Indra Group and the University of Alcalá renew chair of research in AI applied to aeronautics and aerospace
Indra Group and the University of Alcalá (UAH) have taken a new step in their strategic collaboration by renewing the Chair in Artificial Intelligence in Aeronautics and Aerospace, an initiative that promotes research, technological development and specialised training in Artificial Intelligence applied to the aerospace sector.
The chair was created in 2024 with the aim of promoting R&D&I in high-potential areas, particularly those related to defence products, and promoting knowledge transfer between academia and industry. It is supported by a teaching and research team with extensive experience, as well as the scientific and technical infrastructure necessary to carry out its work.
Following the positive results of the seven lines of research launched, in this new phase, the Indra Group's Technology Innovation Centre will accelerate the cross-cutting transfer of knowledge and act as a catalyst for the analysis of high-potential technologies, transforming low-maturity research into integrated, functional prototypes ready for validation. Specifically, this work will be carried out by the new Advanced Research & Technology (R&T) Laboratory for Applied AI/IT at the Indra Group's Technology Innovation Centre.
This initiative reinforces the commitment of both entities to scientific and technological development in key areas for innovation and national security, as well as strengthening public-private collaboration, which is essential for the development of a strong national innovation ecosystem. It is an example of the Indra Group's Technology Innovation Centre's commitment to establishing an external network of expert collaborators. At the same time, it contributes to the training of highly qualified young talent and facilitates their incorporation into the company.
The chair is part of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (ENIA), an initiative to encourage research, promote academic and professional training in AI, disseminate knowledge of artificial intelligence in society and promote university-business collaboration. It is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union through Next Generation EU funds.
The chair renewal ceremony was attended by, among others, Haizea Gómez, head of the Advanced AI/IT Applied R&T Laboratory at the Indra Group's Technology Innovation Centre; the Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer at the University of Alcalá, Javier de la Mata; and the Director of the Chair of Artificial Intelligence in Aeronautics and Aerospace, Agustín Martínez Hellín.
This initiative reinforces the commitment of both entities to scientific and technological development in key areas for innovation and national security, as well as strengthening public-private collaboration, which is essential for the development of a strong national innovation ecosystem. It contributes to the construction of a solid and sustainable innovation ecosystem in the region, as well as to its economic and technological development. It is also an example of the Indra Group's Technology Innovation Centre's commitment to establishing an external network of expert collaborators. At the same time, it contributes to the training of highly qualified young talent and facilitates their incorporation into the company.
The university as a source of innovation and talent
The excellence and activity of the UAH's research groups, the affinity of its technical degrees with the projects developed by Indra Group and the proximity to several of the company's work centres have facilitated a great deal of joint activity between the two institutions for more than 20 years, including training programmes and work experience placements for university students.
The Indra Group is also the main employer of engineering professionals trained at the University of Alcalá. Indra frames this initiative within its commitment to innovation, the basis of its business and the cornerstone of its sustainability as a company. For the Indra Group, the university is an essential source of knowledge that allows it to maintain this commitment to innovation. This vision is reflected in the signing of agreements with more than 430 universities and academic institutions, as well as maintaining 16 active and 6 collaborative chairs at universities across the country, and agreements with 73 Spanish universities and 25 research centres. All this with the aim of becoming an international benchmark in the model of collaboration and technology transfer between universities and companies.
