From Concept to Reality: Building a Data Space in Zamora

The year 2025 was dedicated almost exclusively to building the technological, methodological, and conceptual foundations of the project, with a clear goal from the outset: the Data Space was not to be merely a statement of intent, but a real, functional infrastructure aligned with European standards.

During these months, the technical team focused on designing and developing an integrated Data Space and AI platform, addressing critical aspects such as interoperability, data usage traceability, connection with multiple heterogeneous sources, and compatibility with major European protocols. This work, largely behind the scenes, was essential to ensure that the project could be presented publicly with credibility and confidence.

This effort bore fruit on November 17, during the Experts Forum, when it was publicly announced that the Data Space is now a reality and that the team is working on the final details for its consolidation. This milestone marked the transition from the conceptual phase to an operational one, demonstrating that the project is progressing on solid technical foundations.

The Center's first public activity took place on October 8, with the workshop “Unveiling AI and Data Spaces”, organized by the Center itself. This inaugural session introduced the fundamental concepts of data spaces, data governance, and interoperability to a mixed audience of local companies, institutions, and professionals.

The workshop served as a starting point for two main objectives: first, to initiate the project's training activities, explaining in an accessible way what data spaces are and why they are relevant for the Zamoran ecosystem; second, to identify real needs within the local business and institutional fabric, highlighting sectors and organizations that could benefit from these technologies in the short and medium term.

The Experts Forum, held on November 17 in collaboration with Gaia-X, was conceived as the key event of the year: the space to share not only the Center’s vision but, above all, the technical work carried out over months of development.

Within the framework of the data economy, the event focused on three strategic pillars:

  • The role of data spaces as a driver of innovation and economic development in Zamora and Castilla y León.
  • The need to promote digital sovereignty through federated and secure data management models.
  • The importance of fostering collaboration among companies, institutions, and research centers.

During the day, key topics were discussed, including European data spaces, interoperability standards, reference initiatives such as GAIA-X and IDSA, and practical cases in sectors such as healthcare, local businesses, and digital transformation processes.

The year concluded with Z-Data Experience 2025, held on December 10,where the Center was presented to a broader and more diverse audience. The event positioned the project within its strategic context: an initiative funded by the Junta de Castilla y León and driven by the AIR Institute, aimed at transforming Zamora into an innovation hub for data spaces and artificial intelligence.

Z-Data Experience showcased the project’s strategic benefits beyond technology:

  • Generation of new business opportunities for local companies.
  • Creation of skilled jobs in the region.
  • Attraction of specialized talent and technological investment.
  • Positioning Castilla y León in the European data economy landscape.

The event also connected with a wider ecosystem of companies, startups, public institutions, and professionals interested in understanding how these technologies can be applied to their sectors and specific realities.

The Data Space is Now Real

During the Experts Forum, the official announcement was made: Zamora’s Data Space is now a functional reality. The technical team presented the current state of the platform, highlighting:

  • An intuitive, modern interface for data management.
  • A complete system for tracing data usage (who accesses it, when, for what purpose, and under which conditions).
  • Operational connection with diverse heterogeneous data sources.
  • Technical compatibility with major European interoperability protocols.
  • Deployment of a functional Federated Learning system.

The team explained in detail what a data space is and why it addresses one of today’s greatest challenges: data is the most valuable resource in the digital economy, yet it is often scattered, underused, and blocked due to the lack of secure, trustworthy sharing environments.

Unlike centralized models where a single entity accumulates and controls all information, data spaces enable decentralized architectures in which:

  • Each organization retains control and sovereignty over its data.
  • Each entity decides with whom to share it and under what specific conditions.
  • Permissions can be revoked at any time.
  • All operations are recorded and auditable.

This approach is particularly relevant in sensitive sectors where regulatory compliance and trust are prerequisites for any data-based collaboration.

A Project Aligned with the New European Regulatory Framework

The Center’s development and the Data Space in 2025 were deeply influenced—and strengthened—by changes in European data and AI regulations. Far from being an obstacle, this new regulatory framework validated the project’s approach from the start.

The implementation of the Data Governance Act (DGA), the Data Act, and progress on the European AI Regulation (AI Act) has placed concepts such as data sovereignty, traceability, interoperability, and accountability at the core of technological design. In this context, sharing data is not just an opportunity—it requires technical, legal, and organizational guarantees.

Throughout its first year, the Center anticipated and addressed these regulatory challenges within the architecture of the Data Space. The platform includes access control mechanisms, identity management, operation logging, and full traceability of data usage, aligning with European principles and facilitating regulatory compliance for participating organizations.

Moreover, the federated approach of the Data Space directly meets regulatory requirements: it avoids centralized models, allows each entity to retain control over its data, and defines clear rules regarding who can access it, for what purpose, and under what conditions. This is especially relevant in sensitive sectors such as healthcare or personal data processing, where regulatory compliance is essential for innovation.

In AI, Federated Learning provides a technically coherent response to the AI Act principles, enabling advanced model development without sharing raw data, reducing risks and strengthening privacy by design. The Center has thus turned regulation into an enabler of responsible innovation.

2025 demonstrated that it is possible to build data and AI infrastructures fully aligned with European law, turning compliance into a competitive advantage and a framework of trust for companies, institutions, and citizens.

2026: From Infrastructure to Real Implementation

The year closed with a clear roadmap. In 2026, training and outreach activities will continue, technical development of the Data Space will be reinforced, and Federated Learning will be implemented with concrete use cases in healthcare, agro-food, and industry.

All of this with a shared goal: positioning Zamora as a technology hub capable of attracting talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and leading innovative initiatives in data spaces and artificial intelligence.

2025 was the year the foundation was built. 2026 will be the year it begins to scale.