Robotekin, the Basque Association for Robotics and Automation, today presented the roadmap that will guide the organisation’s activities during the 2026–2027 period at its Annual General Meeting. The aim is to strengthen links between stakeholders in the ecosystem, drive new business opportunities, foster collaborative projects and contribute to technological development and competitiveness in the Basque Country.
The association, which currently comprises 61 organisations – companies using robotics and automation across various sectors, manufacturers, integrators, service providers, start-ups, technology centres, training centres and institutions – held the meeting at its headquarters on the Vitoria-Gasteiz Campus of the Basque Country Technology Park, with 35 member organisations in attendance.
The Assembly was attended by the president of Robotekin and Álava’s Provincial Councillor for Economic Development and Sustainability, Saray Zárate; the treasurer, David Montero (BIC Araba); the secretary, Xabier López (Egibide); as well as representatives of the Board of Directors and the organisations that form part of the association.
The Assembly was opened by the president of Robotekin, Saray Zárate, who emphasised the role of robotics and automation as “a key driver for strengthening the competitiveness of our industry; at Robotekin, we aim to bring together expertise, launch projects and generate real value for the productive sector”.
During the meeting, the Director of Robotekin, Leire Balzategui, outlined the main priorities that will shape the association’s activities over the coming months. “We want Robotekin to be a space that facilitates connections between the various stakeholders in the Basque robotics and automation ecosystem, promotes training and technological development, and helps to improve competitiveness across the Basque Country’s various productive sectors,” he said.
Five key areas for strengthening the Basque robotics and automation ecosystem
The 2026–2027 roadmap is structured around five main lines of action:
- Strengthening links between partner organisations, fostering mutual understanding, participation and the development of joint activities.
- Bringing the ecosystem closer to the market and to new productive sectors, facilitating the identification of business opportunities and promoting joint participation in trade fairs, conferences, trade missions and international initiatives.
- Promoting collaborative projects focused on innovation, talent and training, encouraging the launch of initiatives that contribute to improving business competitiveness.
- To enhance internal and external communication, raising the profile of the work carried out by the organisations that make up Robotekin.
- To consolidate the association’s internal management and governance, ensuring its sustainability and strengthening its coordination mechanisms.
Training Map: a single point of access to the full range of specialist training programmes
One of the key projects presented during the Assembly was the Training Map, launched by the Training and Awareness-Raising Working Group. Since the start of the year, the Robotekin website has brought together in a single space all the training opportunities related to robotics and automation available in the Basque Country. The tool allows users to search for vocational training programmes, specialised courses, bachelor’s degrees, dual degrees, master’s degrees and other training options offered by educational centres, universities and institutions across the three historical territories.
Furthermore, users can filter the information by territory, programme type, duration or type of training and access the details of each programme directly. “The aim is to facilitate access to specialised training in robotics and automation and to bring existing opportunities closer to those wishing to enter or advance their careers in this field. Training and talent are key elements in continuing to strengthen our ecosystem,” explained Balzategui. In the same vein, the director of Robotekin highlighted the recent collaboration agreement signed with the Official Association of Industrial Engineers of Álava (COIIA), aimed, amongst other objectives, at raising the profile of career opportunities for engineering professionals through its job board.
Promoting internationalisation
Internationalisation is another priority area for the association. In this context, the organisations in attendance were able to gain first-hand insight into the programmes, services and grants that Basque Trade & Investment makes available to Basque companies to support their international expansion. During the Assembly, Miren Madinabeitia and Asis Hernando, a representatives of Basque Trade & Investment, presented various tools and success stories that can help boost the international presence of organisations in the sector.
About Robotekin
Robotekin, the Basque Association for Robotics and Automation, is supported by the Basque Government and the Provincial Council of Álava. The organisation brings together organisations from across the entire robotics and automation value chain, including manufacturers, integrators, service providers, technology centres, training centres, start-ups and end-user companies, with the aim of strengthening the Basque ecosystem and contributing to the industry’s technological and competitive transformation.
Getting Together
