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Spain’s Economy Minister to Meet Telefónica Chairman After AI Plan Launch

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Carlos Cuerpo will meet Telefónica’s Marc Murtra on 21 September 2026.
  • The IA360 plan for responsible AI deployment will be presented the same day.
  • IA360 grants in Galicia offer up to €500,000 for AI development projects.

Spain’s government is scheduling a series of policy-related events focused on artificial intelligence and telecommunications, with meetings and presentations involving key officials and industry leaders.

On 21 September 2026, Carlos Cuerpo, who serves as Spain’s First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Commerce and Enterprise, is set to meet with Marc Murtra, Executive Chairman of Telefónica, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Madrid. The meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and will address the current state of the telecommunications sector as well as topics related to artificial intelligence.

Earlier the same day, at 9:30 a.m., Minister Cuerpo will participate in the presentation of the IA360 plan at the Moncloa Complex. This event will include interventions from both Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Minister Cuerpo. The IA360 plan is described as a framework for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence in Spain.

The IA360 initiative also encompasses a set of public grants aimed at supporting the experimental development and application of artificial intelligence. These grants are managed by the Xunta de Galicia and are intended to encourage both the creation of new AI-based products and the implementation of existing AI solutions.

What the numbers show

  • The IA360 grants have a total budget of €10 million for 2026 and 2027.
  • Development projects under IA360 can receive up to €500,000 in aid.
  • Implementation projects are eligible for up to €100,000 in support.

The IA360 grants are structured into two main lines. Line A is focused on the development of products or services that use artificial intelligence, while Line B supports the acquisition and implementation of existing AI solutions. Each line has different eligibility criteria and funding intensities, allowing for a range of organizations to participate in the program.

Marc Murtra has held the position of Executive Chairman at Telefónica since January 2025. His upcoming meeting with Minister Cuerpo is part of ongoing discussions between government representatives and industry leaders about technological advancements and sector challenges.

The IA360 grants are available for projects based in Galicia and are designed to cover both the development and application phases of artificial intelligence. The funding period for these grants spans 2026 and 2027, with specific financial thresholds set for different types of projects.

Through the IA360 plan and related meetings, Spanish authorities are outlining steps to promote responsible AI use and support innovation in the telecommunications sector. The combination of policy presentations and targeted funding aims to encourage the adoption and development of artificial intelligence across regional and national levels.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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