Politics · Mexico · 2 hrs ago
Young inventor Xóchitl Guadalupe meets Mexico’s president
Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López built a solar water heater at age eight in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, where cold weather can make getting hot water difficult.
Her project, called Baño Calientito, uses black-painted plastic bottles, hoses, wood and reused glass to warm water with sunlight, without electricity, gas or a pump.
One version can heat up to 50 litres of water to about 70°C, according to information shared about the project.
The heater was designed as a low-cost alternative to fuel and firewood, which can add household costs and pressure on natural resources.
Cruz, now 16, has also studied topics including mountain wetlands, violence against children and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has received recognition for her science work.
She met President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace after a widely shared social media appeal prompted the president to invite her; Cruz presented her inventions and research.
The meeting brought attention back to her work, but no further plans or support were announced.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum met young inventor Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López at the National Palace in Mexico City.
Cruz, from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, developed a solar water heater from recycled materials when she was eight.
Sheinbaum said government officials would review the invention and consider how it could be reproduced.
Cruz said she hopes the heater can reach communities that need it and help reduce gas costs.
A social media video by Alexis Omman helped bring renewed attention to Cruz’s work.
- Who
- Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López, a young inventor from Chiapas, met President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- What
- She presented her solar water heater and other projects. Sheinbaum assigned officials to contact her and review the invention.
- When
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, according to El Universal. Infobae says Sheinbaum invited her on November 1 and that they met four days later.
- Where
- The National Palace in Mexico City.
- Why
- Cruz’s work gained renewed attention after content creator Alexis Omman called for Sheinbaum to meet her and recognize her scientific work.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cruz developed her first solar water-heater prototype using recycled materials.
Cruz received the ICN Recognition for Women from the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Institute of Nuclear Sciences.
Sheinbaum replied to Alexis Omman that she would like to meet and support Cruz.
Cruz met Sheinbaum at the National Palace and presented her invention and other projects.
- Inventor
- Xóchitl Guadalupe Cruz López
- Hometown
- San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
- Invention
- Baño Calientito, a solar water heater made with recycled materials
- Prototype capacity
- One version can heat up to 50 litres of water to around 70°C
- Installed units
- Six homes, including Cruz’s own, according to El Universal
2 sources
What people are saying
Yo le digo a Luz Elena González y Mario Delgado. Nos ponemos de acuerdo para que muy pronto vayan allá, conozcan el invento y vean cómo se puede reproducir
Le ponemos patente Calentador Xóchitl. Se puede hacer registro en el IMPI, lo podemos ver
Ayudaría muchísimo