Getting some royal treatment as we meet King Felipe VI

On October 17th, His Majesty King Felipe VI hosted Pau Garcia-Milà and Anna Cejudo, co-CEOs and co-founders of Founderz, and Rubén Iturrarte, COO of the company, along with representatives from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and Microsoft, at the Palacio de la Zarzuela. The meeting highlighted the critical role Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays in shaping Spain’s economic and labor future.

During the discussion, key statistics emphasized the urgency of this initiative: a study by Microsoft and LinkedIn found that 6 out of 10 Spanish executives only consider hiring candidates with AI expertise, while 17% of job postings already value AI skills as a key competency.

While Spain ranks as the fourth-leading country in Europe for AI adoption, it has dropped to 14th place in terms of available AI talent—a concerning contrast compared to other European nations.

To address this gap and promote the ethical and responsible use of AI, Founderz, Microsoft, and UAM have launched the Chair on Employability and Responsibility in Artificial Intelligence, designed to prepare young Spaniards for a job market where AI is becoming indispensable.

A Bold Initiative to Develop AI Talent

The Chair directly addresses the growing demand for AI-skilled professionals. Its mission: enhancing young people’s employability while championing the ethical use of technology in the workplace. Chair Director Professor Melchor Gómez García explained that the initiative aims to equip students with advanced technical skills while fostering an ethical understanding of AI’s societal impact.

The Chair will focus on four main action areas to achieve its goals:

• Analyzing the latest advancements in responsible AI practices among leading Spanish companies. Reports will be developed on responsible AI adoption and the employability of young AI-trained professionals.
• Developing tools and open frameworks that enable users and organizations to adopt responsible AI practices. These efforts will be supported by scientific articles based on the findings.
• Showcasing best practices at events focused on responsible AI and youth employability, with an international perspective on AI’s impact in Europe.
• Launching and delivering AI training programs for students, professionals, and businesses, continuing the work Founderz has already been doing in collaboration with Microsoft through its online master’s programs in AI and Innovation tailored to various sectors and roles.

Pau Garcia-Milà, co-CEO of Founderz, emphasized during the meeting that while AI is a powerful tool for economic development, it must always be regulated to avoid biases and other ethical challenges.

To this end, one of the Chair’s main projects will be the Toolkit for the Responsible Use of AI. Recently launched by Founderz in collaboration with Microsoft, this interactive guide helps professionals integrate AI into their operations ethically, securely, and efficiently.

Founderz: Redefining Education Beyond Traditional Learning

At Founderz, we’ve embraced an innovative and collaborative approach to equipping students with in-demand AI skills.

Our platform is built on the DSLA (Discover, Share, Learn, Achieve) methodology, designed to foster collaboration and networking among participants. Students have the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences in a digital environment tailored for seamless learning.

Our Program in AI and Innovation, now one of Europe’s largest programs, exemplifies our commitment to delivering high-quality education to all. Thanks to our collaboration with Microsoft, Founderz students receive world-class training from professionals who lead the tech industry.

This partnership, along with our collaboration with UAM, strengthens our mission to democratize education, enabling people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to access cutting-edge AI knowledge and boost their career opportunities.

An Investment in the Future of the Next Generation

The meeting at Zarzuela marks an important milestone for Spain as it embraces a future where technology and education go hand in hand. Through the Chair on Employability and Responsibility in AI, UAM, Founderz, and Microsoft are laying the foundation for developing talent in the AI sector, promoting both job creation and the responsible use of technology.

For young people eager to join the next generation of AI experts, the Chair offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced skills and connect with a professional network that can open doors in the job market.

Spain’s economic future depends on initiatives like this, and the Chair is already paving the way for the country to invest in youth talent and technology.