Nu Mexico and Jalisco Partner to Launch 300 Tech Scholarships for Women

Nu Mexico has partnered with the Jalisco Secretariat for Economic Development (SEDECO) to launch a multisectoral initiative focused on financial education and technology employability. This collaboration, which includes 300 tech scholarships for women, signals a strategic push by the region's largest digital bank to deepen its footprint in Mexico’s digital economy through public-private cooperation.

What was announced

The Framework Collaboration Agreement between Nu Mexico and SEDECO Jalisco establishes a foundation for programs centered on three core pillars: financial education, digital confidence, and technology employability. The primary objective is to foster economic autonomy and strengthen the innovation ecosystem within the state of Jalisco through practical, scalable programs.

The partnership’s inaugural project is "Generación Nu," an initiative where Nu Mexico serves as a private donor to Laboratoria. This funding will cover 300 technology training scholarships specifically for women who are currently unemployed or underemployed. The program consists of 12 weeks of intensive training designed to build technical skills alongside personal financial management capabilities. The scholarships are intended to provide beneficiaries with the tools necessary to navigate the modern workforce and manage their own economic resources effectively.

Applications for these scholarships open on September 21, with guidelines and requirements managed through Laboratoria’s website. Beyond the immediate training, the agreement aims to create a model for multisectoral cooperation, addressing cybersecurity and digital literacy. Nu Mexico currently serves 16 million customers, representing roughly 15% of the adult population in Mexico. For 54% of these users, the platform provided their first credit card, and 60% of customers report saving money since joining the bank. This agreement formalizes a commitment to move beyond product provision toward systemic financial inclusion and gender-responsive economic development.

"This agreement formalizes a shared vision with the Government of Jalisco to build a more equitable and secure digital economy. Through practical financial education, cybersecurity, and technology training, we seek to democratize opportunities and provide women in Jalisco with real tools for their economic autonomy,"

Romina Benvenuti, Nu Mexico’s Director of Public, Regulatory, and Legal Affairs.

The companies involved

Nu Mexico is the Mexican subsidiary of Nubank, which has established itself as the largest digital bank in Mexico. The company has played a pivotal role in the country’s financial landscape by acting as a gateway to formal credit and savings for millions of previously unbanked or underbanked individuals. Its market position is defined by its massive scale, reaching 15% of the adult population, and its focus on digital-first banking services that bypass traditional brick-and-mortar limitations. By operating without physical branches, Nu has been able to offer lower fees and more accessible entry points for first-time financial product users.

The Jalisco Secretariat for Economic Development (SEDECO) is the government body responsible for promoting economic growth, investment, and innovation within the state of Jalisco. As a key player in Mexico’s technological landscape, SEDECO focuses on strengthening the local business environment and fostering public-private partnerships to drive regional advancement. By collaborating with major fintech players like Nu Mexico, SEDECO aims to enhance the state's competitive edge in the digital economy while addressing social challenges such as the gender gap in the technology sector and financial exclusion among vulnerable populations.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely followed the growth of the digital banking sector in Latin America, specifically noting when Nu Mexico Becomes Largest Digital Bank Following Official Banking License Authorization. This milestone was a critical turning point for the company, allowing it to expand its product suite beyond credit cards to include formal savings accounts and other regulated banking services. Our previous coverage highlighted how obtaining a full banking license transformed Nu from a niche fintech player into a systemic financial institution capable of competing directly with Mexico’s largest traditional banks. This regulatory evolution has provided the foundation for the large-scale social and educational initiatives the company is now pursuing in partnership with regional government bodies like SEDECO.

What this means

This announcement highlights a shift in the fintech sector from simple customer acquisition to ecosystem preservation. By investing in technology employability and digital confidence, Nu Mexico is effectively cultivating its own future user base while insulating itself against the risks of a low-literacy digital market. For the broader industry, this move puts pressure on traditional banks and rival neobanks to demonstrate social utility beyond transaction volume. The focus on Jalisco—a major tech hub—suggests that regional government partnerships are becoming a preferred vehicle for fintechs to secure regulatory goodwill and brand loyalty. The success of this model will likely depend on whether these scholarships translate into measurable workforce participation.