Generalitat Valenciana: Founding Partner and Champion of AI Excellence

A strategic partnership driving Valencia’s future

The Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Government) maintains steadfast commitment to ELLIS Alicante—Spain’s first and Southern Europe’s pioneering member of the prestigious ELLIS European research network. Through sustained annual investment, this ongoing partnership positions the Valencian Region at the forefront of Europe’s artificial intelligence revolution.

Coordinated through the Valencian Regional Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, this collaboration represents government leadership at its finest: strategic investment in cutting-edge research, commitment to attracting global talent, and dedication to building economic prosperity through scientific excellence.

Project goals

Regional economic development

Attracting Global Talent and Investment By establishing ELLIS Alicante, the Generalitat created a magnet for the world’s brightest AI researchers, innovative companies, and international partnerships—transforming Alicante into a global AI hub attracting talent and investment from around the world.

Fostering Innovation Ecosystem World-class AI research catalyzes broader innovation, spawning startups, attracting tech companies, and creating high-value employment opportunities for Valencian citizens.

Positioning Valencia as Europe’s AI Capital Strategic investment in cutting-edge research ensures the Valencian Region is recognized globally as a leader in responsible artificial intelligence—prestige benefiting tourism, business, and international relations.

Scientific excellence and social impact

Human-Centric AI Research ELLIS Alicante’s mission—enabled by the Generalitat—ensures AI serves people, respects rights, and contributes to societal well-being. This human-first approach distinguishes the Valencian Region as a champion of ethical technology.

Addressing Societal Challenges Research funded by the Generalitat tackles real problems: making AI systems fairer, protecting privacy, combating misinformation, ensuring technology accessibility, and studying AI’s societal impact.

Building European AI Sovereignty By supporting Spanish and European AI research, the Generalitat helps ensure Europe isn’t dependent on foreign tech giants, keeping critical technology development within European democratic control.

Impact achievements

Scientific excellence

100+ Publications in Premier Venues Researchers supported by the Generalitat have published groundbreaking work in the world’s most prestigious AI conferences and journals, cited thousands of times internationally.

Award-Winning Research Multiple best paper awards, prizes, and international recognition—each bringing prestige to the Valencian Region.

European Project Leadership ELLIS Alicante’s participation in €38+ million in EU research projects showcases the region’s scientific credibility and brings substantial funding to Valencia.

Real-world applications

COVID-19 Pandemic Response During the pandemic, ELLIS Alicante researchers developed models to understand disease spread and human behavior—work featured in international media including WIRED.

Influencing AI Policy Research from ELLIS Alicante contributes to European AI regulations and Spanish labor law discussions—ensuring Valencian perspectives shape rules governing AI globally.

Training Future Leaders Over 20 PhD students and numerous postdoctoral researchers have received world-class training, many staying in the region to launch careers, found companies, and train the next generation.

Return on investment

The Generalitat’s investment has generated:

✓ Spain’s premier AI research institute and Southern Europe’s leading human-centric AI center ✓ €38+ million in additional funding attracted from European and private sources ✓ 11+ doctoral researchers trained to world-class standards, many remaining in Valencia ✓ 100+ scientific publications in top international venues elevating Valencia’s global reputation ✓ A thriving innovation ecosystem attracting technology companies, startups, and global investors ✓ International recognition positioning Valencia as Europe’s hub for ethical AI research

A model of strategic government investment

The Generalitat’s sustained annual investment demonstrates deep understanding that building world-class research capacity requires commitment over many years—dedication to the Valencian Region’s long-term prosperity and international competitiveness.

Exceptional return on investment

The Generalitat’s substantial annual funding has catalyzed over €38 million in additional European and private funding—a 25x multiplier effect demonstrating how smart public investment attracts substantial external resources to the region.

Aligning technology with values

Supporting human-centric AI research ensures technology developed in Valencia prioritizes European values of human rights, transparency, and democratic principles—creating innovation the world can trust and respect.

Partnership built on shared values

The Generalitat Valenciana and ELLIS Alicante share fundamental commitments:

People First — Technology should serve citizens, not the other way around Excellence — Supporting world-class research attracts global talent and prestige Long-term Vision — Building capacity requires patience and sustained investment Democratic Values — AI development must respect rights, transparency, and accountability Regional Pride — Valencia can compete with any region globally in innovation and research

Selected Publications Enabled by Generalitat Support:

The Generalitat Valenciana’s creation and sustained support of ELLIS Alicante represents government leadership at its finest: bold vision, strategic investment, and unwavering commitment to building a future where technology serves humanity.