BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday, and welcome to the 49th edition of Comprende.

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we spotlight Eric Aguilar, the Latino entrepreneur behind Omnitron Sensors, who just secured $13 million in Series A funding to revolutionize sensor technology, helping shape the future of AI, automation, and extended reality.

• Next, we celebrate a historic first as Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera becomes the first Latina to have her work added to the White House Permanent Collection.

• Finally, we turn up the heat with McCormick’s 2025 Flavor of the Year—Ají Amarillo, a vibrant Peruvian pepper known for its tropical heat. Its selection signals a growing global appreciation for Latino flavors, bringing Peruvian cuisine further into the culinary spotlight.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending on where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

Eric Aguilar’s Omnitron Sensors Secures $13M to Power AI & Automation

Latino entrepreneur Eric Aguilar is driving the next wave of innovation in sensor technology. As co-founder and CEO of Omnitron Sensors, he has just closed a $13 million Series A funding round, propelling his company to the forefront of a transformation set to reshape AI, automation, and extended reality (XR).

Eric has always been drawn to solving complex problems. From leading sensor development for autonomous drones at Google’s Project Wing to overseeing firmware for Tesla’s Model 3, his career has been built on pushing the boundaries of technology. But after years of working at the cutting edge, he saw a fundamental problem: the sensors powering the industries experiencing explosive growth today weren’t keeping up with demand.

MEMS sensors, the tiny devices that help machines "see" and "feel", have been held back by outdated, expensive manufacturing methods. These sensors are essential for everything from AI-driven data centers to self-driving cars, yet the tech behind them hasn’t evolved fast enough. Aguilar and his team at Omnitron Sensors saw an opportunity to change that.

By rethinking MEMS fabrication from the ground up, Omnitron has developed a breakthrough process that makes sensors more affordable, durable, and scalable. Their step-scanning MEMS mirror is poised to revolutionize LiDAR for autonomous vehicles, enhance AI data center efficiency, and improve XR display technology. In short, they’re building the critical tech that will power the next generation of intelligent systems.

Now, with $13M in fresh funding, led by Corriente Advisors with support from L’ATTITUDE Ventures, Omnitron is set to disrupt the MEMS industry at a critical moment. As AI and automation accelerate, Aguilar’s innovations will help remove long-standing barriers, ensuring that the next generation of technology has the speed, accuracy, and scalability to transform the world.

Carmen Herrera Makes History: First Latina Artist in White House Permanent Collection

At 105 years old, Carmen Herrera once said, "Being ignored is a form of freedom." But today, her work is impossible to overlook. The late Cuban-American abstract artist has just made history as the first Latina artist to have her work permanently added to the White House Collection.

The painting, Día Feriado (2011), was formally acquired by the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, marking a long-overdue recognition of Latino contributions to American art. Announced by Former First Lady Jill Biden, this milestone cements Herrera’s place alongside some of the most influential artists in U.S. history.

The White House Collection includes artwork and historical objects that reflect the nation’s cultural heritage. Overseen by the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, pieces are carefully selected to represent the diverse and evolving story of America. These acquisitions are typically announced toward the end of presidential administrations as part of tradition.

For decades, Herrera’s striking geometric compositions were underappreciated, despite her influence on modern art. Today, her work is celebrated in the world’s most prestigious museums. This addition to the People’s House is more than an honor, it’s a powerful statement: Latino artists have shaped American culture, and our contributions belong in the nation’s most iconic spaces.

Peru’s Iconic Ají Amarillo Named 2025 Flavor of the Year

A staple of Peruvian cuisine is taking center stage as McCormick declares Ají Amarillo its 2025 Flavor of the Year. This bold, golden-hued chile, known for its fruity notes and moderate heat, is a cornerstone of Peruvian gastronomy–and now, it’s set to make waves in kitchens worldwide.

McCormick & Co.’s 25th Flavor Forecast is an annual report that identifies emerging global flavor trends shaping the future of food. Based on extensive research, including culinary insights, social listening, and global fieldwork, it predicts the ingredients and techniques that will influence home cooking, restaurants, and food innovation

Peruvian flavors have long been a hidden gem of Latin American cuisine. This recognition marks a major moment for Peruvian and Latino culinary traditions and its influence in the U.S. and globally. With its growing popularity in sauces, entrees, and even cocktails, Ají Amarillo’s inclusion in McCormick’s Flavor Forecast highlights a broader movement: Latino flavors are becoming a permanent part of global food culture.

From ceviches to creamy huancaína sauces, the vibrant spirit of Peruvian cuisine is now on a bigger stage than ever. As Ají Amarillo spices up menus and home kitchens, it's a reminder that Latino ingredients belong at the forefront of culinary innovation.

How to Make: Puerto Rican Tembleque

Tembleque is a traditional Puerto Rican coconut pudding, named after the word temblar (to tremble) because of its soft, jiggly texture. It's creamy, fragrant, and lightly sweet—perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk (fresh or canned)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients – In a saucepan (off heat), whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon to avoid clumping.

2. Add liquids – Slowly whisk in the coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Cook – Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). It should have a pudding-like consistency.

4. Pour & Set – Pour the mixture into lightly greased ramekins or a dish. Smooth the top and let it cool.

5. Chill – Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or until firm.

6. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with more cinnamon before serving.

In our last edition, we asked: In what Latin American country is a desert considered the driest place on Earth?

The right answer was: Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert in Chile holds the title of the driest place on Earth. Some weather stations in the region have never recorded rainfall, and parts of the desert go centuries without significant moisture. Located between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, its extreme dryness is due to unique climate patterns that block humid air. Despite its harsh conditions, the Atacama is home to rare flora, wildlife, and indigenous societies. Today, it’s also a key site for astronomical research, with some of the world’s most advanced observatories.

Question:  What is the name of Mexico’s most famous lucha libre wrestler, known for always wearing a silver mask?

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

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