- The Rector’s Office hosted the organisation’s Business Kick-Off 2026, a meeting that brought together over a hundred experts
The University of Málaga has become a partner in 28DIGITAL, an organisation belonging to the European Union’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), creating an alliance that will enable it to intensify international collaboration in areas such as technological innovation, digital talent development, and connections between European ecosystems.
In addition, the University of Málaga hosted the organisation’s Business Kick-Off 2026 at the Rector’s Office, a strategic meeting that brought together over a hundred leaders in digital innovation from across the European ecosystem to analyse priorities, share initiatives and strengthen cooperation between technological regions.
The initiative, managed by the Vice-Rectorate for Technological Innovation and Strategic Projects, places the University of Málaga in a privileged position within the national innovation ecosystem and strengthens its connection to Europe.
The University of Málaga’s participation in 28DIGITAL is structured through UMA innTech, the Office for Innovation and Technological Cooperation, which works to strengthen connections between the university, the business sector, and the national and international innovation ecosystems. Through this office, the institution promotes its participation in European strategic initiatives aimed at developing advanced technologies and strengthening innovation capabilities.
Discussions on Málaga’s innovation ecosystem
The event also included the “Meet & Greet Málaga Ecosystem” panel, aimed at analysing the characteristics, opportunities, and challenges of the city’s innovation ecosystem.
Participants in the discussion included the University of Málaga’s Vice-Rector for Technological Innovation and Strategic Projects, Javier López, alongside representatives from key organisations in the technology ecosystem, such as Felipe Romera, General Manager of Málaga TechPark; Soledad Díaz, Director of APTE; Sofía Schneider, Vice President of the data platform and head of Oracle’s Málaga centre; and Eduardo Valencia, General Manager of Innova IRV.
During the panel, participants discussed the factors that have fostered Málaga’s growth as one of the most dynamic technology hubs in Southern Europe, as well as the challenges the ecosystem faces in areas such as talent acquisition, international collaboration, and the development of strategic technologies.
In his speech, the Vice-Rector highlighted the role of the University of Málaga as a key actor in knowledge generation, talent development, and the implementation of technological innovation projects in collaboration with companies and research centres.
He also stressed the value of initiatives such as 28DIGITAL in strengthening Málaga’s connection to other European ecosystems, facilitating international cooperation and generating new opportunities for the development of advanced digital technologies.
Málaga, an emerging innovation hub in Europe
The celebration of 28DIGITAL’s Business Kick-Off at the University of Málaga reflects the city’s growing position as an international technology hub, driven by collaboration between academic institutions, global companies, technology parks, and public administrations.
This meeting brought together leaders from 28DIGITAL’s European network in Málaga to discuss the organisation’s strategic priorities, strengthen cooperation between innovative regions, and explore new opportunities for collaboration with the local ecosystem.