DFactory Barcelona hosts the first edition of Tech4Impact: Universities that Transform

• The programme has connected eight universities with the companies that make up this industry 4.0 ecosystem, already an international benchmark, and promotes the recruitment of young talent.

• A total of 300 students from Barcelona Technology School, UPF Barcelona School of Management, ESADE, UPC School – Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya, IGEMA Business School, Tecnocampus – UPF, ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering, and CETT-UB have participated.

Barcelona, 19 February 2026.- DFactory Barcelona, driven by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), has held the first edition of Tech4Impact: Universities that Transform, a new programme of activities designed to bring DFactory’s technological and business ecosystem closer to university students and boost the development of digital and technological talent.

In total, eight universities and higher education institutions have taken part in this inaugural edition: Barcelona Technology School, IGEMA Business School, UPF Barcelona School of Management, UPC School – Fundació Politècnica de Catalunya, Tecnocampus – UPF, ESADE, ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering, and CETT-UB.

Throughout the day, participants took part in a training programme focused on understanding the type of talent sought by innovative companies and how artificial intelligence is transforming the professional profiles of the future.

In addition, students had the opportunity to experience DFactory Barcelona first-hand, recognised as the largest industry 4.0 ecosystem in southern Europe, and visit several companies within the hub that develop cutting-edge projects in fields such as robotics, 3D printing, data analytics, cybersecurity and generative AI.

As part of Tech4Impact, a networking event was also organised between students and companies based at DFactory Barcelona with the aim of creating real opportunities for young talent recruitment, internships, joint projects and future professional placements.

This initiative reflects the strategic commitment of CZFB and DFactory Barcelona to talent, one of their main priorities alongside technological innovation and sustainability. With Tech4Impact, CZFB strengthens its role as a driver of the knowledge economy and as a bridge between universities and the most innovative business ecosystem. It is worth noting that this first edition has also had the collaboration of Mercabarna.

“With Tech4Impact we take another step in connecting the academic and business sectors. Our commitment to talent is firm, because without well-prepared people, digital transformation is not possible” said Pere Navarro, Special State Delegate at CZFB.