProtein, a company created to promote patent licensing and technology transfer. His work has received multiple distinctions, including the 2019 Heineken Green Challenge, the 2021 Tiger Tank (UANL), and civic and academic awards in Nuevo León.
Intelligent Autonomy in Industrial Systems: Engineering Digital Twin based Multi-agent systems from Testbed to Production-ready systems
Intelligent Autonomy in Industrial Systems: Engineering Digital Twin based Multi-agent systems from Testbed to Production-ready systems
Dr. Daniel R. Isaacs CTO and General Manager, Digital Twin Consortium (DTC) / Object Management Group (OMG), USA
Thursday, 05-Mar-2026
Abstract: The convergence of digital twins, generative AI, and multi-agent systems enables unprecedented levels of autonomous reasoning in industrial operations. Drawing from the DTC’s active testbed portfolio spanning manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, this plenary will showcase how organizations are developing and deploying Digital Twin based multi-agent systems. Attendees will learn capability-base methodologies that scale from pilot to production.
Speaker Bio: Daniel R. Isaacs is Chief Technology Officer and General Manager of Digital Twin Consortium® (DTC™), a community of the Enterprise Data Management Association (EDMA), responsible for driving the strategic and technical direction, liaison partnerships, and business development support for consortium growth. Previously, Dan was Director of Strategic Marketing and Business Development at Xilinx. He was responsible for emerging technologies, including AI/Machine Learning, and defining and executing the ecosystem strategy for the Industrial IoT. Before joining the Digital Twin Consortium, Dan was responsible for Automotive Business Development, which focused on Automated Driving and ADAS systems. Dan represented Xilinx to the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) for six years, bringing his over twenty-five years of experience working in Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, and Consumer-based companies, including Ford, NEC, LSI Logic, and Hughes Aircraft. An accomplished speaker, Dan has delivered keynotes, presentations, and served as a panelist and moderator for World Forums, Industrial IOT conferences, Embedded World, Embedded Systems, and Semiconductor-related Conferences. He is a member of several international advisory boards and holds degrees in Computer Engineering: EE from Cal State University, and B.S. Geophysics from ASU.
Innovation through New Product Development: Steel Industry Insights
Innovation through New Product Development: Steel Industry Insights
Lucia Nares Candia Product Development Director, Ternium, Mexico
Thursday, 05-Mar-2026
Abstract: Innovation matters because it’s how we solve real problems faster and better. It keeps us competitive in a world that’s constantly changing, and it transforms ideas into real value for people and industries. In the steel sector, innovation is driven by global megatrends such as clean energy, sustainability, and high‑performance demands. Through a structured development process, we turn complex challenges into stronger, lighter, and more efficient materials. By reviewing real cases from the steel industry, we see how precise chemistry, smart heat treatments, and rigorous validation enable breakthrough products. In short, innovation is what moves industries forward—and it’s what turns creativity into real‑world impact.
Speaker Bio: Lucia Nares Candia holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Administration from the University of Monterrey (UDEM), a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), and a Master’s degree in Advanced Metallurgy from the University of Sheffield, England. She has presented technical papers and publications at major international conferences, including Materials Science and Technology (Utah, USA), Thermo Mechanical Processing (AIM, Milan, Italy), IAS (Argentina), and AIST (Mexico). She has also served as a speaker at events such as the American Society for Quality Congress at UDEM, Mabe Quality Week, Maxion Wheels, and Achieving Excellence at John Deere, and as a panelist at the Materials Science Seminar at UANL. In addition, she has delivered training sessions and presentations at conventions, symposia, and onboarding events for new employees at Ternium. With more than 15 years of professional experience, she currently serves as Product Engineering Director at Ternium Mexico, where she leads product engineering initiatives with a strong focus on innovation, technical excellence, and industrial performance.
Application of Data Analytics and IA for Product Quality in the Steel Industry
Application of Data Analytics and IA for Product Quality in the Steel Industry
Ramiro Chapa Olivares Quality Plant Director, Ternium, Mexico
Thursday, 05-Mar-2026
Abstract: Most Quality practices in the industry rely on visual inspection and manual measuring, but how are we applying data analytics and artificial intelligence to have a better process control and for better quality in our products? This talk will show you how we´re applying data analytics and machine learning by obtaining data from multiple equipment, understanding and preparing data for models that helps us detect, control and have a quick response in a production environment.
