ENAIBLER AI Context Analysis: Focus on Donostia-San Sebastián

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Donostia-San Sebastián is experiencing rapid growth in AI research and development, driven by the high demand for AI services

27 November 2024 - ENAIBLER project

As part of the ERNACT led and Interreg Europe funded ENAIBLER project, partners have been working on an analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) in different regions. For Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country (Spain), the report highlights key areas where AI can grow and benefit the community.

The city is experiencing rapid growth in AI research and development, driven by the high demand for AI services, particularly from the Basque industrial sector. This growth is further bolstered by the local concentration of AI players and their strong collaboration, fostering the advancement of this technology. Local universities, research centers, and businesses are at the forefront of this transformation, supported by national and regional strategies aimed at promoting AI adoption in both public and private sectors.

Leading Institutions in AI
Universities like the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) and Deusto University are at the forefront of AI research. They offer programs in AI and computational engineering, focusing on topics like machine learning and natural language processing. Vicomtech, a research centre in Donostia-San Sebastián, plays a big role too, working on AI projects in areas like computer vision and data intelligence.

AI in Industry
The Basque Country's strong industrial base is key to the AI solutions developed in Donostia-San Sebastián. Industrial companies in the region are actively seeking solutions for predictive maintenance, supply chain management, and defect detection, among other needs. Local AI companies in the city are responding by developing these and other advanced solutions. More than 66% of these businesses are involved in machine learning projects, with nearly half specializing in deep learning to meet manufacturing needs. However, AI solutions developed in the city take a broader approach, with many companies also creating innovations for sectors such as healthcare or audiovisuals.

Support and Investment
Local government funding supports AI growth in the region, with about 27% of new AI company investments coming from public aid. The Basque Artificial Intelligence Center (BAIC), created in 2021, helps push AI adoption across industries. Programs like the SPRI Applied Intelligence Program also provide financial backing for AI projects. Donostia-San Sebastián is fostering a robust AI ecosystem that integrates academic, research, institutional, and service-sector efforts among others. This ecosystem thrives on the strong connections and collaboration among its diverse stakeholders, driving innovation across various fields. As these initiatives grow, AI will become an even bigger part of the city’s economy and society.

Click here to email Maixa Zabaleta at ERNACT for further information

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