Kissy Chandiramani: "Ceuta turns threats into fortresses" with its new artificial intelligence hub

Ceuta has taken a new step in its digital transformation strategy with the inauguration of the headquarters of the AI Granada Research & Innovation Foundation and the Ceuta-IATEB Chair, dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies for Well-being.

The new space, located on the University Campus of Ceuta, will promote research projects, specialised training, dissemination and knowledge transfer. Its objective is to connect the University of Granada, public administrations, the business fabric and local talent.

The event was attended by the rector of the University of Granada, Pedro Mercado Pacheco; the mayor of Granada, Marifrán Carazo; and the Minister of Finance, Economic Transition and Digital Transformation of Ceuta, Kissy Chandiramani.

Fernando Trujillo, director of the Ceuta-IATEB Chair, and José Luis Dessy, director of the AI Granada Research & Innovation Foundation, also took part.

Chandiramani defined the new facilities as "an oasis" and "a call to hope and the future". The Minister placed the project within the strategy to build a "blue, green and intelligent" Ceuta and defended the city's ability to turn current threats and difficulties into new strengths.

The Minister acknowledged that the migratory crisis can cause "a stop" in some business projects, but maintained that it can also become a boost for innovation and economic diversification. In this sense, she valued the talent of Ceuta citizens and the support of the University of Granada.

Marifrán Carazo stressed the importance of adding University, science, research, knowledge and culture to the future of Ceuta. The mayor of Granada assured that the opening of the headquarters establishes "a new framework for a joint path" between both cities within the field of artificial intelligence.

For his part, Pedro Mercado reaffirmed the commitment of the University of Granada to the strategic projects of the Autonomous City. The rector pointed out that the institution wants to contribute with knowledge to the development of new economic models based on emerging technologies.

The AI Granada Foundation will contribute its ecosystem of research, innovation and technology transfer, while the Ceuta-IATEB Chair will focus on the study and application of artificial intelligence and other technologies aimed at well-being.

The initiative reinforces Ceuta's positioning as a technological enclave and complements the economic transformation of a city that in recent years has attracted new digital companies, especially linked to online gaming and technological services.