In an era where border discussions often generate more heat than light, Regina Bernal takes us to something we can all rally behind: craft beer and tacos. Her delightful exploration of San Diego and Tijuana’s shared love for hoppy brews and perfect tortillas reminds us that some things transcend political boundaries. When she points out that Taco Tuesday has become a national institution far beyond the border region, you can’t help but smile at how culture flows freely where walls cannot contain it.
But Bernal’s talk goes deeper than just celebrating shared cuisine. She illuminates how these cultural touchpoints – beer, tacos, and music – represent something profound about human connection. The story of Taylor Guitars manufacturing in Tecate becomes a powerful metaphor for what’s possible when we focus on creation rather than division. The company’s Friday softball games between American and Mexican employees speak volumes about how shared purpose builds genuine community.
Having worked in university innovation programs myself, I’m struck by Bernal’s remarkable achievement in launching the first binational pitch competition. Even her “modest” first-year numbers – 10 startups from south of the border and 55 from USD – would be the envy of many established programs. The fact that she grew Mexican participation tenfold in just three years, reaching 100 startups, is nothing short of extraordinary. Anyone who has tried to build startup ecosystems knows how challenging this is within one country, let alone across international borders.
Bernal’s core message resonates strongly with themes of innovation requiring diverse perspectives and collective effort. My own career has been pushing boundaries of technology and imagination but Bernal demonstrates how artificial boundaries can blind us to opportunity. Her competition doesn’t just build businesses; it builds bridges of understanding and collaboration.
Her idea worth sharing isn’t that borders don’t matter – they do. Rather, it’s that human ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation cannot be contained by lines on a map. They’re a dimension that is border-less . The CaliBaja region’s $200 billion economy and status as one of the world’s most dynamic border regions stands as proof. When entrepreneurs from both sides come together to solve problems, they don’t see barriers – they see possibilities.
As we face global challenges that know no borders – climate change, pandemics, technological disruption – Bernal’s vision becomes even more vital. Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives and unexpected connections. Sometimes these emerge from prestigious research labs, but just as often they come from entrepreneurs sharing tacos on a Tuesday night, dreaming up the next big thing over craft beers, or playing softball with colleagues from across a border.
In the end, Bernal shows us that while borders may define nations, they need not limit human potential. The future belongs to those who see the boundaries but only feel inspired opportunities.
a candle, unlit 