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Aldeatejada, the technological innovation centre in Salamanca driven by Iberdrola España: nearly 300 million euros and over 2,850 jobs
- The Technological Innovation Centre, driven by Iberdrola España and IBM in 2008 and currently operated by Viewnext, an IBM subsidiary, has turned the municipality of Salamanca into a benchmark for economic growth, qualified employment, and digital innovation.
- The Cenit model has generated a powerful driving effect in the province of Salamanca: since its inception, new technological companies like Indra, UST Global, or NTT Data have settled in the region, generating synergies with local universities, boosting initiatives such as Salamanca Tech, hackathons, research chairs, and vocational training programmes.
- Aldeatejada is the best example of Iberdrola España's firm commitment to innovation and represents a real investment in the future, progress, and competitiveness of the economy of Castilla y León. Above all, it represents a great opportunity for Salamanca
The Director of Innovation, Environment, and Quality of Iberdrola España, Agustín Delgado, accompanied by the Regional Minister of Industry, Trade, and Employment of the Junta de Castilla y León, Leticia García; the Mayor of Aldeatejada, Enrique Manuel García; the General Director of Viewnext, Jorge Jiménez; and the Rector of the University of Salamanca, Juan Manuel Corchado
Aldeatejada has become one of the leading technological hubs of Castilla y León thanks to the sustained impact of the Technological Innovation Centre (Cenit), a pioneering facility inaugurated by Iberdrola España in 2008 in collaboration with IBM. With an accumulated investment close to 300 million euros and the creation of more than 1,000 direct jobs and 1,850 indirect jobs, Aldeatejada stands as a success story in attracting technological talent, public-private collaboration, and the revitalisation of the regional economy.
The innovation centre and the data centre located in the town of Aldeatejada have been operated over the years by strategic players such as INSA and, currently, Viewnext, an IBM subsidiary. This site has experienced notable evolution in technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence, cloud services, cybersecurity, automation, digital experience, and business solutions, becoming a key pillar of the digital transformation of Iberdrola España and other international companies.
The Director of Innovation, Environment, and Quality of Iberdrola España, Agustín Delgado, presented this innovation success model in the town of Aldeatejada this morning, accompanied by the Regional Minister of Industry, Trade, and Employment of the Junta de Castilla y León, Leticia García; the Mayor of Aldeatejada, Enrique Manuel García; the General Director of Viewnext, Jorge Jiménez; and the Rector of the University of Salamanca, Juan Manuel Corchado.
The Cenit model, driven by Iberdrola España and supported by the Junta de Castilla y León and the University of Salamanca (USAL), has generated a powerful driving effect in the province of Salamanca: since 2008, new technological companies like Indra, UST Global, or NTT Data have settled in the region, creating synergies with local universities—USAL and the Pontifical University of Salamanca—boosting initiatives such as Salamanca Tech, hackathons, research chairs (ViewNext-USAL Chair), and vocational training programmes with six centres, as well as the Women and Technology programme.
For all these reasons, the Technological Innovation Centre of Aldeatejada was awarded the Computing Award in 2008, and since then, it has continued to develop with new expansions and collaborations with key players in the digital sector.
Social and Economic Impact in Salamanca
Since the inauguration of the centre, the population of Aldeatejada has experienced significant growth, doubling from 1,192 inhabitants in 2008 to more than 2,500 today. This increase has positioned the municipality in third place in terms of gross per capita income in the province of Salamanca, with a significant improvement in the wage inequality index (Gini Index), which has decreased from 31 to 27 points.
Economic dynamism is also reflected in the creation of businesses: Aldeatejada has recorded a sustained annual growth of 3.3% in the number of businesses since 2012, in contrast to a negative average of -0.8% for the province as a whole.
Furthermore, the increase in business activity and population, along with the retention of young talent and the creation of new jobs, has led to investments in municipal infrastructure, such as a swimming pool, a charging point, and a sports hall.
A Social and Cultural Model Replicable in Spain with International Projection
The case of Aldeatejada demonstrates that sustained investment in digital infrastructure, together with strategic alliances between large companies, public administrations, and the education system, generates tangible benefits for the territory. This project by Iberdrola España has transformed the town into an inclusive, resilient innovation ecosystem with international projection.
Noteworthy collaborations include working with schools to spark technological vocations at an early age, Start Up Ole, one of the largest technology fairs on entrepreneurship and innovation held in the capital of Salamanca, and a commitment to the environment through the Viewnext Forest initiative and the planting of 3,000 native trees in Aldeatejada.
Spain, the Gateway for Global Data to the Continent
Spain has significant potential in Europe for the development of data centres, due to its strategic geographical location, which has consolidated it as the gateway for global data to the continent.
Iberdrola España is currently a leader in this market, selling over 10 terawatt-hours (TWh) to technology companies and data centre operators worldwide.
In addition, it has recently established CPD4Green, a company that enhances its assets, capacity, and experience to facilitate the development of sustainable data centres. CPD4Green has secured more than 700 megawatts (MW) in Spain and has a potential portfolio of an additional 5,000 MW.
Aldeatejada represents the best example of Iberdrola España's firm commitment to innovation and is a real investment in the future, progress, and competitiveness of the economy of Castilla y León. Above all, it is a great opportunity for Salamanca.
