The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) launches a new hub to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Spain
The new EIT Community Hub Spain will represent all EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and focus on engaging an increasing number of local stakeholders in EIT Community activities.
EIT continues to support innovation in Spain with the establishment of this new EIT Community Hub, which will drive collaboration between leading companies, educational institutions, and research organizations. This initiative aims to enhance regional competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The hub is a key component of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS), designed to bridge the innovation gap in Europe.
The official launch event took place today at the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities in Madrid, co-organized by CDTI. The inauguration brought together high-level representatives from the European and Spanish innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
The new EIT Community Hub Spain will represent all EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and focus on engaging an increasing number of local stakeholders in EIT Community activities. Additionally, the hub will serve as a centralized resource, providing innovators with detailed information on EIT services and funding opportunities, not only in Spain but also across EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries. Furthermore, it will strengthen EIT’s engagement with local authorities and key stakeholders, fostering new collaborative initiatives.
"Between 2021 and 2023, EIT has channeled €213 million into Spain, supporting 665 companies that have launched 130 innovations. This new hub represents a significant milestone in our mission to drive innovation across the country.”
For her part, Teresa Riesgo, Secretary General for Innovation, congratulated EIT on its initiative to establish such a Hub in Spain: "In today’s complex business, technological, and social landscape, these Hubs are essential for the success of our innovation community. They serve as key meeting points that foster synergies and collaboration across sectors and regions, strengthening our ability to respond to the challenges Europe faces today.”
Likewise, JosĂ© MoisĂ©s MartĂn Carretero, Director of CDTI, reaffirmed his commitment to EIT’s activities in Spain and particularly to today’s initiative, stating that “both organizations share the common goal of promoting the advancement of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.”
The event concluded with remarks from Lina Gálvez, Member of the European Parliament, following three roundtable discussions featuring representatives from EIT KICs and their Spanish partners.
These discussions provided first-hand insights into successful collaborations, while the final panel highlighted strategic partnerships in the Canary Islands, a priority region for EIT within its Strategy for the Outermost Regions.
The launch of the EIT Community Hub in Spain is part of a broader effort to strengthen EIT’s presence in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe. Similar hubs are being established in over 20 countries to reinforce regional innovation networks and expand access to EIT resources.
More News from EIT Food South
