Navarra has, specifically, a space equipped with state-of-the-art technological equipment valued at 5 million euros designed to support the private sector and citizens in their digital transformation processes. In this sense, this experimentation and testing centre allows anyone to train in new technologies and test their operation before deciding to purchase them. Thanks to this competitive advantage, the region is positioned as a ‘national and European benchmark in innovation, quality employment and sustainable development’.
In addition, the IRIS Navarra Digital Innovation Pole, located on the Pamplona campus of the Public University of Navarra (UPNA), will bring together, from 2025, cutting-edge laboratories such as molecular biology and synthetic biology, a digital laboratory, a virtual production laboratory, a multi-purpose room for technical training, as well as several meeting rooms. Its managers also confirmed that a 5G mobile connectivity network is being installed in the Zubiri telecommunications centre, as well as a mobile device to enable 5G testing throughout Navarre.
The project, on the other hand, is completed with nodes in other key locations. For example, Dinabide, in Irurtzun, specialises in additive manufacturing and 3D printing; the public company NASERTIC offers computing infrastructure for R&D&I agents and companies throughout the region; INTIA deploys virtual fencing collars and positioning and telemetry equipment to efficiently manage rural areas. For its part, the University of Navarra is incorporating a pioneering mass spectrometer, while the University Hospital of Navarra is integrating digital twin technology as part of its decarbonisation plan.
On the other hand, the President of IRIS Navarra and Regional Councillor for University, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Patricia Fanlo, valued the progress made in the decentralisation of innovation, such as the opening of a new space in the Agri-Food City of Tudela, designed to meet the needs of the Ribera region.
Meanwhile, the vice-president of the Pole and Navarre’s Minister of Industry and Ecological and Digital Business Transition, Mikel Irujo, stressed that ‘the Digital Innovation Pole was created with the aim of becoming the one-stop shop for digitalisation in Navarre and offering companies services and equipment to move towards Industry 4.0. In addition, another of the objectives will be to turn the region into a benchmark in synthetic biology’, he insisted.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ICT SECTOR IN NAVARRA
As reflected in our ‘Strategic Sectors’ section, the ICT sector in Navarre is made up of around 200 companies that employ 3,500 people and have a turnover of around 280 million euros, with a constant search for innovation. Its activities include the automation of production processes, followed by cybersecurity and the management of infrastructures and systems.
Despite being a relatively young sector, as the vast majority of the companies in it have been set up in the last 20 years, it has experienced significant growth due to the sophisticated demand from local and multinational companies in the renewable energy, health, food, automotive and public sectors in our region. The ICT sector has been of vital importance in the development of Smart Grids for renewable energy and in sensor networks for applications in the Agro or E-health sector. More information on the following link.
Source: navarra.es