The flagship centre of the CIT Circular FAB network, promoted by the Diputación de Cáceres, has taken a decisive step forward in its mission by officially becoming FIWARE iHub El Círculo — a newly recognized FIWARE Incubated iHub. This milestone positions Cáceres within FIWARE’s international open innovation network, reinforcing its role as a hub for public administrations, companies, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and technology stakeholders to collaborate and drive smart, sustainable development.

A Milestone for the Province and the Circular FAB Network

The integration of FIWARE iHub El Círculo into the global FIWARE iHubs community represents a significant milestone for both the province of Cáceres and the CIT Circular FAB network.

FIWARE iHubs are innovation centres designed to accelerate the adoption of open technology standards, fostering the development of smart solutions across strategic sectors such as cities, energy, agriculture, and industry.

As an Incubated iHub, FIWARE iHub El Círculo will provide specialized training, consultancy, and tailored support to entrepreneurs and SMEs, while offering a collaborative environment that encourages technological innovation and public-private cooperation.

Beyond its local impact, the iHub will also connect regional talent with FIWARE’s international network, strengthening Cáceres’ position within the global innovation ecosystem. Through this collaboration, FIWARE iHub El Círculo will actively contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting Europe’s digital transformation agenda.

Boosting the Innovation Ecosystem in Cáceres

On October 15, FIWARE iHub El Círculo officially opened its doors in Cáceres, welcoming institutional representatives, companies, and innovation enthusiasts from across the region.

The event kicked off with Agustín Aretio, Head of Innovation at the Diputación de Cáceres, highlighting how this recognition positions Cáceres as a digitally advanced hub connected to Europe’s innovation networks. Alexis Bote, Innovation Officer, presented the strategic objectives and value proposition of the new iHub, as well as its primary services: promoting FIWARE by building a strong open-source community, offering training activities, and creating a professional lab to test FIWARE-integrated applications in a real environment. Juan Marcelo Gaitán Leiva, Director of FIWARE iHubs at Telefónica, delivered a keynote showcasing the potential of FIWARE and its success stories in developing smart cities and sustainable mobility.

The event concluded with the official handover of the certificate by Alberto Abella, COO of FIWARE Foundation, accrediting El Círculo as a FIWARE iHub, marking a new chapter for Cáceres as a hub for open innovation, collaboration, and smart solutions.

Following the launch event, Alberto Abella commented:

“It was great to attend the launch of a new FIWARE iHub connected with a large network of innovation centres across Cáceres province. This is a big step not just for the region, but also for FIWARE Foundation and the wider FIWARE Community, helping to strengthen our global open innovation network. Thank you to Telefónica for their key role and support in making this launch happen.”

An Open Space for Collaboration

With this new chapter, FIWARE iHub El Círculo reinforces its role as a catalyst for digital transformation in the region, driving innovation, sustainability, and technological development across the province of Cáceres.

Citizens, companies, and innovation stakeholders are invited to visit the iHub at Calle Doctor Marañón nº 2 and explore a space designed to nurture talent, foster collaboration, and showcase the technology of the future.