- Spain
Association of Applied Knowledge and Technology Industries (GAIA)
GAIA’s mission is to boost the development and growth in the Engineering, Consulting, Electronics-IT and Telecommunications sectors, and to favour the assimilation and efficient usage of the sector’s technologies, with the aim of collaborating in the development of the Information and Knowledge Society. Also, it is a regional Cluster and it promotes the networking with the key stakeholders within the Basque Country, and policy and ICT Deployment to the industry within the region. Currently, there are 12 people working in GAIA in two locations, San Sebastian and Bilbao.
GAIA represents the ICTA sector (Knowledge and applied technologies industries) which constitutes a competitive advantage to accelerate the transformation of companies, territory and society with the aim of positioning Basque Country in the New Economy. Some figures of what GAIA represents are: a) 304 company members of the cluster; b) More than 21.000 employees in the sector; c) Turnover of €5.530 million, d) 2250 million euro in exports and e) 145 millions € invested in R&D. The ICTA sector companies create, develop and offer Advanced Solutions for all sectors: Industry, Services, Public Administration and Society.
GAIA offers a big range of services to member companies: a) Strategic guidance: people, organization, processes, products, services, and business models; b) Support to development of Inter-Business Alliances; c) Support to Research Collaborative Projects, Development, and Innovation and d) Relevant information for the sector, and juncture information.
GAIA is carrying out several projects related to AI with the aim of promoting better interaction between humanmachine-data in manufacturing frameworks. A methodology is being defined that helps industrial companies move towards new manufacturing frameworks with a more human approach and using AI. This methodology encompasses new tools for the design of new automated work environments such as analysis, diagnosis, action plans or performance indicators, among others. This methodology will provide information on the needs that companies typically face and will help identify the main soft and hard skills that people should acquire in their new work environments.
There are four main technologies identified as enabling in the Basque Country since they will support the development of the industry, society and the territory towards the so-called “new economy”. These are IoT, cybersecurity, visual intelligence and AI. In this sense, within GAIA there is a group of companies that work on each of the aforementioned technologies, collaborating to find opportunities and promote new solutions and services together. One of the main concerns of all these groups is the difficulty in finding people with the necessary skills and companies are eager to collaborate with VET centres to train and create suitable talent with qualified labor.
Experts
Tomás Iriondo
Project Manager
Tomás Iriondo holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of the Basque Country, a master’s in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Deusto, and a PhD from Mondragon University. As General Manager of GAIA, he has led numerous sectorial strategic plans and collaborative projects. A recognized expert in science, technology, and the information society, Tomás has been instrumental in promoting GAIA Living Labs and technological platforms, fostering collaboration within and beyond the Basque Country. His leadership strengthens the GenAISA project’s innovative endeavors.
Cristina Murillo
Senior Expert
Cristina Murillo holds a degree in Business and Economic Sciences from the University of the Basque Country and multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in System Development in Internet Environments, a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Open Innovation, and a PhD from Mondragon University. As Cluster Services Manager at GAIA, she brings extensive experience in European projects, technical consulting, and platform development. Cristina’s expertise in ICT validation and e-Life software management contributes significantly to the GenAISA project’s technical and strategic goals.
Jon Mitxelena
Senior Researcher
Jon Mitxelena holds degrees in Business Administration from Deusto Business School, Computer Engineering from Universidad de Deusto, and a master’s in International Trade from the University of the Basque Country. As a Senior Researcher at GAIA, he specializes in promoting and coordinating collaborative technological projects, with a focus on cybersecurity and smart city innovations. Jon’s expertise includes leading inter-regional and international projects and fostering partnerships in Smart City and Electronics domains, enhancing GenAISA’s global outreach and impact.
Daniel Aguirre
Senior Researcher
Daniel Aguirre holds a degree in Mathematics from the National Distance Education University (UNED) and a master degree in Cybersecurity by the International University of La Rioja (UNIR). Highly skilled professional with a strong academic background in mathematics and cybersecurity, driven by a passion for technological innovation and critical system protection. Experienced in managing R&D&I projects, advanced cryptography, and developing cybersecurity solutions, including encryption algorithms and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP).
Cristina Urtiaga
Administrative Personnel
Cristina Urtiaga is a member of the Services Team at GAIA with extensive experience in promoting, coordinating, and managing technology development projects across various sectors. Her responsibilities include overseeing pilot projects for ICT implementation, stakeholder communication, and organizing events for GAIA members. Cristina also manages international scholarship programs and contributes to the design of promotional and communication tools, playing a key role in supporting GenAISA’s operational and outreach efforts.
