The Córdoba FIWARE Digital Transformation Lab at the University of Córdoba (UCO) in Spain is a leading Innovation Hub (iHub) for FIWARE technologies. Developed within a university setting, it plays a vital role in the FIWARE Network.

We are proud to share that the Córdoba FIWARE Digital Transformation Lab has officially joined the global FIWARE iHubs Network. This recognition extends beyond a simple milestone; it marks the culmination of years of dedicated collaboration among academia, industry, and public institutions in Córdoba, a city increasingly recognized as a driving force in smart agriculture, digital governance, and open technology ecosystems.

The recent visit by Ángeles Tejado (Senior Program Manager – iHubs, FIWARE Foundation) and Francisco Melendez (Technical Community Coordinator – Robotics & Automation, FIWARE Foundation) to the University of Córdoba further underscores the strength of this partnership. It highlights a shared commitment to innovation and solidifies the university’s role as a global leader in applying advanced digital technologies to drive meaningful transformation across sectors.

What is a FIWARE Innovation Hub?

A FIWARE iHub is a dynamic innovation hub that acts as a collaborative space for companies, entrepreneurs, and institutions. Its core mission is to democratize access to the FIWARE platform, empowering organizations to create and deploy cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, including smart cities, smart agriculture, and Industry 4.0. By fostering innovation and knowledge exchange, iHubs play a vital role in driving digital transformation at both local and global levels.

iHubs offer a comprehensive range of services to foster innovation and the adoption of FIWARE technologies. These include education and training on FIWARE technologies, business mentoring, support for prototype and pilot development, and fostering a vibrant community of practitioners and entrepreneurs. This holistic approach aims to eliminate barriers, foster collaboration, and accelerate business growth, thereby positioning FIWARE as the go-to standard for building open and interoperable digital solutions.

Exploring Córdoba’s Commitment to Open Innovation

On June 25, representatives from the FIWARE Foundation met with key collaborators of the Córdoba FIWARE Digital Transformation Lab for a day of strategic engagement and knowledge sharing. The day began with a visit to the Córdoba Rabanales Technology Park, where several partner companies, such as Tekpyme and Inersur, provided valuable insights into the vibrant innovation ecosystem that supports and surrounds the initiative.

Following this, the group visited ETSIAM (School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering) to gain first-hand insight into some of the most impactful projects in the agri-food sector. A series of pioneering initiatives were presented, showcasing the transformative role of FIWARE technology in enabling smart and sustainable agriculture. These included Agrifood TEF, HIBA+, Citridata, CARCAVA, Go_ARISTEO, Agrivoltea, and the TTN Community. The visit also highlighted the International Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture (CIIAA), underscoring the university’s strong commitment to research, innovation, and digital transformation in this critical domain.

On June 26, the FIWARE Foundation team visited the Rectorate of the University of Córdoba, where they were warmly received by Rector Mr. Manuel Torralbo Rodríguez and principal partners of the Córdoba FIWARE Digital Transformation Lab. The visit continued at EPRINSA, where they gained valuable insights into the dynamic collaboration between local businesses and municipal and provincial administrations. The session featured contributions from the Deputy Mayor for Mobility, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the Córdoba City Council, the Head of the Systems Department at EPRINSA, and the Founder and Managing Director of GrayHats. Their involvement highlighted a strong, united commitment to advancing digitalization and technological innovation throughout the region.

Over the course of two days, a solid foundation was established for future collaborations among the key stakeholders involved in building the community around the iHub. This effort strengthened a growing network ready to drive innovative, high-impact projects and foster lasting partnerships.

Harnessing Real-Time Data Through (Local) Partnerships

The University of Córdoba is collaborating closely with important partners in the local innovation ecosystem to collect and analyze real-time data from the city and its surrounding areas. By implementing advanced sensor systems and adhering to open standards, this data is transformed into integrated smart city platforms. These platforms facilitate more efficient, informed, and inclusive public service delivery.

One example of collaboration is with NEC Ibérica. NEC’s Cloud City Operation Center, powered by FIWARE technology, has been utilized for real-time incident coordination and urban monitoring during major public events such as Semana Santa, Feria, and Los Patios. In addition to event management, this platform integrates sensor data from UCO’s Rabanales Experimental Farm, contributing to smart agriculture initiatives and reinforcing Córdoba’s position as a leader in applied digital innovation.

Another key initiative is IN-HABIT, a European H2020 project that aims to promote inclusive health and well-being in cities. Within this framework, UCO and DataCor co-developed LoraCeta, an IoT noise-monitoring sensor designed to resemble a traditional Cordoban flowerpot. This device allows residents to collect real-time data on urban noise. Data is managed through a “Powered by FIWARE” platform, enabling both real-time insights and historical analysis. The IN-HABIT platform combines various data sources, including sensors, apps, and open data, across cities such as Córdoba, Lucca, Riga, and Nitra, to support evidence-based and citizen-inclusive urban planning.