Speaker Bio: Ramiro Chapa Olivares is an accomplished professional with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Monterrey and a Master’s degree in Materials Science from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL). He has participated in specialized training programs and delivered presentations at conventions and symposia, including CLELAC and events at the University of Monterrey. With 15 years of experience in the steel industry, he has developed strong expertise in industrial processes, materials, and quality management. He currently serves as Plant Quality Director at Ternium, where he leads quality strategies and continuous improvement initiatives in a highly demanding industrial environment.
Empowering Humanity: MicroMob and the Democratization of Sustainable Urban Transport
Empowering Humanity: MicroMob and the Democratization of Sustainable Urban Transport
Ricardo Apaez CEO at DRIVEN, CLAUT Innovation Center, Mexico
Friday, 06-Mar-2026
Abstract: For over a century, the automotive industry has prioritized over-engineered, two-ton vehicles for short-distance trips, creating a stagnant status quo that ignores urban reality. This keynote introduces the “Mexico People’s Car,” a paradigm shift designed to dismantle these inefficient norms. By right-sizing technology and localized engineering, we are democratizing freedom of movement. Join us to explore how Micromob transforms mobility from a luxury burden into an accessible enabler of human progress.
Speaker Bio: Ricardo Apaez is a distinguished cluster practitioner and strategic consultant with nearly two decades of leadership in Mexico’s automotive sector. As a founding member of the Automotive Cluster of Nuevo León (CLAUT) since 2007, he has been instrumental in shaping one of the world’s most competitive automotive hubs. Currently serving as Innovation Director, Ricardo spearheads high-level organizational strategies and oversees DRIVEN, CLAUT’s Innovation Center. His expertise spans the full operational spectrum, having previously managed portfolios in Energy, Sustainability, Tooling, and Operations. His career is anchored by significant industry experience, including a two-year tenure as Project Manager at Yazaki. During this time, he successfully led the launch of high-tech Heads-Up Display (HUD) systems for Ford and Instrument Panel Clusters for Toyota. Ricardo holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Innovation and Technology Management from UNAM and a B.S. in Mechatronics Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey, complemented by a minor in Automotive Engineering from the University of Braunschweig, Germany. He also holds an Executive Management Certificate from ICAMI Institute and expert certifications in Energy Efficiency, the Toyota Production System (TPS), and Product Design from Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Public Strategy for High-Impact Innovation: The Nuevo León Approach
Public Strategy for High-Impact Innovation: The Nuevo León Approach
José Alfredo Pérez Bernal General Director, Institute of Innovation and Technology Transfer of Nuevo León (I2T2), Mexico
Friday, 06-Mar-2026
Abstract: In an era defined by technological acceleration and industrial transformation, regional governments play a decisive role in shaping competitive innovation ecosystems. Nuevo León has positioned innovation as a central pillar of its economic development strategy, aligning public policy, industry strength, and scientific capacity to build a high-impact, globally connected ecosystem. From the Government of Nuevo León and through I2T2, targeted instruments have been launched to stimulate science-based entrepreneurship, particularly in nanotechnology and biotechnology—strategic sectors with strong industrial relevance. These calls are not isolated funding efforts, but part of a broader policy vision to consolidate advanced manufacturing, deep tech capabilities, and knowledge-intensive industries. This intervention will present how strategic public leadership, sector prioritization, and ecosystem coordination are enabling Nuevo León to strengthen its global positioning as a competitive innovation-driven region.
Speaker Bio: José Alfredo Pérez Bernal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) and a Master’s in Public Management from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. He’s currently a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science and Public Administration. With over 25 years of experience, he has held various political and administrative positions in the public sector. He currently serves as the General Director of the Institute of Innovation and Technology Transfer of Nuevo León and as a professor at the Faculty of Political Science at UANL.
IF Co-Chairs
Many thanks to the Industry Forum Co-chairs.
