The fourth edition of the Iberian Industrial and Technological Pole’s benchmark industrial and technological fair kicked off in Vigo on Tuesday 17 June. Here we bring you a summary of everything that happened on the first day of the Iberian Pole’s benchmark industrial fair.
This marked the start of the leading forum for the industrial and technological sector of the Iberian Pole, which from today until Thursday will attract more than 200 exhibitors, 90 speakers, 20 leading conferences, hundreds of B2B meetings and more than 10,000 visitors from all the sector’s leading industries, including the automotive, aerospace, machinery, security and defence, metal structures, renewable energies, new technologies, supplies, engineering and much more.
On an international level, it will be attended by companies from more than 15 countries: Argentina, Qatar, Colombia, South Korea, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, France, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay and Singapore; and the outstanding presence of Mexico, which is the guest country of this edition.
Opening ceremony
This morning, at 11.30 a.m., institutional authorities from Galicia and the international scene took part in the official opening of the Metal Industry and Technologies International Trade Fair (Mindtech).
During the opening ceremony, which began with a special and exciting musical performance by Abraham Cupeiro, representatives from the fair and its collaborating institutions highlighted the importance of this event as an international showcase for the industry.
Enrique M. Mallón, Managing Director of Mindtech, welcomed the authorities and thanked them for their close collaboration and support of the fair, as well as the presence of all the international companies, visitors, collaborators, and attendees.
In this regard, Justo Sierra, President of Mindtech, highlighted that Mindtech was born in 2019 as a result of a demand from the sector itself, which was demanding a meeting of this nature within the context of the Iberian Pole.
“Today, six years later, with more than 200 exhibitors and more than 10,000 visitors expected, Mindtech has already established itself as a hub for industrial business between Europe, Africa and the Atlantic countries.“This is the leading trade show for taking the pulse of a sector that is moving, more than ever, toward digital disruption, process automation, and sustainability.” Sierra also emphasized that “Mindtech strengthens its position as an international showcase for the Iberian Pole, with 15 delegations from different countries in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, with a special focus on Mexico, our guest country.”We have before us an exceptional opportunity to boost the sector internationally, a showcase to demonstrate that the industry is the future and the key to economic prosperity. and social in a globalized world like today’s,” Sierra concluded.
Gabriel González, General Commercial Director of Abanca, emphasized the company’s commitment to Mindtech’s values, which include the need for transformation, ambition, and innovation. “The best example is Abanca Innova, a collaborative and open space where we foster innovation and development. We want to once again reach out to this leading sector, being a reliable and predictable financial partner, especially in small and medium-sized businesses, where our company accounts for nearly 50% of their business volume.”
Mª Luísa Sánchez, Vice President of the Pontevedra Provincial Council, emphasized: “We are supporting this strategic event once again this year to demonstrate the full potential we have at the Iberian Pole. We have a strategic geographic location as a gateway to Europe, with a pioneering and specialized industrial sector. The challenges include recruiting qualified personnel, implementing technologies, and the high cost of energy, but we are optimistic because we are a leader in northwestern Spain and internationally.”
David Regades, State Delegate at the Vigo Free Trade Zone Consortium, stated: “At CZFV, we were clear from the outset about the importance of this fair. The muscle of the industry of the future comes together here, a key meeting point. It’s an international project that will attract value-added business to our region, which is understood in a Europe that needs us more than ever.” He also singled out the security and defense industry, which has a strong presence at this edition of Mindtech, “as a key vector for the future of Europe.”
José González, Regional Minister of Employment, Trade, and Emigration at the Galician Regional Government, emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation and also public-private partnerships. One of the major challenges in many regions across Europe is the shortage of skilled workers. We collaborate particularly with Latin American countries in this regard to attract talent in a secure and organized manner.
Quirino Ordaz, Mexico’s Ambassador to Spain, personally visited the fair to mark the special milestone of being the guest country at this edition of Mindtech. In his welcoming remarks, he expressed his appreciation for the invitation as guest country. “Mexico is particularly honored to be the guest country, with a very strong delegation ready to seek business and opportunities at this landmark fair, now in its fourth edition. We want to encourage investment in Mexico and also bring it to Galicia.”
