What just two decades was a quiet municipality on the outskirts of Salamanca of about 1,000 inhabitants, today it has become a small “Silicon Valley” to the Spanish. The people are called Aldetejadaand has established itself as one of the main hubs Technologicals of Castilla y León thanks to the impact of the Technological Innovation Center (CENIT), a pioneer initiative that Iberdrola launched in 2008 with IBM and now manages ViewNext, a subsidiary of the latter.
With an investment that touches the 300 million euros and more than 2,850 generated jobs: 1,000 direct and 1,850 indirect. The CENIT model promoted by Iberdrola (with the support of the Castellanoleonese Board and the University of Salamanca) has been catalyzer of a deep economic, social and educational change in the area. The population census has shot, while other towns in the area are emptied without palliative.
Power companies such as Indra, UST Global or NTT Data have followed their wakesettling in the province and reinforcing the technological ecosystem through alliances with local universities (USAL and the Pontifical), training programs (such as women and technology), research chairs (ViewNext chair), hackathones and fairs such as Start Up Olé.
The Innovation Center and the Aldeatejada Data Center have evolved in technological capabilities over the years. Today they position themselves as Referents in artificial intelligence, cloud servicescybersecurity, automation, digital experience and business solutions. They are also key pieces in the process of digital transformation of Iberdrola and other multinationals.
This Friday, the Director of Innovation, Environment and Quality of Iberdrola, Agustín Delgadopresented this success model with the Minister of Industry of the Junta de Castilla y León, Leticia García, Mayor Enrique Manuel García, the Director General of Viewnext, Jorge Jiménez, and the rector of the University of Salamanca, Juan Manuel Corchado.
A model that drags growth to emptied Spain
Since the creation of the zenith, Aldeatejada has doubled its populationfrom 1,192 inhabitants in 2008 to almost 2,600 today. This expansion has brought with it a remarkable improvement in socio -economic indicators: the municipality today occupies the third place in gross income per capita of the province, and its rate of salary inequality (Gini index) has dropped from 31 to 27.
In business terms, Aldeatejada has registered a Sustained annual growth of 3.3% in business creation Since 2012, compared to the negative provincial average of -0.8 %. In addition, young talent retention has driven new infrastructure such as a municipal pool, a sports pavilion and an electric recharge point.
For Delgado, «the zenith model shows that When technological investment is accompanied by public-private collaboration and synergies with the educational system, inclusive and resilient environments are created, with international projection ». The municipality has also opted Stem vocations at an early age, and on environmental initiatives such as the ViewNext forest, with 3,000 native trees planted in the area.
Spain, Europe digital node
This local project is part of a broader vision: that of turning Spain into the large global data entrance to the continent. Thanks to its geographical position and key actors such as Iberdrola (which already supplies more than 10 TWH to large technology and data centers), the country advances towards sustainable digital leadership.
In that line, Iberdrola has created CPD4Green, a company aimed at promoting sustainable data centers. It currently has 700 MW insured in Spain and a potential portfolio of additional 5,000 MWs. Aldeatejada is today the best example of Iberdrola’s commitment to innovation. A firm commitment to the future, the progress and competitiveness of Castilla y León … and, above all, a great opportunity for Salamanca.