Andrés Sengadorta
President of Grupo Sener
The Sener Group is a leader in engineering and technology in sectors such as energy, mobility and infrastructure, space and defense, data centers, and digital services.
The company has integrated sustainability into the core of its business strategy. Sener develops projects in high-tech sectors; some of these initiatives include mobility infrastructure such as the fourth bridge over the Panama Canal and urban transport systems in multiple countries; energy projects, notably the Gemasolar and Noor III concentrated solar power plants, the HiveWind floating offshore wind platform, the CO2next CO₂ storage terminal in Rotterdam, and the conversion of combined cycle power plants to hydrogen; and the design of sustainable data centers through its subsidiary Quark, with more than 100 facilities designed globally, representing 1 GW of installed IT capacity.
Maintaining its family-oriented approach, Sener has become a bastion of Spanish engineering worldwide, with over 4,000 professionals in 18 countries and a track record spanning nearly seven decades. Its work in transforming the industrial, energy, and mobility sectors toward more sustainable alternatives is an inspiring example of how engineering can be a driver of positive change in the world. For all these reasons, the Sener Group has established itself as a leader in sustainable innovation, deserving of this recognition for its real and lasting impact on society and the planet.
Guillermo Ferández de Peñaranda
CEO of Airtificial
AIRTIFICIAL has demonstrated an outstanding ability to integrate innovative, sustainable, and efficient technologies into key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering through three distinct divisions.
The Intelligent Robots division has established itself as a leader in industrial technological innovation. Some of its main contributions include the development of Digital Twins for precise simulations of industrial processes and Automated Assembly Lines capable of assembling complex products in record time thanks to the integration of advanced robotics, machine vision, and intelligent control systems.
The Aerospace & Defense division specializes in developing advanced technological solutions for critical sectors such as aerospace, defense, and space. Its main contributions include Critical Electronic Systems; Composite Structures with over 2,000 different composite part references; Ad-hoc Robotics and Automation with customized automation solutions; and Flight Control for Fighter Jets using sticks.
Finally, the Infrastructure division focuses on innovation in the development of sustainable, efficient, and safe civil works, especially in the water sector.
Over the past year, the company has consolidated its international leadership with more than fifty projects delivered worldwide, reinforcing its global presence with strategic contracts in Asia and Latin America.
With this recognition, Quest Global celebrates Airtificial’s commitment to innovation, its resilience in complex environments, and its contribution to the technological advancement of Spanish engineering.
Fernando Lombo
Spain irbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters is today synonymous with innovation, technological excellence, and a global vision. As part of the Airbus Group, it leads the development of advanced solutions for air mobility, with projects that are transforming the future of transport, from the Racer to drones, including the most extensive range of civil and military helicopters.
This global ambition has a strong local presence. In Spain, Airbus Helicopters has successfully combined industry, talent, and commitment, making its facilities in Albacete a European benchmark in engineering, production, and maintenance. The recently approved National Helicopter Plan is a clear example of this commitment: more than 100 aircraft that strengthen our operational and technological capabilities.
Under the leadership of Fernando Lombo, the company has consolidated a strategy that generates employment, fosters collaboration with local companies, and positions Spain on the world map of aeronautics and innovation.
This recognition aims to celebrate that dual dimension: a global company that defends national sovereignty, demonstrating that from Spain it is possible to lead innovation, generate talent and build the industry of the future.
Ezequiel Sánchez
Presidente Ejecutivo de PLD Space
Fundada en Elche en 2011, entre sus logros destaca el lanzamiento del primer cohete suborbital privado de Europa, MIURA 1, posicionando a España en la vanguardia de la exploración espacial. Su apuesta por la reutilización y sostenibilidad, con desarrollos como la familia de lanzadores MIURA Next y la cápsula tripulada LINCE, demuestra una visión estratégica y disruptiva, orientada a democratizar el acceso al espacio y reducir el impacto ambiental.
A los hitos tecnológicos se une su consolidación como líder en su sector gracias a una inversión acumulada de más de 170 millones de euros. La inauguración de una planta de fabricación avanzada y la colaboración con instituciones internacionales como la Agencia Espacial Europea son pruebas inequívocas de este éxito.
Además, a la disrupción de sus desarrollos, se une su compromiso social. El programa SPARK facilita el acceso gratuito al espacio a estudiantes e investigadores, fomentando vocaciones científicas y tecnológicas.
La empresa destaca por su capacidad de innovación, superando retos tecnológicos y creando oportunidades para el tejido industrial local gracias a un equipo diverso y altamente cualificado.
José Carlos Gómez Villamandos
Department of Universities, Research and Innovation of the Regional Government of Andalusia
This department is responsible for university policies, promoting research, fostering innovation, transferring knowledge to the productive sector, and promoting entrepreneurship.
It coordinates the 10 public universities of Andalusia, which, working together, lead the way in academic economic impact in Spain, generating 3% of the regional GDP.
Within the strategy to boost R&D&I, high-impact areas are covered, such as: Quantum computing, Green energy/hydrogen, Agri-food, Biodiversity, Astrophysics, Marine sciences, Advanced materials, and Biotechnology applied to health.
It is supported by a network of science and technology parks that act as an engine for promoting innovation.
The Regional Ministry’s direct contribution to projects such as the Granada particle accelerator, the Andalusia-Algarve-Alentejo University Innovation Center, the Llano Amarillo Innovation Center in Algeciras, the Las Lagunillas Campus Business Research and Transfer Center in Jaén, and the boost to activity at the Almería Astronomical Observatory are noteworthy.
Its participation in the Aerospace Strategy for Andalusia demonstrates its significant contribution to the region’s real priorities.
It promotes substantial funding, stimulating research projects aligned with improving technological capabilities, business competitiveness, and innovation capacity.
As a result, the presence of the most prestigious international companies is steadily increasing in Andalusia.
Carlos Suárez
Expert advisor in the field of Defense and former executive of AIRBUS and INDRA
For his distinguished and extensive career in the aerospace and defense sector, where he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to technological development and industrial transformation, Suárez has held senior positions in leading companies such as EADS CASA, where he served as president in Spain (now Airbus Group), Indra as defense director, and Tecnobit as CEO. At Tecnobit, he spearheaded pioneering projects in avionics, defense electronics, and military platforms, significantly contributing to the international standing of Spanish industry.
Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams and managed strategic programs such as the development of in-flight refueling aircraft (Airbus A330 MRTT) and the expansion of businesses in global markets, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. His innovative vision has been key to the integration of new technologies and the promotion of sustainable and competitive business models.
His commitment to Spain and its industry has been a constant throughout his career, and he is undoubtedly one of the architects of the current Spanish defense and aerospace industry. Furthermore, Suárez has been recognized with important distinctions, such as the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit in Spain and the Aeronautical Merit Cross of the Bolivian Air Force, reflecting his impact and leadership in the sector. His ability to anticipate trends, foster international collaboration, and guide innovation toward social and economic progress makes him an undisputed role model, worthy of this recognition of his career.
