The ULL connects talent, innovation and AI at the closing of the third edition of Diginnova

The University of La Laguna celebrated today, April 23, Diginnova Inspires, The day that brings the third edition of the program to a close and that has brought together in the Aula Magna of the Physics and Mathematics Building institutional representatives, professionals and the general public interested in innovation, sustainability and the challenges of the current labor market.

The event was opened by the director of the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI), Javier Franco Hormiga; the managing director of the General Foundation of the University of La Laguna, Julio Brito; and the vice-rector of Digital Transformation of the ULL, Vicente Blanco, who highlighted the role of the program in improving employability and in promoting the digital and ecological transition in the Canary Islands.

The director of ACIISI highlighted the three pillars that underpin the initiative: innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, emphasizing that “they are shaping the present of businesses and society, especially with regard to talent.” In this respect, he stressed the need to foster “talent that is constantly developing, adapting, and seeking opportunities,” and pointed out that programs like Diginnova “go beyond training by connecting people with the productive sector.”.

For his part, Julio Brito emphasized the program's continuity as a reflection of its success, linked to both funding and the positive reception from participants and collaborating organizations. He also noted that society is going through a period of profound change which, although it may generate uncertainty, "should be understood as great opportunities that can be addressed through training and talent.".

A moment from the event.

Along the same lines, Vicente Blanco emphasized the human element in change processes: “When we talk about digital transformation, the key is not digital, but transformation.” In his remarks, he stressed that all real transformation “is driven by people, not machines,” and highlighted the role of technology as a powerful tool whose value lies in expanding human capabilities, creating new opportunities, and delivering services where they were previously unavailable.

Adaptation and talent in the age of AI

Following the institutional presentations, it was Alby Ojeda's turn. A product and narrative designer, he delivered a talk entitled "Standing Out in the Age of AI: Skills to Be Indispensable in the Job Market." During his presentation, he emphasized adapting to change and developing critical thinking as key elements for differentiating oneself in a work environment shaped by the rise of artificial intelligence, as well as the future of this technology.

Later, the round table discussion 'Innovation and Sustainability in Business: Real Challenges, Opportunities, and Talent' was held, moderated by science journalist Juanjo Martín. Participants included Belén Gallego, independent consultant; Braulio Quintana, Manager of Emerge Canarias; Diego Broock, Manager of the Santa Cruz Sostenible Foundation; and Cintia Hernández, Director of the Sustainability Secretariat at the University of La Laguna. The discussion addressed the main challenges facing organizations in the Canary Islands, as well as the opportunities emerging for young talent.

The day continued with a presentation by athlete and speaker David Meca, entitled 'Swimming towards the shore of success', in which he transferred values such as perseverance, resilience and personal improvement to the professional field, linking them to the challenges faced by the participants of the program in their professional development.

Diginnova is an initiative of ACIISI, funded by the Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture and the European Social Fund Plus, and managed by the University Foundation of Las Palmas, in collaboration with the General Foundation of the University of La Laguna. Its objective is to promote employability through a dual training model that combines online theoretical training with internships in companies and research centers.

Currently, the program has trained and involved more than one hundred people and companies, with a high degree of satisfaction from both the students and the collaborating entities, consolidating itself as a strategic tool for the incorporation of qualified talent into the productive fabric of the Canary Islands.