17 July 2026
Bilbao
On 16 July, the University of Deusto held the closing ceremony for the second edition of the Deusto-Biscay Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network (RIEG) , an initiative promoted by the university in partnership with the Biscay Provincial Council, through Bizkaia With The Talent, which aims to attract and develop STEM talent in the region. This academic year, the programme has brought together 22 professionals from seven Latin American countries — Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay — with representatives from Chile and Honduras taking part for the first time.
Participants have combined classes on the Dual Master’s in Innovation and Technology with paid work placements at 21 local organisations. The event also recognised the commitment of the partner organisations and collaborators, as well as celebrating the graduation of this cohort.
At the opening, María José Aranguren, Vice-Rector for the Donostia-San Sebastian campus and Institutional Relations at the University of Deusto, highlighted that the RIEG responds to Biscay’s need to attract qualified talent, emphasising the cooperation of the Provincial Council and the role of the Latin American universities that are members of the AUSJAL Network in connecting this professional ecosystem.
The session was chaired by Garbiñe Henry, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University, who outlined the evolution of the Network as a bridge between the ecosystems of both regions. This was followed by a testimonial video presented by Iraide Aramberria, a member of the team, featuring the Mexican and Chilean node universities, where these institutions, which comprise 15 universities across 10 countries, explained their candidate selection and support methodologies.
The programme included a panel discussion moderated by María Lambarri, Director of the University’s Unit for Relations with Economic and Social Stakeholders. During the discussion, Zuriñe Larrauri, People Director at Zunibal, highlighted the contribution of incorporating qualified international talent to team innovation and the smooth integration process thanks to the programme’s support. Axel Solalinde, a participant from Mexico who completed a placement at EY, shared how combining academic training with professional experience supported his development, confirming that he will continue as a member of the EY team in Bilbao.
Since its launch, the Network has received support from 37 organisations. This edition recognised the contribution of the 26 participating entities, including the 11 renewing their collaboration —Alba Energy, BBVA Technology, Deloitte, Haizea Bilbao, Iberdrola, Laboral Kutxa, NWorld, Petronor, PharmaBio Serv and Teknei— and the 16 new additions: Accenture, Aindeep, Arteche, ASLE, CIE Egaña, Draxton, EIT Food, EY, Inser Robótica, Miesa, Pappstor, RDT, ULMA, Vicrila, Zunibal and Zyonia. The work of the teaching staff —Begoña García-Zapirain, Garbiñe Henry, José Luis Izkara, Macarena Larrea, María Lambarri and Stephanía Mosquera— was also recognised, along with those responsible for supervising projects within the companies: Unai Aguilera, Mikel Emaldi, Jenny Fajardo, Oihane Gómez, Aitor Goti, José Luis del Val, José Luis Izkara, Diego López de Ipiña, Enrique Onieva, Carlos Polo, Israel Ruiz and Iñaki Vázquez.
The gift presented was a sustainably designed item made from recycled fishing nets by the startup Gotaa Lab, incubated at Innogune, the University’s entrepreneurship hub. Its design complements the gift presented the previous year, symbolising the Network’s shared growth.
The presentation of diplomas and sashes to the graduates was carried out by Andoni Eguíluz, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Janire Gordon, Director of the Master’s programme. Eguíluz congratulated the 22 graduates, highlighting their adaptability and their contribution to Biscay’s business community throughout the academic year. The institutional closing remarks were delivered by Joseba Mariezkurrena, Director General of Entrepreneurship, Talent and Business Competitiveness at the Provincial Council of Biscay, who reaffirmed the importance of public–private cooperation initiatives in positioning the region as a competitive and internationally connected environment.
