Sener opens its 6th Innovation Forum in Barcelona with the participation of Jaume Baró, Secretary of Business and Competitiveness of the Generalitat of Catalunya

The engineering and technology group Sener inaugurated today, at Casa Milà in Barcelona, the sixth edition of its Innovation Forum, a benchmark event in Spain for analysing the latest technological trends and their applications in strategic sectors.

The opening ceremony was attended by Jaume Baró, Secretary of Business and Competitiveness of the Generalitat of Catalonia, who emphasized that “innovation is key to developing a competitive economy and tackling our major social challenges. Catalonia is very well positioned, with an ecosystem that brings together entrepreneurship, technology, research centres, prestigious universities, local talent and the ability to attract international talent, as well as a growing network of emerging companies that make us a genuine technology hub in southern Europe. In this regard, institutions such as ACCIÓ are essential to continue driving innovation.”

This year’s Forum brings together, over two days, executives, researchers, and experts from more than 20 leading companies, technological centres, and institutions in their respective fields, including Airbus Defence and Space, CSIC, ADIF, Alstom, Universitat Politècnica de València, Esade, Kapsch TrafficCom, and the European Space Agency, among others.

The program combines inspiring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and demonstrations in the TechShow area, aiming to reflect on major technological challenges in connected and sustainable mobility, defence and drones, decarbonisation and CO₂ management, artificial intelligence, OT cybersecurity, and data centres, among other areas.

During the opening, Sener’s President, Andrés Sendagorta, highlighted that “innovation has been one of Sener’s fundamental pillars since its founding almost 70 years ago. Our founders understood that technological innovation would be our strength and our distinctive value, and that spirit remains alive today thanks to the exceptional team of over 4,000 professionals who make up the company, covering more than 100 technical disciplines. In Barcelona, we have one of our largest production centres, where more than 300 professionals are involved in major international projects. We are convinced that it is essential to innovate in collaboration with the entire ecosystem we are part of: technology centres, start-ups, universities, partners, clients and, of course, with the support of public institutions, which is indispensable to sustain this innovative ecosystem.”

Investment in R&D and Cutting-Edge Projects

Sener maintains a strong commitment to R&D and investment in production capabilities as a driver of growth. Over the past three years, the group has acquired the Australian consultancy Tactix (transport infrastructure), the engineering firm Quark (data centres), and the company SCR (unmanned systems). In parallel, it is expanding its facilities in Zamudio (Vizcaya), Tres Cantos (Madrid), and Barcelona, with industrial projects involving an investment of 35 million euros in new plants and clean rooms for its space and defense businesses.

Similarly, in 2024, the company further strengthened its businesses with significant milestones. In the space sector, Sener was the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission, which marked the first formation flight of two satellites in orbit.

In the energy sector, Sener has contributed to key infrastructure projects, such as the CO2next carbon dioxide storage terminal in Rotterdam and pioneering projects in Germany, including the adaptation of combined-cycle power plants to hydrogen and the country’s first onshore liquefied natural gas storage and regasification plant.

Additionally, the company recently launched Epigea, an automated solution that optimises operations in football stadiums. This mobile and retractable cover ensures the quality of the turf while enabling non-sporting events. This enables stadiums to be used 365 days a year, creating new revenue streams and enhancing the value of the real estate asset.

Through Quark, Sener has designed data centres for the IT Management of Social Security (GISS) and major international operators such as Damac, Equinix, and Prime Data Centers.

Recognition of Technical Excellence

The Innovation Forum also serves as the stage for Sener to recognise the excellence of its professionals. During the event, awards are presented to the technological leader with significant impact and to the project that pushes the boundaries of technology. It is also the occasion for the appointment of its Chief Technical Engineers (CTE). This biennial recognition honours company experts in fields such as geotechnics, acoustics, or electronics, selected by an internal committee based on their knowledge, career, and academic and professional contributions.

Sener, with over 4,000 professionals worldwide and a strong presence in Barcelona (where a team of more than 400 STEM specialists works), develops cutting-edge projects in areas such as space, energy, mobility, data centres, and digital solutions.

The Innovation Forum, which will continue until tomorrow, 14 October, will also present the Forum Awards, geared towards highlighting the most significant contributions to the innovation ecosystem.