The Ricardo Valle Innovation Institute Foundation (Innova IRV) gathered its board of trustees this morning at Málaga Tech Park. The session was attended by the mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, and the foundation’s president, Ezequiel Navarro, along with other authorities, trustees, and collaborators.
The Foundation’s board reviewed the projects and activities developed throughout the year and highlighted that, since its creation, Innova IRV has mobilized 639 million euros in initiatives related to microelectronics, consolidating its position as a reference in this strategic sector.
Among the most notable achievements of the year, the Foundation has actively collaborated in bringing the Interuniversity Institute of Microelectronics (IMEC) to Málaga, one of the world leaders in semiconductor and nanoelectronics research. This milestone was achieved this year, thanks to an agreement between the Government of Spain, the Junta de Andalucía, the Málaga City Council, and Málaga Tech Park (PTA).
Additionally, the microelectronics projects that the Foundation is working on have significantly advanced its mission to transform the Spanish technological landscape, positioning Málaga and Spain as innovation hubs in Europe. Its focus on microelectronics and semiconductors not only responds to current demands for technological independence but also drives the development of advanced capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced communications, among others.
The Foundation has also successfully promoted projects in other areas, with ongoing initiatives worth 52 million euros. Specifically, in fields such as connected vehicles, circular economy, digital health, and foodtech, among others.
In this context, the creation of a new area focused on “Defense, Security, and Emergencies” was approved, with Fernando Chacón, director at COSIGEIN (CGS INGENIERIA), assuming the vice-presidency. He will also become a member of the Foundation’s executive committee.
The board also formalized the incorporation of Manuel Illanes, CTO of the TOPdigital Group, as a trustee, replacing Santiago Lucas, president of the same company, and as a member of the executive committee and vice-president of the Foundation in the area of Xxxxxx.
During this year, the Foundation has also strengthened its commitment to excellence and collaboration through the addition of new members and strategic alliances, including Caixa Bank Day One as a patron and the Technological Institute of Aragón (ITA), GMV, Hispasec, and the Universities of Seville and Granada as collaborating entities.
In this regard, the president of the Foundation, Ezequiel Navarro, stated, “These new members strengthen the national network of actors who will enable us to collaboratively promote the development of innovative technological solutions with a positive impact on society and industry.”
“This year, we have reached milestones that reaffirm our vision of becoming catalysts for technological innovation. The mobilization of these resources and the new alliances set the path for positioning ourselves as a reference in the field of innovation and the development of truly transformative strategic initiatives at the country level,” Navarro added.
For 2025, the Foundation plans to continue developing and supporting the generation of new projects in both transversal and applied technology areas, as well as generating new alliances and strategic collaborations, to boost a national innovation network.
In this context, the board has approved the Foundation’s action plan for 2025, which includes the main projects and initiatives it will work on to foster innovation in these areas.
