Madrid Opens Its Data Center to Drive Urban Innovation and Digital Collaboration

Madrid has inaugurated its Center of Excellence and Data Office (CEOD), a new workspace located at the School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSIT) of the Polytechnic University of Madrid. This center will drive data-based projects to improve the city and advance toward more efficient, sustainable, and people-oriented management.

The event was attended by the Madrid City Council, ETSIT, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), along with representatives from the Ministry for Digital Transformation and companies and organizations from the city’s digital ecosystem.

During the presentation, Fernando Álvarez, deputy director of the City Council’s Digital Office, highlighted the potential of the new center:

“It’s a great opportunity to leverage public and private data at a time when Europe is committed to a new generation of smart cities. We want to move forward with other local entities, companies, and the academic world. This data space is based on collaboration.”

From FEMP, Jaime Carnicero, general director of Organization and Resources, emphasized the importance of institutional commitment:

“EDINT is built on three strengths: public-private collaboration, trust and control of data, and the Federation’s commitment to this transformation. Data is the raw material of public innovation and will enable the creation of solutions that improve citizens’ lives.”

Key Areas for Improving the City

The CEOD will help develop data-based projects in three strategic areas:

  • Smart mobility: sustainable transport and efficient urban planning.

  • Resource and public service management: optimization of energy, water, and municipal facilities.

  • Local competitiveness: support for businesses and promotion of skilled employment.

In addition to the work of local entities, 36 private companies are already part of the ecosystem, contributing technology, knowledge, and new solutions for the city.

A Space Connecting Universities, Government, and Business

ETSIT plays a fundamental role in this initiative. Its deputy director of Economic Affairs, Álvaro Araujo, responsible for the CEOD, highlighted the opportunity this new environment represents:

“This center will allow us to move toward a more sustainable and efficient environment, and strengthen collaboration between university and business, driving knowledge transfer.”

The event concluded with the roundtable “Companies at the Service of Urban Data,” with participation from Ferrovial, Mercamadrid, Alsa, Prezero, and T-Systems, moderated by Pablo Bárcenas, deputy director of Smart Territories at FEMP.

Inauguration Calendar

  • Tuesday, November 25: CEOD Jerez opening

  • Tuesday, December 16: CEOD opening Santander

Full Agenda