Abel Caballero, Mayor of Vigo, closed the opening ceremony by emphasizing that “Mindtech brings together the pillars of the industry with new technologies, with cross-synergies that drive growth, with a new vision of modernity. AI, cybersecurity…we will continue promoting strategic technologies like a microchip factory here in Vigo. This is the central hub of technology and the global economy, from here, to the world.”
Following the opening ceremony, the authorities inaugurated the fair with the traditional ribbon-cutting and toured the exhibition space, which this year features more than 200 exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of products and solutions.
Tecnolóxicas Forum, highlighting the role of women in the industry
The Tecnolóxicas Forum demonstrated, once again this year, that the industry also has a woman’s name. During the meeting, prominent representatives from Siemens, Indra, and ABB focused on current topics such as artificial intelligence, the European air combat system (FCAS), and the future of technology and the value that women can contribute.
Martina Oanes, Sales Director for Channel Partners at Siemens, explained: “In recent years, we have witnessed the exceptional arrival of new tools such as the Digital Twin, the Industrial Metaverse, and generative Artificial Intelligence. Thanks to these tools, along with data analysis, we can improve operational efficiency, product customization, and sustainability. In fact, the amount of data generated in a typical month in a factory is approximately 2,200 terabytes, which is equivalent to the data volume of 500,000 movies on an online streaming platform.”
Regarding the role of women, she added that “in addition to the non-negotiable commitment to technology, digital transformation must be increasingly inclusive of female talent. At Siemens, we introduce our technologies to girls from a very early age through various projects that encourage them to pursue STEM careers.”
María López-Chaves, Secure Digital Infrastructure Engineer at Indra, explained the future European air combat system, FCAS, and how it is helping to position Spain at the forefront of the defense industry: “As a young industrial engineer working for a leading technology and defense company, being able to participate in Mindtech’s Tecnolóxicas Forum is a real opportunity. It offers visibility to women working in the industrial sector and demonstrates that we are already present in cutting-edge positions, with the ambition to continue advancing and taking on new challenges.”
Finally, Silvia Muriel, Country Finance Manager at ABB Spain, discussed the importance of equality in the technology industry: “The diversity and inclusion in our company have increased our profitability. These are levers that must be supported, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s a safe bet.”
Offshore wind networking
Pablo Fernández, General Director of Energy Planning and Mines at the Xunta de Galicia, welcomed the meeting with the value chain, which included Carla Chawla, Managing Director of Fene at Navantia Seanergies; Pablo Alcón, Offshore Director Iberia at Qair; Antonio Barbosa, CEO at GRI Renewable Industries; and Francisco Royano, Representative at Super Cluster Atlantic Wind (SAW).
Together they addressed the challenges of this industry’s value chain, which is poised to revolutionize renewable energy, especially in Southern Europe and notably in Galicia, one of the regions with the greatest offshore wind resources. For the definitive deployment of this industry in Spain, the leading companies present at the event called for accelerated auctions and project awards. Meanwhile, the Galician industry is already exporting its innovation to the world, with three of the five floating offshore wind farms in Europe using Galician technology and infrastructure.
Highlights of the fair
The fair’s agenda continues tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Pazo los Escudos Hotel. The first day of the fair will conclude with the traditional gala dinner, where the Mindtech Awards will be presented to four companies distinguished for their work in areas such as innovation, sustainability, industry collaboration, and artificial intelligence.
The Startup Arena will once again showcase the technologies and business models of the future, and tomorrow will see a competition between the most innovative startups, who will present their solutions to potential investors at the heart of the Mindtech fair.
More than half of the exhibitors come from other regions or countries, reinforcing the strength of this fair in the Iberian Pole and at an international level. Mindtech will also offer various spaces, events and meetings to foster industrial business.
Likewise, the latest international developments and trends will be addressed at the Mindtech International Conference and at thematic sessions, featuring renowned international leaders who will discuss topics such as security and defense, automotive, aerospace, automation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and attracting professionals to the sector.
