Elías Mendoza already fully understood what he had in his hands: his robotic prosthesis technology not only worked, it was revolutionary.
Having it meant being able to give a new life to people with disabilities.
And yes, he planned to popularize it.
But, to be honest, there was something that worried him even more than social assistance: how much money he could generate with this.
After all, he had a mechanical ascension system.
A system capable of replacing every part of the human body with its robotic equivalent, until fully mechanized human beings were achieved.
But there was one key detail: each step required money, a lot of money.
So far, he had only mechanized one arm, equivalent to 5% of the human body.
He still had multiple systems to unlock: vision, organs, nerves, muscles, the entire skeleton... and to access each one, he needed colossal investments.
He had to use his prosthesis technology as a spearhead to generate capital and scale his company: Neotex Norte.
When Elías asked him directly how much he could earn, Néstor Galván remained silent.
He was just a security guard. That kind of thing was beyond him.
Álvaro Tapia, on the other hand, took his time answering.
"Mr. Mendoza, we're looking at the most advanced technology in the industry. Unmatched."
"Our products are decades ahead of the best American prosthetics. Once we reach the market, we won't have direct competition."
"And if there's no competition... we have pricing power."
"The money we make depends solely on the price we set."
Elías nodded thoughtfully.
"That makes sense. It all depends on the price. How much do you suggest we charge for each arm?"
The room was silent for a few seconds.
Finally, Tapia spoke:
"Our technology is far superior to any current prosthesis. We could easily monopolize the market. We can literally set any price we want, and people will pay it."
—There are currently three types of prostheses: basic metal ones, which cost between $2,000 and $20,000 pesos; mid-range pneumatic ones, between $40,000 and $70,000; and intelligent neural prostheses imported from the US, which cost $80,000 pesos there, but sell here for $1,450,000.
—Our prosthesis costs just $3,000 to manufacture. If we sell 10,000 units for $30,000 pesos, we generate $300 million pesos.
—And if we reach 100,000 units, we get $3 billion.
—That gives us exactly what you need to achieve your first goal.
Elías was already doing the math mentally.
$3 billion in three months.
The magic number. The initial goal.
With that, he would win the family inheritance war, destroy his arrogant older brother… and, most importantly, he would have the capital to unlock the next phase of mechanical ascension.
However, he noticed a certain discomfort in Tapia.
"What's wrong?" Elías asked.
It was then that Teodoro Barrientos, the plant manager, intervened:
"Mr. Mendoza, our prosthesis is superior to any other on the market, even the American neural ones."
"They sell it for $1,450,000 pesos… and we could do the same."
"But… most people with disabilities in Mexico don't have the resources. If we sell it at that price, only a privileged few will benefit."
"The rest… will remain just as forgotten."
Néstor raised his now complete right arm and joined the conversation:
"Yes, Mr. Mendoza. This arm changed my life. But I'm the exception."
"Most of those who have lost a limb... live on the bare minimum. They have no savings. They barely survive."
"If you put a price tag of $1,450,000... believe me, many would prefer to remain armless."
"With that amount, I could pay for my son's wedding, provide for his schooling... give him a better future. My disability doesn't even matter anymore."
Tapia nodded seriously.
"Exactly. In Mexico, there are more than four million people with physical disabilities. The vast majority live in vulnerable situations."
"We can sell cheaper, reach more people... and still make a fortune."
Elías reflected silently.
"That's true. $1,450,000 is excessive." Very few people could afford it," he finally said. "We have to think about general access, without sacrificing business."
But they couldn't sell at cost price either.
"We're not an NGO. Neotex Norte is a company. We have to generate income to reinvest in technology, production, and expansion."
"And if we sell more cheaply… we help more and earn more."
Elías made a decision:
"The best current prosthesis is the Otto Bock neural prosthesis, at $1,450,000 pesos. Ours is better."
"We're going to sell it for $30,000 Mexican pesos. But we'll offer affordable financing: the customer pays a third upfront, and the rest only if the prosthesis meets their expectations."
"$30,000 isn't expensive if it gives you back your independence. And besides… that price will be only for our compatriots."
"For foreign clients… the price will be $300,000 pesos or more."
Elías smiled. He had finally defined the pricing strategy.
Tapia was right: people with disabilities face employment, social, and economic barriers. If technology was going to change the world, it had to be accessible.
But also profitable.
With the price set, the next step was obvious: promote the product and get orders.
And the opportunity was close.
In three days, a national technology expo for people with disabilities would be held.
A huge event, with media coverage, medical institutions, rival companies, and potential investors.
Elías looked at the system's digital calendar.
He smiled.
"It's time for Neotex Norte to shine."