Jauregi Opens the 24th Advanced Manufacturing and Machine Tool Congress
Once again, Donostia–San Sebastián becomes the capital of the digital industry, led by AFM Cluster, which today inaugurated the 24th edition of the Advanced Manufacturing and Machine Tool Congress. For three days, experts in cutting-edge manufacturing technologies will gather in San Sebastián for an event combining keynote speeches, presentations, debates, B2B meetings, and an exhibition area.
The opening ceremony featured the participation of Mikel Jauregi, Minister of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, who praised AFM and the sector as a whole, describing it as a “strategic sector for Euskadi.” He emphasized that the Euskadi Industry Plan 2030 “prioritizes investment in projects from key driving sectors such as advanced manufacturing.”
In his address, Jauregi explained to attendees that “the aim of the plan is to strengthen the competitiveness of our industry. It is a national plan with a spirit of collaboration between the public and private sectors. It is based on a model of cooperation among industrial leaders, their Basque supplier networks, and technology centers, to gain technological edge and differentiation. It is developed through transformative projects that will provide a major boost to the country’s industrial transformation.”
The Minister also presented a new guide prepared by Basque Trade & Investment, part of the SPRI Group, entitled “Roadmap for the Verification of Dual-Use Export Controls.” The document serves as a practical reference for companies to determine whether an export may fall under dual-use regulations and to understand the necessary licensing procedures.
“Our goal is to provide clarity, raise awareness, and promote understanding — not only among exporting industries, which have consistently demonstrated exemplary compliance with the law, but also among other actors who may have doubts about this issue. The Government stands ready to provide guidance and assistance to anyone with questions. We should not cast doubt on our exporting industry. The work that all of you do in this sector is the key to progress, prosperity, and wellbeing in this country,” concluded Jauregi.
José Pérez Berdud, President of AFM Cluster, emphasized that this is a congress “oriented toward action, with a precise focus on the challenges and technologies — both established and emerging — involved in addressing them.”
The opening keynote was delivered by Marc Vidal, speaker and consultant in digital transformation, who discussed the challenges that industry and individuals will face in the immediate future. Following his presentation, a session was held on the prospects for European manufacturing over the next decade, led by Agustín J. Sáenz, Director of Strategy, Market, and Technology at TECNALIA.
During the first day, participants also attended sessions on quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine safety, featuring experts from companies such as Basque Quantum, Siemens, Renishaw, and Fagor Automation.
The scientific and technical congress included presentations showcasing the results and potential applications of various R&D&I projects from technology centers, universities, and companies. These sessions targeted a more technical audience eager to learn about the detailed solutions to complex challenges.
For 2025, the triple program of the 23rd CMH is joined by a Cybersecurity Congress, along with numerous debates, presentations, round tables, and B2B meetings, all aimed at fostering networking and creating new collaboration opportunities among the 600 expected participants.
The event is supported by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment of the Basque Government, and the SPRI Group.
Closing Ceremony
The closing session of the congress will take place on October 31, presided over by Andoitz Korta, Deputy Minister for Industrial Promotion of the Basque Government, accompanied by José Pérez Berdud, President of AFM Cluster. During the ceremony, five awards will be presented: Best paper submitted by a company. Best presentation from the scientific–technical community. AFM–SIF Award for the best final degree project related to advanced manufacturing. Best final project from a technical school. Best presentation delivered in Basque.
