11.03.2026
Telefónica Foundation allocates €12 million to train 150 young people in master’s and doctoral programmes until 2028
Telefónica Foundation allocates €12 million to train 150 young people in master's and doctoral programmes until 2028
Until 2028, the Telefónica Foundation will award 150 scholarships aimed at specialisation in key areas such as AI, advanced computing, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, biotechnology and robotics, amongst others.
Telefónica’s Executive Chairman, Marc Murtra, and the Executive Chairman of Fundación Telefónica, Enrique Goñi, have presented a pioneering programme at Espacio Fundación Telefónica comprising 50 annual scholarships, each worth up to €80,000, aimed at master’s and PhD students wishing to specialise in key technological areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, data science and cybersecurity, applied physics and quantum technologies, amongst others.
With a planned investment of 12 million euros over the next three years, this programme of 150 technology-specialised scholarships has been launched with the explicit aim of capitalising on talent. Beneficiaries undertake, in the event they study at foreign institutions, to return to Spain after their studies to apply the knowledge acquired in companies, universities, technology centres or high-impact start-ups. The initiative ensures a tangible return for the country, strengthening Spain’s business and scientific fabric.
During his speech, Marc Murtra, Executive Chairman of Telefónica, emphasised that “In Europe, we are lacking two fundamental elements. The first is having large-scale companies capable of investing and dedicating resources to developing technological products, taking risks and, on occasion, making mistakes as part of the innovation process.
The scholarships will be funded with a maximum of 80,000 euros per grant, in addition to mentoring
The second is having a large number of engineers—as a metaphor for technical profiles—who drive that development capacity.
That is why these scholarships aim to support talented individuals with potential and a clear culture of hard work. We want to help them develop their skills and, at the same time, bring to Europe that technical knowledge which does not always emerge intuitively. The ultimate goal is clear: to build more technology in Europe”.
Furthermore, “this scholarship programme aligns with the priorities of strategic autonomy, digital sovereignty and industrial competitiveness, and does so with the ambition for Spain to become an exporter of knowledge and a creator of its own technology,” noted Enrique Goñi, president of Fundación Telefónica, during the presentation of the initiative.
At least 30% of the scholarships will be allocated to women through evaluation and selection mechanisms aligned with European standards
Training in technological fields that will shape the future of the European economy
Through these scholarships, Fundación Telefónica drives the development of society in the technological sphere, fosters links between academia and industry, and supports professionals in expanding and improving their career opportunities. These scholarships do not merely fund studies; they fund technological sovereignty.
The 50 scholarships, each worth up to 80,000 euros, are aimed at master’s and PhD students to train in areas of particular relevance to the European agenda: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Computer Engineering and Advanced Computing; Data Science and Cybersecurity; Robotics and Automation; Applied Physics and Quantum Technologies; Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering; Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials; and Advanced Networks.
These programmes may be undertaken at both Spanish and international universities and technology centres of the highest calibre. Furthermore, scholarship recipients will be supported by leading experts in the field in which they are specialising.
Furthermore, as part of its commitment to reducing the gender digital divide, Fundación Telefónica has set the target that at least 30% of the scholarships will be awarded to women. Through assessment and selection mechanisms aligned with European standards, it will eliminate bias and promote equal opportunities in advanced technological fields.
Consolidating a model committed to promoting quality educational opportunities
With this initiative, Fundación Telefónica strengthens its position as a key player in promoting training opportunities so that people, whatever stage of life they are at, can use technology to grow and develop personally and professionally.
Over the last four years, through projects such as Profuturo and Campus 42, Fundación Telefónica has allocated around 64 million euros to promote learning opportunities. As a result of this investment, more than 15 million children from vulnerable backgrounds have enhanced their digital skills, and nearly 25,000 people in Spain have been able to learn programming to improve their employment prospects in the digital market.
The technology scholarship programme, which is now being launched, reinforces its commitment to fostering the development of technology professionals, academic excellence and positioning Spain as a leader in competitiveness, digital sovereignty and the creation of technology aligned with European values.
Over the last four years, Profuturo and Campus 42 have trained nearly 16 million people
Downloads
Download the press pack (TV clips, statements by Enrique Goñi and photos of the event)