The regional government, now led by Carlos Mazón, is focused on transforming the Port of Alicante into a global technology hub. The Digital District headquarters, inaugurated by Botànic, will also host an education and research center dedicated to artificial intelligence. Housed in the former warehouses of Pescados Amaro González, this transition follows a vote at the Consell’s general meeting approving a transfer of facilities to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism. Though the project began under the previous administration, the new government brings its own approach and momentum to the initiative.
In March, Digital District 5 opened within the port area, a complex of four buildings that provides essential services for startups, corporations, and multinational tech firms. The port continues to support this commitment with plans for a training center focused on innovation in artificial intelligence, digital skills and technologies, and digital content demonstrators to assist SMEs and researchers. The center is proposed to serve as a hub for developing applications tied to disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, the Internet of Things, and 5G.
Agreement
The Consell’s general meeting endorsed an agreement with the Alicante Port Authority to make the former Amaro warehouses available to the Innovation Department. The goal is to revitalize a dormant residential area that spans more than 5,000 square meters. The space will enable researchers to train, experiment, and receive guidance on innovative technologies, all within easy reach of the city and well-connected by transport links.
Regional department staff, led by Nuria Montes, are drafting the technical conditions and requirements for the project. The consultant emphasized that the initiative will have high social impact by accelerating the adoption of technologies related to artificial intelligence to reach diverse population groups. He noted that SMEs, which dominate the Valencian Community, will benefit through research opportunities and transfer potential, while also raising public awareness and education about new technologies and their benefits and risks.
Digital District Alliance and Alicante Port Authority move toward Port 4.0 innovation
The aim of the new technology center includes digital skills training for youth and women to improve employability and retention in the labor market.
Montes underscored the importance of leveraging port areas to transform them into tech ecosystems that attract companies, research institutions, startups, and entrepreneurial talent, creating urban wealth in the process. The Generalitat seeks to strengthen the Port of Alicante as the city’s economic engine and a magnet for business activity.
The use term for the former Amaro facilities is set at 30 years, with a possible renewal of five more years. The ministry will pay an annual private-use fee of 61,324 euros for the public portion of the port area. The overall figure, excluding planned adjustments from the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, totals 2,146,340 euros. In return, the Port Authority will provide the Consell with a 4,623 square meter land plot plus a 780 square meter access street. The project may also qualify for European Union funding through Fed Funds.