C2Lab in Spain - Advancing Europes Artificial Intelligence Capabilities Through Cluster-led Projects
Over two dynamic days, Zaragoza became a European hotspot for artificial intelligence innovation, thanks to the C2Lab event organised by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. The workshop brought together more than 70 professionals from clusters and companies across 15 European countries to co-create AI-driven project ideas. It was held in collaboration with the Government of Aragón and in the framework of The Wave, an important regional tech expo.
The C2Lab began with an insightful visit to the headquarters of Adidas, a member of the IDiA cluster. Fernando Cornago, Vice President of Digital Tech at Adidas Group, demonstrated how artificial intelligence is transforming the customer journey—from product design and engagement to demand prediction and customer service optimisation. He is convinced: “AI is the biggest uplift that we have in digital technologies.” Hans Grundig, Global Head of ICT Manufacturing Development at Stellantis, then shared notable applications of AI in the automotive sector, highlighting the company’s internal upskilling and reskilling programme and its in-house GenAI portal. Antón Borraz, Vice President of IDiA, presented the cluster’s contribution to digital transformation and sustainable innovation in Aragón. He also introduced the digital strategies of Grupo Lobe, a construction company, aimed at addressing the specific challenges faced by the sector.
The official opening of the C2Lab was led by Mar Paños, Director General for Industrial Promotion and Innovation at the Government of Aragón, who emphasised the region’s key role in European innovation and encouraged all participants to collaborate actively. To set the tone, Paul Möhlmann from the ECCP team presented the main findings of the event’s input paper, including key European challenges for AI, strategies for adoption, and innovation priorities in Aragón. He concluded: “Clusters can play a vital role in the field of AI adaptation and the digital transition.” Further insights into funding opportunities were shared by Enrique Pelayo, Carlos Toledo and Maite Boyero, National Contact Points for Horizon Europe (CDTI).
The practical part of the event then began. An energetic round of idea pitches led to the formation of seven working groups, each focused on strategic sectors such as dual-use technologies, agri-food, automotive, health, smart cities, innovation valleys, and European collaborative networks. The groups worked intensively to define objectives, map capabilities, and develop high-quality, innovative project proposals. The sessions were facilitated by experts Clara Plata Ríos (SmartCity Cluster), Daniel Stadler (Quantum Cluster NRW), Diana Vertelkiene (iVITA Cluster), Francisco Vigalondo (Aragón Exterior), Helmut K. Hampp (IDiA Advisory Board), Paul Möhlmann (PROGNOS) and Pauline Capus (APFC). “I personally loved the workflow that led to gather ideas and fit them into funding sources. It is a great opportunity to connect, and we are even thinking on replicating the methodology on our own networks”, highlighted Breogan Sanchez from BABLE Smart Cities.
Day 2 of the C2Lab started with a keynote from Lucía Rincón (STRATA) on how to attract private investment and reduce risk in technological ventures. Following the presentations, participants returned to their working groups to resume discussions on the project ideas developed the previous day. At lunchtime, participants were welcomed by Mar Vaquero, Vice President of the Government of Aragón, who reaffirmed the region’s commitment to innovation and European collaboration. To conclude the event, each group presented the results of their work, sharing their project objectives and planned activities. After the workshop, participants will continue developing their project ideas into full proposals.
“A wonderful event, generating synergies and allowing for the energy and the space necessary for innovation”, said Andra Tanase from Transilvania IT Cluster. Similarly, Goran Mladenović from NiCAT cluster concluded: “Great event. We created strong relationships among team members and genuine synergy! We will continue working on the project idea.”
The next C2Lab will take place in Esbjerg, Denmark, on 6–7 May 2025. It will focus on the energy transition. Registration is open to all interested entities from EU, COSME, and SMP countries.
