Yesterday, the ITACA Institute–UPV held the twelfth edition of the Workshop on Innovation in Information and Communication Technologies (WIICT), an event that underscored the research potential of the center and its strategic role in knowledge transfer.
The day began with an institutional presentation delivered by Salvador Coll, Vice-Rector for Innovation at UPV; Antonio Martínez-Millana, Deputy Director of ITACA and head of the organizing committee; María Guillem, Director of ITACA; and Carlos Fernández Llatas, researcher at the Institute and head of the scientific committee.
All speakers reflected on the impact of the digital technologies developed at the Institute and their contribution to social transformation. During their speeches, they highlighted the importance of applied research as a driver of innovation, as well as its effect on social development and well-being.
“ITACA is currently the leading center at UPV in terms of collaborative projects with private companies, positioning itself as a benchmark in knowledge transfer and university-business collaboration”, emphasized María S. Guillem.
Looking to the future: Quantum Computing and Applied Research
The first part of WIICT featured a keynote lecture by Professor Carmina G. Almudéver, an expert in quantum computing, who delivered a talk titled “A Systematic Vision of Quantum Computing.”
She explored the current challenges and opportunities of this disruptive technology, with applications in areas such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and materials simulation. Her presentation generated significant interest among attendees due to its clarity and forward-looking perspective.
Following this, several ITACA researchers presented the latest advances of their respective work groups, emphasizing the real-world applicability of their research. The speakers, in order of appearance, were Juan M. García-Gómez (BDSLab), Juan Vicente Balbastre (SNA group), José Millet Roig (EP Analytics Lab), Sergio Morell Ortega (MIA Lab), Vicente Traver Salcedo (SABIEN group), and Andreu M. Climent (COR group).
Each of them explained how the research conducted at the Institute translates into concrete solutions for critical sectors such as healthcare, air navigation, medical diagnostics, and social well-being.
“These presentations provided a comprehensive view of the diversity and impact of the work carried out at ITACA,” stated Antonio Martínez-Millana, Deputy Director of the UPV research center.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the “Golden Minute”, during which researchers had less than 60 seconds to explain the impact of their work. This concise and direct format effectively conveyed the value of their research.
Artificial Intelligence and the WIICT2025 Awards
The second part of the event focused on artificial intelligence, featuring a lecture by Dr. Jordi Linares titled “AI That Transforms the World.”
In his presentation, he analyzed how this technology is revolutionizing strategic sectors and emphasized the importance of remaining at the forefront of its development, stating that “its potential is unstoppable and, in a short time, it will affect and transform multiple sectors”.
The event concluded with the WIICT2025 awards ceremony. The “Impact of Research Activity” (IAI) went to José Manuel Catalá, while the “Best Paper Award” went to Elena Doallo Cercós in recognition of the clarity and quality of her work.
Finally, María Guillem concluded the event with a message of gratitude for the Institute’s research team. She highlighted that the effort, creativity, and excellence of the ITACA groups have been fundamental in making the center a national benchmark in applied research, technological transfer, and university-business collaboration.