Valencia, October 16, 2025 – Valencia has taken a decisive step in its international positioning as a leading city in technological and sports innovation with the inauguration of the GSIC Testing Lab powered by Microsoft, the first international laboratory for sports technology in Spain.
Located in La Harinera – Las Naves, the new center is part of the city’s innovation ecosystem and is promoted by the Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC) in collaboration with Microsoft, with the support of the Regional Government of Valencia (Generalitat Valenciana) and the Valencia City Council, through the València Innovation Capital initiative.
The laboratory represents an investment of €5.5 million between 2025 and 2027. And will create 150 direct and indirect jobs in sectors related to sports, health, entertainment and technology. Its goal is to provide an environment for testing, certification, and acceleration of technological solutions. As well as a coworking and training space that will benefit more than 120 companies and sports organizations over the next three years.
A global hub for sports innovation
The new GSIC Testing Lab will test and certify advanced technologies developed by startups, scale-ups, and established companies. Connecting the local ecosystem with over 50 countries and 450 international sports organizations. It will also offer a collaborative workspace for companies seeking to establish themselves in Valencia as a bridge to other European and Latin American markets.
The Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC), founded in 2015 by leading organizations such as Microsoft, Real Madrid, Cigna, and LG, is a non-profit association with members in more than 50 countries. Including top sports technology companies and world-class sports organizations across multiple disciplines. Since its creation, the GSIC has supported startups, sports entities, investors, and professionals through an open innovation platform, business development services, and talent training programs.
According to Mayor María José Catalá, the launch of the laboratory “demonstrates that Valencia is now playing in the major leagues of technological innovation.” She added that the initiative “strengthens the city’s position as a European hub for sports and technology, and showcases the success of our València Innovation Capital strategy, which promotes innovation, knowledge, and the economy of the future.”
The inauguration was attended by Iris Córdoba, General Director of GSIC powered by Microsoft; Sebastián Lancestremère, Honorary President of GSIC; Luis Cervera, Director General of Sports of the Generalitat Valenciana; Jerónimo Mora, Deputy Minister of Innovation; and Paula Llobet, Valencia’s Councillor for Tourism, Innovation, and Investment. Among other institutional and business representatives.
Public-private collaboration for a competitive ecosystem
The project strengthens collaboration between public administrations and the private sector, promoting technology transfer to SMEs, startups, and training centers. According to Luis Cervera, “the GSIC Testing Lab represents a major opportunity for modernization and transformation for the entire sports sector, consolidating our position as a strategic node in the global sports innovation network.”
Meanwhile, Pepe Díez, Director General of Strategic Projects, emphasized that the center “will activate value chains around sports, health, entertainment, and R&D. Generating quality employment and creating new opportunities for the Valencian business ecosystem.”
Iris Córdoba, General Director of GSIC, highlighted that the new laboratory “supports the creation of strong local sports-tech ecosystems connected to our global network,” offering companies worldwide “a unique platform to test their solutions in regional sports facilities.”
Valencia: where innovation and sports connect
With the arrival of the GSIC Testing Lab, Valencia reinforces its position as a southern European hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Integrating local talent, universities, and major technology corporations. In the words of Mayor Catalá, “Valencia is a city that attracts talent, investment, and employment — a city that thinks big and leads with vision.”
The opening of this center will be followed by the GSIC Global Summit. To be held in Valencia on December 16–17, and the launch of a training program in artificial intelligence and sports developed in collaboration with Founderz. Offering 100 licenses to sports clubs and organizations in the Valencian Region.
With this new infrastructure, Valencia strengthens its global leadership in innovation, sports, and technology — reaffirming its commitment to building a sustainable, smart, and open city.
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