Málaga TechPark is advancing in its ambition to become one of the major tech hubs in southern Europe. The Málaga technology park has put on the table two significant initiatives: the development of one of the largest data centers in the region and the catalytic effect already beginning to emerge from the future establishment of the imec research center, the Belgian institute specialized in microelectronics and semiconductors.
This combination is no small feat. On one side, a high-capacity data center with an expected 150 megawatts and an investment of €1,257 million. On the other, the arrival of activity related to semiconductors, photonics, optical transceivers, and deep technologies. Málaga has spent years trying to differentiate itself as a tech city, but these kinds of projects elevate the stakes: it’s no longer just about attracting digital companies but competing for infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and international talent.
A data center for major tech clients
The Málaga TechPark board of directors has evaluated the strategic agreement reached with Benbros Energy, through the company Saltburn Holding/Meridian Data Centers, to develop a large data center in the park’s future expansion. The infrastructure will occupy over 70,000 square meters and will have a built-up area exceeding 47,000 square meters.
The project aims to meet the demand for private spaces for large technology corporations, government agencies, and SMEs. The planned investment totals €1,257 million, with employment estimations of 710 direct jobs during construction and another 254 in ongoing operations.
| Project | Main Data |
|---|---|
| Developers | Benbros Energy / Saltburn Holding / Meridian Data Centers |
| Location | Future expansion of Málaga TechPark |
| Total Area | Over 70,000 m² |
| Buildable Space | Over 47,000 m² |
| Planned Investment | €1,257 million |
| Power Requirements | 150 MW |
| Construction Jobs | 710 direct jobs |
| Operational Jobs | 254 direct jobs |
| Permitting | Project Acceleration Unit until 2030 |
The energy aspect is one of the key factors. A 150 MW data center is no small installation. It requires an electrical grid, planning, land availability, permits, cooling systems, fiber connections, physical security, and the capacity to operate with high levels of reliability. That’s why the project was added on May 12 to the Andalusian Government’s Project Acceleration Unit, a mechanism designed to coordinate and streamline administrative procedures.
Málaga is now entering a race already underway in other European regions. The demand for data centers is growing due to cloud computing, AI, digital services, storage, cybersecurity, and data sovereignty. However, each new project also raises tough questions: where will the energy come from, how will it be integrated into the grid, what will be its territorial impact, and what genuine return will it provide beyond the initial investment?
The imec effect begins to attract companies
Another major element is imec. The upcoming arrival of the Belgian research center has sparked increasing interest among international companies involved in microelectronics, semiconductors, and photonics, according to the Andalusian Government. Carolina España, the acting Minister of Economy and president of Málaga TechPark, has stated that the park is progressing in its strategy to establish itself as a leading technological hub for investment in southern Europe.
One of the first companies to realize this interest is ESTEL, a Belgian firm specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-performance optical transceivers. Its products serve sectors such as telecommunications, data centers, defense, and space industry— all connected by high-capacity, low-latency communications.
ESTEL will establish its new European center in Node I at the Kadans complex within Málaga TechPark, with an estimated investment of €15 million. The company already has manufacturing operations in Belgium, a research center in Sweden, and corporate offices in the United States.
| Company | Activity | Málaga Project |
| imec | Microelectronics and semiconductor research | Future research center in Málaga |
| ESTEL | High-performance optical transceivers | New European center in NODE I |
| Kadans | Spaces for science and innovation | Node I building at Málaga TechPark |
| Meridian Data Centers | Data center infrastructure | Development of the new data center |
ESTEL’s presence is noteworthy. Data centers and AI require increasing interconnection capacity. Optical transceivers are critical components for moving data between servers, switches, racks, data centers, and high-speed networks. If Málaga manages to attract companies of this type, it could shift from being solely a hub for tech offices to taking on a more industrial role within the digital value chain.
