The Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas (IIE) is a Public Research Center, created by a Presidential Decree in 1975. IIE is coordinated by the Mexican Ministry of Energy and performs Research and Development Projects for the National Energy Sector, particularly oriented to the Electric Power Industry.

Among its main objectives are:

• To perform and promote scientific and technological research and experimental development with the aim of solving scientific and technological problems related to the improvement and development of electrical and related industries.
• To propose applied research and development programs to the Energy Ministry as well as short to long term funding, operation and investing programs for the public energy industries.

The institute granted, in 2002, 221 technical staying scholarships for students: 59 in the Technological Research Training Program, 33 in Thesis program and 129 in professional practices and social service programs. The contents of these programs are closely related to the IIE research projects, and oriented to the final users in the energy sector. Those programs contribute in forming specialized human resources that eventually are involved in activities of such sector.

The paper will describe the different programs that the Institute has develop through the years and how effective it has been. Good experiences and no so good experiences. Going from spin-offs to technology transfer, and selling products and services.