Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub: 5 years of grid innovation

A well-established innovation ecosystem in Bilbao

Since its launch in Bilbao, the Hub has operated as an environment where ideas are transformed into applicable and scalable technical solutions for smart electricity grids in all the countries where Iberdrola is present.

Its model, based on collaboration between companies, universities, technology centers and startups, has enabled progress in strategic areas such as network digitalization and operational flexibility, worker safety, cybersecurity and the electrification of the economy.

Over these five years, more than 120 partners have been part of this community, contributing to the development of projects with a direct impact on grid operations.

The Hub has promoted the development of the Smart Grids Academy, a training platform aimed at developing the digital skills demanded by the smart grids sector, open to both professionals and trainees.

Hub impact and results (2021–2026)

Over these five years, the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub has delivered tangible results that reflect the scope of the work carried out:

• 13 products already on the market with the GSGIH seal, with the goal of reaching 20 certified products by 2026.
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• More than 120 innovation projects identified.
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• 6 laboratories: Smart Cities, Smart Substation, Digital Factory, Cybersecurity, Innovation Data Space and Edge Computing.
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• More than 9,000 visitors welcomed from all over the world, including authorities, large organizations, startups and students.
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• More than 1,000 m² dedicated to innovation, training and collaboration, with 5 operational laboratories to test and accelerate developments.
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• 120 collaborating entities, including universities, technology centers, startups and companies in the sector.

These figures reflect an active ecosystem, with the capacity to generate applied knowledge and to transfer that knowledge to real grid operations in Spain and around the world.

Recognition of talent through the Bizkaia Smart Grids Awards

The event celebrating the fifth anniversary took place on April 14, 2026, and featured the participation of Iberdrola’s CEO, Mario Ruiz-Tagle, and the General Deputy of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe. The event resulted in a day that combined institutional recognition with a close and participatory format.

Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Bizkaia Smart Grids Awards, which recognize R&D&I projects developed by teams capable of generating knowledge, improving processes and strengthening the competitiveness of the region’s business and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A round table with Hub collaborators completed the programme of the event’s content.

The event also highlighted the career paths of professionals whose first contact with the sector came through initiatives promoted by the Hub itself, such as hackathons or scholarship programmes, reflecting the centre’s role in attracting and developing specialised talent.

The future of smart grids over the next five years

The Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub is entering its next stage with a solid foundation and a roadmap focused on making electricity grids more resilient, efficient and digital. The planned lines of work for the coming years include the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins into distribution processes, as well as the development of solutions that enhance safety, service quality and infrastructure resilience, and support the electrification of the economy.

Collaboration with international partners, the market-oriented approach of the products developed and the promotion of talent will continue to be key pillars of the model. The goal is to continue positioning the Hub as a global benchmark for innovation in electricity distribution networks.