Alicante, a vibrant city on Spain's Costa Blanca, is rapidly emerging as a significant hub for technological innovation, particularly in the converging fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Metaverse. Several factors contribute to this burgeoning ecosystem, including strategic investments, cutting-edge research initiatives, and a growing community of tech-savvy professionals and companies.
One of the key drivers of Alicante's AI and Metaverse synergy is the presence of the ELLIS Alicante Foundation. As the first Spanish unit within the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) network and the only unit focused on responsible and ethical AI for Social Good, ELLIS Alicante is at the forefront of human-centric AI research. The foundation's work is structured around three core areas: AI that understands humans by modeling behavior, AI that interacts with humans through intelligent systems, and AI that humans can trust by addressing ethical challenges. This focus on responsible AI development is crucial for ensuring that the integration of AI into the Metaverse is done in a way that benefits society as a whole. ELLIS Alicante actively collaborates with international partners and hosts workshops to foster innovation and address challenges in human-AI collaboration.
The University of Alicante is another critical component of the region's innovative landscape. The University actively explores the intersection of AI and the Metaverse through research and academic initiatives. In June 2025, the University of Alicante hosted the II International Congress "Metaverse for the Good," featuring the II EMRN Conference: “Exploring the Intersection of AI and the Metaverse.” This congress brought together experts and professionals from around the world to discuss AI integration in the Metaverse, AR/VR applications, and the societal, ethical, and legal challenges these technologies create. The event underscored Alicante's commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration in these emerging fields.
Several companies in San Juan de Alicante are actively involved in Metaverse development, indicating a growing industry presence in the region. These companies offer services such as custom software development, AI solutions, AR/VR development, and blockchain development, highlighting the diverse range of expertise available in the area. This concentration of companies focused on Metaverse technologies creates a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration.
Alicante is also embracing the Metaverse to enhance tourism and promote the region. The "Augmented Costa Blanca" project aims to position the province as a cutting-edge destination by leveraging the Metaverse to increase visibility, improve communication, and enhance the customer experience. This initiative demonstrates a practical application of Metaverse technologies that can drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Furthermore, Alicante has been proactive in leveraging AI to improve public services and citizen engagement. The city has partnered with Puebla in Mexico to introduce its AI virtual assistant, ALI, to the region, demonstrating the city's advancements in AI technology on an international scale. ALI has already resolved over 80,000 administration procedures and queries in Alicante, showcasing its effectiveness in streamlining public services.
The convergence of AI and the Metaverse in Alicante is not without its challenges. Ethical considerations, data privacy, and the need for international cooperation are critical issues that must be addressed to ensure responsible development and deployment of these technologies. However, Alicante's commitment to human-centric AI, its strong research institutions, and its growing ecosystem of innovative companies position it as a leading hub for AI and Metaverse synergies. As these technologies continue to evolve, Alicante is poised to play a significant role in shaping their future and harnessing their potential for social and economic good.
