• The mayor took part in the opening of VDS 2026, one of Europe’s most important international technology events, which is holding its ninth edition at the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and bringing together 12,000 professionals and 3,000 startups from 120 countries

• “We need to turn our citizens into our sensors,” Catalá said, arguing that innovation should help improve people’s quality of life

• “We must be allies, try to pave the way for you to soar high, and trust,” he said, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships between government agencies and businesses

The mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, emphasized on Wednesday that “the VDS is a tool for driving innovation, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for the people of Valencia.” She made these remarks during her speech on the first day of VDS 2026, one of Europe’s most important international technology events, which is celebrating its ninth edition and runs through Thursday at the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum.

At the event, attended by former American athlete Carl Lewis, the mayor reaffirmed the Valencia City Council’s commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem, attracting investment, and positioning the city as a leader in innovation. She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in consolidating the growth of the technology sector and highlighted the city’s commitment to VDS as a strategic tool for the city’s economic development. “We must be allies, let you spread your wings, try to pave the way for you to soar high, and trust—because in the end, it’s a matter of trust,” the mayor said in response to questions from VDS CEO Nacho Mas about what that public-private partnership should look like.

Catalá also emphasized that the VDS has transcended its local scope to establish itself as a leading event for innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, and startups in Spain: “It is no longer a local event; it is a national event.” In this regard, he noted that the Spanish government has recognized the event as one of exceptional interest—a recognition that, as he emphasized, “has been the result of a significant effort.”

Business Opportunities

Catalá highlighted the business, investment, and collaboration opportunities offered by the VDS, which brings together 12,000 professionals and 3,000 startups from 120 countries, alongside companies and large corporations. The mayor emphasized that these two days will provide opportunities to network, share ideas, and facilitate access to funding for new business projects, especially those led by young entrepreneurs from Valencia. “Here, you can find the platform to launch your personal and professional projects,” she noted.

The mayor has emphasized that the implementation of these initiatives must translate into benefits for citizens. “We need to turn our citizens into our sensors,” she said, arguing that innovation must contribute to improving people’s quality of life and generate positive outcomes for society.

In this context, the mayor highlighted the results of the event’s most recent edition, whose economic impact on the city reached 26 million euros. She also reiterated “the city’s goal of strengthening collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to maximize the impact of public resources allocated to innovation.” Catalá noted that, “as part of the València Innovation Capital strategy, the City Council has driven an investment of 22 million euros over the past three years, which has made it possible to mobilize an additional 75 million euros, according to the figures presented during her remarks. “For every euro of local investment, we must be able to attract 3.5 euros in private investment and European funds,” Catalá explained.

During his remarks, he attributed Valencia’s strength to the “consolidation of an innovative ecosystem made up of companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals who believe in the city’s potential” and among its main strengths, he highlighted the quality of life, connections to the Mediterranean, Spain, and Europe, and the ability to attract and develop talent, as well as the existence of “a spectacular university system.” According to Catalá, “all of this makes us stronger,” he asserted.

Finally, the mayor emphasized the importance of making Valencia a place where young talent is not only trained but can also develop their professional careers and business ventures. “Not only to train, but also to be a cradle and home for talent,” she said.