Spain advances AI strategy with major funding and gigafactory ambitions

artificial intelligence digital sovereignty Spanish government AI gigafactory technology grants

Spain is implementing several major initiatives to advance its artificial intelligence ecosystem. The Ministry of Education has announced a 140 million euro program for the 2026-2027 academic year to develop sovereign AI for public education, aimed at reducing bureaucratic workloads and assisting with student evaluations.

On a broader scale, the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Function is distributing 180 million euros through the Red IA and Red IA Salud programs. These funds will support 372 projects across Spain, including 130 million euros in FEDER funds for technological innovation and 50 million euros specifically for AI applications in healthcare. Approximately 70% of the selected projects involve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Additionally, Minister Óscar López expressed confidence that Spain will host one of the first three AI gigafactories in the European Union. At the regional level, the Basque Government has allocated 28 million euros in grants for AI and industrial cybersecurity for local SMEs, with applications remaining open until November.

Entities

AMETIC · Basque Government · Bett · European Union · Lenovo · Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service · SPRI · Spain · Spanish Ministry of Education · Óscar López

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] 41% of surveyed teachers reported receiving no training on artificial intelligence.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A study by Bett and Lenovo found that 80% of UK teachers already use AI tools for teaching-related tasks.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The 28 million euro budget is split equally, with 14 million for industrial AI projects and 14 million for cybersecurity. www.merca2.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Basque Government is offering 28 million euros in grants for AI and cybersecurity for SMEs, with applications open until November. www.merca2.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Spanish Ministry of Education announced a 140 million euro program to develop sovereign AI for education for the 2026-2027 academic year. eldiariodelaeducacion.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Among teachers using AI, 76% use it to create lesson plans, worksheets, and educational resources.
[● 3 SOURCES] Minister Óscar López expressed confidence that Spain will host one of the first three AI gigafactories in the European Union. www.lavozdegalicia.es · elperiodicodelaenergia.com · www.laregion.es
[● 3 SOURCES] The Red IA program mobilizes 130 million euros in FEDER funds to promote technological development and innovation in AI. www.clm24.es · gacetinmadrid.com · www.lanzadigital.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Red IA Salud program allocates 50 million euros to 72 projects focused on applying AI in the healthcare sector. www.clm24.es · gacetinmadrid.com · www.lanzadigital.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Spanish government is distributing 180 million euros to support 372 artificial intelligence projects across the country. www.clm24.es · gacetinmadrid.com · www.lanzadigital.com