The arrival of imec can support this vision. A renowned research center serves as a magnet for suppliers, startups, engineers, universities, manufacturers, and companies seeking proximity to specialized knowledge. Not all projects will materialize, and not all will generate local high-value industry, but the momentum is already beginning to show.
Málaga aims to compete in the new tech industry
Currently, Málaga TechPark hosts over 715 companies, with combined revenue exceeding €4.8 billion and more than 29,000 professionals. The latest published figures increase the count to 719 entities and project a 2025 revenue of €4.896 billion. These numbers position the park as one of the city’s and the region’s main economic drivers.
Málaga’s development isn’t solely due to a strong city brand. The university, connectivity, airport, quality of life, international companies, available talent, and a sustained strategy centered on the tech park have all contributed. However, moving into data centers, semiconductors, and photonics introduces new demands.
Software and digital services can expand through offices, talent, and connectivity. But advanced tech industries additionally require land, energy, laboratories, clean rooms, specialized suppliers, transportation, permits, financing, and highly skilled personnel. Málaga has an opportunity— but also a significant challenge.
| Málaga TechPark Indicators | Key Data |
| Companies and entities | Over 715 |
| 2025 projection | 719 entities |
| Employment | Over 29,000 professionals |
| Joint revenue | Over €4.8 billion |
| 2025 revenue estimate | €4.896 billion |
| Growing sectors | AI, semiconductors, photonics, telecommunications, data centers |
The risk for any expanding tech hub is growing without resolving its bottlenecks. Commuting infrastructure, affordable housing for professionals, public transport connectivity, energy availability, and technical training are as vital as investment announcements. A park aiming for more industrial activity and high-skilled employment needs urban infrastructures that match those ambitions.
It’s also crucial that these projects are interconnected. While a data center can attract investment, it gains much more value when linked with software companies, cybersecurity, cloud services, AI, telecommunications, universities, and local providers. Similarly, imec’s impact will depend on its ability to turn research and international presence into local jobs, knowledge transfer, and new supply chains.
An opportunity for Andalusia, with pending tasks
Málaga TechPark’s progress aligns with Europe’s current efforts to strengthen technological independence. AI demands more data centers. Semiconductors are regaining strategic importance. Photonics is gaining significance in networks, sensors, communications, and computing. Regions capable of combining research, infrastructure, and talent may now attract projects that might have previously gone to other European hubs.
Andalusia benefits from lower costs, quality of life, international connectivity, and land availability compared to more saturated regions. But competing in advanced technology sectors requires ongoing institutional support and effective execution. The announced projects are promising, but their true impact will only be measured once they are built, operational, and connected to the local economy.
The €1.257 billion investment in the data center and the catalytic effect of imec could position Málaga as a more prominent location within Europe’s digital infrastructure and microelectronics map. However, attracting names is not enough. The real challenge lies in transforming these projects into stable employment, knowledge, local suppliers, specialized training, and new opportunities for existing regional companies.
Málaga TechPark is entering a decisive phase. It has shed its image as a peripheral tech park and is now competing in leagues where cities, regions, and countries contend. The challenge now is to grow without losing quality, convert investments into real industry, and demonstrate that southern Europe can have a significant role in the digital economy of the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What data center is projected at Málaga TechPark?
It is a facility developed by Benbros Energy, Saltburn Holding, and Meridian Data Centers, covering over 70,000 m², with €1,257 million in planned investment and a power requirement of 150 MW.
How many jobs will the project generate?
An estimated 710 direct jobs during construction and 254 during ongoing operations.
Why is imec’s arrival in Málaga important?
imec is a Belgian research center renowned for microelectronics and semiconductors. Its future presence can attract companies involved in chips, photonics, telecommunications, and advanced technologies.
Which Belgian company will establish a European center at Málaga TechPark?
ESTEL, specializing in high-performance optical transceivers, will set up its new European center in Node I at the Kadans complex, with an estimated investment of €15 million.
via: LinkedIn
