Alicantina bid to host Spain’s Artificial Intelligence Supervision Agency gains momentum
Alicante is emerging as the frontrunner to host the Spanish Artificial Intelligence Supervision Agency, known as Aesia. The regional leadership is actively presenting the city as an ideal hub for a national AI oversight body, arguing that Alicante offers a robust business and research ecosystem essential to a cutting‑edge institution. The claim is that a city with strong digital infrastructure, notable research support, and nearby universities can provide the talent and governance framework needed for high‑level AI supervision. The push underscores the city’s potential as a center for responsible AI development and oversight within Spain, and it is anticipated to face intense competition from other major cities.
Jokin Puig, one of the region’s most influential political figures, has been at the forefront of the decentralization discourse. In an interview with Information, he stated that since last Tuesday the Generalitat Valenciana has been moving decisively toward locating the agency in the Alicante capital. He emphasized that the Valencian Community has the favorable environment and the necessary AI ecosystem to support the agency, highlighting the Ellis Foundation and prominent researchers such as Nuria Oliver as central assets. Puig also noted that the region enjoys a strong combination of academic leadership and industrial partners that position Alicante well for this national project, despite significant competition. He stressed that establishing Aesia in Alicante would align with a broader strategy to bring the new agency closer to the heart of regional innovation and collaboration with universities, employers, and labor organizations.
Ministry of Innovation advances the strategy to establish the AI headquarters
The move by the Generalitat Valenciana confirms a growing perception in recent days: Alicante is being positioned to become the headquarters for the future AI oversight body. The University of Alicante’s science park has been proposed as a viable site to house the agency, signaling a potential shift in governance by opening the door to decentralizing national institutions away from Madrid to strengthen regional cohesion.
City authorities in Alicante have joined the working group assembled by the Conselleria to craft the strategy for attracting Aesia. In a coordinated effort announced over the weekend, provincial and university leaders met to advocate for Alicante as the venue. Present at the gathering were key figures including the President of the Provincial Assembly, the rector of the University of Alicante, the rector of Miguel Hernández University, the head of the local Chamber of Commerce, regional corporate and civic leaders, and senior representatives from innovation and digital policy offices.
Last Tuesday, the Council of Ministers established a one‑month deadline to set criteria for the election process in which municipalities and autonomous communities can participate, with six additional months to determine the final site for Aesia. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation has indicated that priority will be given to applications featuring a strong business and research ecosystem for AI, with an emphasis on digital transformation and the preparation to recruit experts in artificial intelligence, ethics, social sciences, and law. Cities such as Granada and Santiago de Compostela are also among the candidates.
The Ministry of Innovation is building its plan around three strategic axes: the region’s capacity to attract and develop talent, the involvement of the productive fabric, and the application of artificial intelligence across sectors and in public administration. A dedicated fund of five million euros has been allocated for this year to oversee the responsible use of the technology while promoting the creation of a robust research and business ecosystem. The winning city would gain autonomy, assets, and administrative powers to implement the agency’s mission and recruit key personnel. Candidate regions may commit to transferring real estate, covering relocation costs, and establishing a general directorate with supportive measures for staff.