Transforming the Iberian region into a European benchmark for quantum technologies and artificial intelligence is the goal of Quantum IberIA, a cross-border cooperation project co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal Programme (POCTEP) 2021–2027. The initiative, which brings together FEUGA and 16 other organizations from Spain and Portugal, aims to promote research, innovation, knowledge transfer, and the attraction and retention of talent in these strategic fields.

Led by the Galician Innovation Agency (GAIN), Quantum IberIA will foster collaboration among universities, technology centers, public administrations, and businesses to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communications, and artificial intelligence. To achieve this, the project will encourage the shared use of cutting-edge scientific and technological infrastructures, including supercomputers, quantum networks, and advanced AI platforms.

The initiative will also promote technology transfer to industry through the development of demonstrators and other actions designed to facilitate the adoption of these solutions by companies and public-sector organizations. In addition, it will contribute to attracting and retaining specialized talent and to developing advanced natural language processing tools tailored to the linguistic and cultural realities of the participating territories.

Quantum IberIA brings together organizations from Galicia, Portugal, Castile and León, Extremadura, and Andalusia. The project has a total budget of €8.9 million and will run until the end of 2028. Of this amount, nearly €4.9 million is allocated to Galician entities, highlighting Galicia’s significant role within this cross-border consortium.

A Strategic Alliance to Accelerate the Development of AI and Quantum Technologies in Galicia

Quantum IberIA further strengthens Galicia’s position as one of the leading hubs for technological development in Southern Europe. The region leads the project through GAIN and receives more than half of the consortium’s funding, reflecting the strength of its scientific and technological ecosystem.

During the official presentation, GAIN Director Carmen Cotelo emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, which forms part of the Galician Government’s commitment to quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. The project aligns with the Galician Quantum Technologies Strategy and complements other key investments in the field, including the future European AI Factory 1HealthAI, new infrastructures at CESGA, the European Innovation Valley for Quantum Technologies, and several research and innovation support programs planned by the regional government.

Furthermore, Quantum IberIA will strengthen international cooperation capabilities and enhance connections between research institutions, businesses, and public administrations, consolidating Galicia’s role as a driving force in the digital transformation based on emerging technologies.

Santiago Brings Together the Scientific and Institutional Ecosystem for the Launch of Quantum IberIA

The project was officially presented on May 29 in Santiago de Compostela during an event organized by the Galician Innovation Agency. The gathering brought together institutional representatives, experts, partner organizations, and members of the scientific and technological community.

The opening session featured María del Carmen Hernández, Deputy Director-General for European Territorial Cooperation at Spain’s Ministry of Finance; Delia Bonsignore, Interreg Programme Manager at the European Commission; and Carmen Cotelo Queijo, Director of GAIN.

During the event, participants outlined the objectives and strategic vision of Quantum IberIA. Notable contributions included presentations by Senén Barro Ameneiro (USC) and Andrés Gómez (CESGA), who discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. The project’s technical framework was presented by representatives of the organizations participating in the consortium.

Following the launch event, project partners held a working meeting to advance the coordination of activities and strengthen collaboration among participating organizations over the coming years.

FEUGA Leads the Project’s Communication and Visibility Strategy

As a member of the consortium, FEUGA is leading the project’s visibility, transparency, and communication activities, with the aim of generating a sustained medium- and long-term impact that helps strengthen public trust, responsibility, and engagement with quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.

To this end, in collaboration with the other partners, FEUGA will implement a communication and outreach plan designed to identify synergies and develop a coordinated strategy that promotes citizen involvement in understanding and adopting these emerging technologies.