This was a new experiential learning opportunity for UCSD Rady School of Management graduate students, giving them insight into the economic and cultural exchanges that influence the Tijuana-San Diego region’s dynamic and cross-border business culture.
[Apr 24th, 2019] San Diego and Tijuana stand in a path of a continuous flow of human and material resources that has existed for decades, if not centuries. Thousands of American people living in Tijuana cross daily to work in the United States, making the San Diego–Tijuana border an urbanized region that is constantly changing and reinventing itself.
The trip was part of the Border Innovation Challenge, presented through a partnership of the Rady School of Management and the Jacobs School of Engineering. This competition focuses on showcasing promising solutions and new technology designed to meet the security and efficiency challenges at the Tijuana–San Diego ports of entry.
Sponsored by the Smart Border Coalition, the competition will award cash prizes totaling $20,000 to support innovative new ideas that meet challenges related to border wait time, infrastructure, and ease of passage for cargo. It was open to applicants from UC San Diego and from the Baja California entrepreneurial ecosystem and universities.
Challenges the Program is Looking to Solve:
The international border has been in the spotlight for several years and there are numerous challenges on both sides. The competition looks for technology and solutions focused on, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Accurate wait time measurement and predictive analytics
- Best use of access roads based on current Tijuana infrastructure
- Better Northbound and Southbound queue and lane management
- Process improvements at US customs booths
- Reducing driver error getting into Tijuana SENTRI lanes
- Providing easy directions the appropriate port(s) to get back to the U.S.
- Using new and current technologies to move cargo through the border more efficiently
- Crowdsourcing to pay for basic border infrastructure needs
Who Is Participating?
Any current UC San Diego student, staff or faculty member is able to apply. Applications are also open to Baja California university students and tech hub members with relevant ideas at any stage of development. Social innovation ideas are also welcome. For more information on The Border Innovation Challenge, visit the RADY School of Management site.
