More than 300 cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology professionals have gathered at the Kursaal Exhibition and Congress Center in Donostia to participate in the first edition of CYBERFRONT, a forum that aims to establish the Basque capital as a European reference in this sector. The event was inaugurated by Iñigo Olaizola, Managing Director of Fomento de San Sebastián, along with Elixabete García, Director of Digital Transformation of the Basque Government, and María Penilla, General Director of ZIUR.
With nearly 30 scheduled presentations, the event has featured the participation of prominent international experts. Interventions like those of Elena García, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, and criminologist María Aperador have addressed key topics such as trust in artificial intelligence and new digital threats. Additionally, Asier Basterretxea presented CyberEUS, the first operational node of the future Spanish cybersecurity Hub Network, aimed at facilitating secure exchange of critical information through a Data Demonstrator Center.
Xabier Mitxelena, president of the Basque and Spanish cybersecurity business associations, highlighted the importance of new technological leadership in Europe. According to him, the Basque Country has the talent and resources necessary to become a central axis in this field. The event not only aims to connect talent, investment, and technology, but also to attract national and international support.
In a panel focused on entrepreneurship in cybersecurity, participants agreed that this sector is fundamental for building a strong industry. Marisa Arriola, director of BIC Gipuzkoa, highlighted how interest in cybersecurity has grown in the region over the last decade, emphasizing the need to identify and support local initiatives. Ainhoa Aldasoro, from Fomento de San Sebastián, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration to promote a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Pedro Muñoz Baroja, from Easo Ventures, discussed the need for a stronger investment sector for technological projects to be effectively developed.
The event will also offer a program open to young and entrepreneurial public on November 18th at the Anoeta stadium, featuring motivational talks and practical workshops on computer security. This initiative, framed in WEEKINN and supported by the GAIA Cluster and CyberEUS, is supported by various institutions and companies, including Más Orange and Mastercard, and aims to position the Basque Country as a secure and competitive space for strategic digital projects.
via: MiMub in Spanish
