Recently, I had the privilege of attending the 8th FIWARE Global Summit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, an international event that brought together over 400 participants, 150 speakers, and hundreds of presentations, offering a total immersion in the FIWARE ecosystem and its countless applications in smart cities, agri-food, energy, and more.

In the days leading up to the event, expectations were sky-high. As is typical when approaching conferences of this caliber, the desire to catch up on the latest cutting-edge innovations, engage with international experts, and discover new technological solutions was palpable. There was a strong anticipation to immerse oneself in a stimulating environment, where every presentation could be a key piece in understanding how digital technology is transforming urban infrastructures and beyond.

But it wasn’t only the technical program that made this summit unforgettable. Gran Canaria proved to be an extraordinary backdrop, enhancing every single moment of the event. Imagine an island where the volcanic landscape blends with the vastness of the ocean, creating scenes that inspire and rejuvenate the soul. Panorama of the Las Palmas waterfront

Walking among modern exhibition spaces and enjoying outdoor breaks where the sun and the sea merge with discussions on digital twins and data spaces was a rare and precious privilege.

The summit provided a comprehensive overview of the new frontiers in the FIWARE world. I had the opportunity to attend presentations that emphasized how the open source platform is fostering the creation of innovative hubs worldwide and accelerators dedicated to startups and companies—essential tools for tackling the challenges of digital transformation. The presentations highlighted the potential of FIWARE technologies to optimize infrastructure management, promote sustainability, and facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors within an international collaborative context.

A moment of particular significance for me was undoubtedly my presentation; I had the opportunity to present my project on urban resilience to flood risks—a topic that now more than ever demands innovative and timely solutions. During my talk, I explained how the FIWARE platform can be used to monitor river levels in real time, manage critical infrastructure, and improve emergency response strategies. I demonstrated how the integration of sensors and data analytics systems can transform the way cities prepare for and react to crisis situations, contributing to a safer and more resilient urban environment. The ensuing discussion underscored the interest in and need for technological solutions that address real-world problems, a strong indication that digital transformation is entering a new era.

Thus, the experience at the FIWARE Global Summit was much more than merely attending a conference—it was an opportunity for personal and professional growth, a journey among innovative ideas, technical insights, and naturally stunning settings. Every moment, from the first introductory session to the last informal chat, was an invitation to think big and push beyond conventional boundaries.

📄 Full presentation slides