- InnTech·4·Málaga, UPTECH, UMA Aula Online, and the Catalogue of Research and Innovation Capabilities in Artificial Intelligence are just some of the milestones achieved during this period
The Innovation and Technological Cooperation Office of the University of Málaga (UMA innTech) has reached its first anniversary as the technological innovation spearhead of the UMA, following the inauguration in June 2024 of its space at the Málaga TechPark. It aims to create new innovation opportunities within the Málaga TechPark environment.
This strategic service of the University of Málaga, led by Javier López, Rector’s Delegate for Technological Innovation, operates through various initiatives, including: identifying and analyzing innovation opportunities emerging within Málaga TechPark; establishing cross-cutting cooperation mechanisms with other university services; and promoting a culture of innovation and technological cooperation through the Quadruple Helix model: University – Society – Industry – Public Administration.
Among the major achievements of this first year are:
- The creation of InnTech·4·Málaga, a cooperation tool designed to transfer the valuable knowledge generated at UMA to the industrial fabric of the TechPark.
- The launch of the European project UPTECH, led by UMA, to enhance the technological innovation capabilities of universities in Southern Europe.
- The development of the UMA Aula Online portal, which compiles UMA’s ongoing online training offerings for students and companies.
- Coordination of the Catalogue of Research and Innovation Capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, among other initiatives.
InnTech·4·Málaga
To contribute to the technological innovation of the Málaga TechPark ecosystem, the UMA, through its Innovation and Technological Cooperation Office, together with the Technopolis, launched the InnTech·4·Málaga brand in January. This brand includes several initiatives:
- SinnERGIAS aimed at identifying and establishing cooperation opportunities with other actors in the tech ecosystem.
- SENTinnEL, a curated selection of news and updates focused on global technological innovation, with emphasis on regional and national impact. One of its components is Inn4YOU, a monthly newsletter featuring news, calls, reports, and other relevant materials, an essential tool to stay informed on the tech innovation ecosystem.
- innGENIOS, through interviews and feature articles, gathers insights and experiences from experts and notable figures in the innTech space, both from the academic and business worlds.
- SANDBOXinn, conceived as a space where innovation grows and spreads, develops the talent of students, researchers, and professionals who, as mentors, aim to tackle challenges in a creative and open environment.
UPTECH
Another major highlight has been the launch of UPTECH, a European project led by UMA to boost the technological innovation capacity of Southern European universities.
Coordinated by UMA InnTECH, the consortium was selected by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) under the EIT HEI Initiative, which supports higher education institutions in strengthening their innovation potential through collaborative actions in Deep Tech, innovation, and intersectoral cooperation among universities, companies, and social entities.
The project, which received €1.2 million in funding, has been promoted by the Office of Innovation and Technological Cooperation, consolidating the role of the UMA as a national leader in technological innovation within the university sector.
UMA Aula Online
In terms of education, UMA InnTECH, in collaboration with the Vice-Rectorate for Doctoral and Postgraduate Studies, launched UMA Aula Online, publicly presented in June. This platform is designed to support professional upskilling and lifelong learning in an accessible, intuitive way. It offers an organized, easy-to-navigate interface that aligns with real company needs, an essential tool in a context where continuous learning is a strategic asset for professional and business competitiveness.
Other projects
UMA InnTECH also develops various strategic projects in innovation. One example is the partnership with IMEC, the international reference center for research and innovation in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. UMA InnTECH hosted an open session with IMEC Spain’s Institutional Relations Director, Helio Fernández, as well as a meeting with academic representatives, aiming to foster research group involvement, training opportunities, and talent development.
Otra línea de trabajo estratégico es la establecida en el área de la tecnología cuántica, en cuyo plan de trabajo se incluye la Another key focus area is quantum technology, which includes organizing the event “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” and coordinating the Quant·UMA group. Additionally, the University of Málaga, through UMA InnTECH, is a member of the Innovation Commission of the Andalusia Aerospace Cluster, a collaborative platform bringing together companies, tech institutions, and universities to enhance the competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
During its first year, UMA InnTECH signed several collaboration agreements, including with the Andalusian Government in the area of cybersecurity and with Hanbat National University in South Korea, within the GINI International Innovation Network framework.
The University of Málaga, through UMA InnTECH, continues to actively engage with various stakeholders to promote the local design of impactful strategies and ambitious plans with strong socio-economic potential, embracing the value of shared innovation.