Upcoming Trade Shows Barcelona, Spain for IT & Technology

Barcelona’s IT & technology industry continues to rise as a key player in Europe’s broad digital economy, with significant advancements in both artificial intelligence and data infrastructure. Catalonia’s recent integration into the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) network further fuels the region’s growing influence in AI research and innovation. At the same time, the US multinational Equinix has expanded its data centre presence in Barcelona. Catalonia’s inclusion in the ELLIS network represents a major milestone for the region's AI sector. The new Barcelona ELLIS unit will bring together top-tier AI researchers from across Europe, establishing Catalonia as a leader in AI innovation and interdisciplinary research. The collaboration is expected to drive forward AI research, creating synergies between academic institutions and industries at both regional and European levels. This initiative aligns with the broader Catalonia.AI strategy, which aims to position the region as a global powerhouse in AI. Coordinated by the Computer Vision Center (CVC), the AI Research Alliance (AIRA) plays a central role in promoting AI development across sectors. The ELLIS unit in Barcelona will further enhance the region’s ability to attract and retain top talent in AI. In parallel to AI advancements, Barcelona’s IT & technology industry welcomed Equinix’s latest data centre. The US multinational has invested €52 million in its BA2 International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centre, located next to its existing BA1 facility. This expansion forms a digital campus that will connect crucial submarine cables arriving in Catalonia, significantly boosting the city's digital capacity. The new data centre will provide essential infrastructure for local businesses while also attracting international companies seeking to leverage Barcelona's position as a gateway for data transfer between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The facility enhances the city's reputation as a critical node in global digital communications.