President Diaz Ayuso finalizes a key agreement with the tech multinational in New York, reinforcing Madrid’s position as the digital capital of the country
In a pivotal day for the digital transformation of the Community of Madrid, President Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced from New York a historic investment of 460 million euros from Equinix, one of the world’s giants in data centers. The multinational will thus expand its interconnection campus in Alcobendas, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, in a project already recognized as a Special Action Project by the regional government, which will facilitate its development.
The announcement is not just a figure: it is a declaration of intent. Madrid aims to lead Europe’s digital future, and Equinix’s confidence is a resounding endorsement. “This investment not only consolidates our position as a technological benchmark but will also open new opportunities in innovation, security, and highly qualified employment,” emphasized Díaz Ayuso after meeting with the company’s leadership.
Data Centers: The Silent Heart of the Digital World
Every time we send a message, watch a video, or work in the cloud, we are relying on data processing centers (DPCs), invisible but essential infrastructures for the functioning of digital society. Alcobendas has become one of those nerve centers thanks to its connectivity, stability, and proximity to major operators.
The new investment will allow Equinix to expand its facilities and enhance the integration of advanced digital services, which are key for the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G networks. The European Commission has noted the need to triple the capacity of DPCs in Europe over the next seven years, and Madrid is prepared to lead that leap.
Madrid, Spain’s Tech Capital
With 46 operational data centers, the Community of Madrid far exceeds other regions such as Catalonia or Aragon. But beyond the quantity lies the capability: more than 50% of installed DPC capacity in Spain is located in Madrid, according to official data. This makes the region the main digital gateway to southern Europe.
Furthermore, in 2024, Madrid accounted for 85.3% of all foreign investment in high technology, capturing over 8.3 billion euros in cutting-edge sectors. The region has become a magnet for tech companies thanks to its policies promoting digitalization, administrative agility, and its innovative ecosystem.
Digital Shield and Smarter Public Services
The agreement with Equinix is not an isolated move. It is part of a broader roadmap that includes projects like the Digital Shield, which protects municipalities from cyberattacks, and the extensive use of artificial intelligence across all areas of the regional government, from health to education and transportation.
The Community has also committed to fully digitize its public services, making life easier for citizens and businesses. These initiatives, combined with the new investment, paint a picture where Madrid not only consumes technology but also generates it, attracts talent, and builds the future.
Technology with a Human Face
Following the meeting, Díaz Ayuso wanted to highlight the direct impact that such investments have on people: “Behind every DPC, every fiber optic line, there is employment, innovation, emerging companies, and opportunities for our youth.”
The expansion of Equinix will mean not only more square meters of servers but also quality employment, faster and more secure services, and a community more connected to the world.
Source: Noticias Madrid