South Summit Madrid opens its 13th edition

South Summit, co-organised by IE University, the leading event for the global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, opened its 13th edition today in Madrid. #SouthSummit24 has the institutional support of the Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence, the Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council, as well as Mutua Madrileña, Google for Startups, BBVA Spark, Endesa, Wayra - Telefónica Innovation and BStartup of Banco Sabadell.

The opening ceremony was attended by José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid; Mayte Ledo, Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence; María Benjumea, President and founder of South Summit, and Diego del Alcázar Benjumea, CEO of IE University.

At the welcoming ceremony, Diego del Alcázar Benjumea, CEO of IE University, noted that "we are an institution founded by entrepreneurs and for entrepreneurs. Thus, we share with South Summit our objective of placing people at the center of all innovation, because in a rapidly changing world, it is crucial that we all remain aware of the social value of innovation and technology."

María Benjumea, president and founder of South Summit, also underlined the importance of this year's theme in the development of a solid entrepreneurial ecosystem. "All technologies are key to the evolution of society, always being aware that people are at the centre and the creators of these technologies," said Benjumea.

"It is more important than ever to ensure technology not only improves our lives, but that it does so in an inclusive, ethical and sustainable way by putting people at the centre."
María Benjumea, President and Founder of South Summit

The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, expressed his gratitude to María Benjumea and South Summit "for their key role in turning Madrid into a benchmark for innovation and entrepreneurship, in a city where opportunities grow and flourish." Martínez-Almeida also highlighted that "South Summit perfectly defines the philosophy of what we have in Madrid and what we want to be: a better city by attracting the best talent."

Mayte Ledo, Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence, also valued the positive impact of South Summit and the objectives set for this edition with its motto ‘Human by Design’. "Technology must be ethical, transparent and humanistic. In this sense, we are launching the Spanish Artificial Intelligence Oversight Agency not only to comply with regulations, but also so that the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem can participate in the social debate on this new technology."