The technology industry highlights the value of shared data in Zamora for generating new opportunities
Last Wednesday, Z-Data Experience 2025 turned Zamora into the epicenter of sustainable data and applied artificial intelligence, bringing together professionals, companies, technology centers, and administrations at the Advisory Council of Castile and León to address the most relevant advances in data spaces and digital technologies. The event, organized by the Center for Specialization in Intelligent Data Spaces, a project coordinated by the AIR Institute and promoted by the Regional Government of Castile and León, highlighted the strategic role played by the region in the development of AI-based solutions and data sovereignty.
The institutional inauguration was led by Fernando De la Prieta, Rector's Delegate for Digital Transformation, University of Salamanca, and Carmen Losada, Head of Operations at AIR Institute, who highlighted the value of the new Specialization Center as a space for advanced training, applied research, and attracting technological talent to Zamora and Castile and León. As Javier Gonzalo recalled, the project is based on the creation of a data space that integrates cutting-edge technologies, training programs, innovation, and support for entrepreneurship with a clear objective: to consolidate Zamora as a benchmark in the data economy and in the promotion of deep tech projects. “It is essential to create environments such as this specialized center, where we work to ensure that data can be shared securely and reliably,” explained Javier.
Throughout the day, experts from different entities clearly addressed what a data space is and its importance for regional competitiveness. It was highlighted that these ecosystems allow companies, administrations, universities, and technology centers to share data securely while maintaining sovereignty, enabling new value chains and more efficient artificial intelligence. Along these lines, Aurora López, regional manager at Getronics, insisted that these spaces are essential for converting isolated data into shared assets and generating real economic opportunities.
The practical application of AI also played a leading role. In his presentation “AI First,” Antonio Ortiz, AI analyst and educator, analyzed how artificial intelligence is transforming work performance and emphasized the need to integrate human supervision into every process. Ignacio Leo Castela, Professor at the USAL Faculty of Law, explained the legal challenges that accompany this technology, from the legality of personal data processing to the application of the new European Artificial Intelligence Regulation, reminding us that data “is no longer a by-product but has become a regulated asset” that requires controls, best practices, and professional oversight.
The role of industry and technology centers was addressed in several round tables. Companies and technology centers such as GALEO, VIEWNEXT, Inetum, CTIC, Clúster SIVI, Cesefor, SCAYLE, Serbatic, Cobadú, MadisonMK, and Grupo Andrés shared real experiences on how shared data drives innovation. The round table focused on technology centers highlighted the work being done in Castile and León. As Lidia Alaejos, project manager and researcher at AIR Institute, pointed out, “data spaces are under construction, and we are the technology centers that drive their research and development; we are putting the region on the map, retaining talent, and placing ourselves at the forefront of technology.”
The international perspective was provided by Subhashis Das, a postdoctoral researcher at USAL with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship, who presented cases of AI use in healthcare and its impact on clinical efficiency. The conference also featured a presentation by Carlos Molina (MultiVersial), who offered a clear and critical reading of the AI strategies of large technology companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and OpenAI, analyzing their impact on the evolution of the sector.
Z-Data Experience 2025 closed with a common message: Castilla y León has the potential, resources, and talent necessary to lead the data economy. The Center for Specialization in Intelligent Data Space will continue to promote training, research, and support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem to consolidate Zamora as a territory of innovation and a benchmark in European digital development.