In the past 13 October 2026, the University of Málaga hosted the local stage of the programme University Digital Leaders, an initiative of the Telefónica Chairs Network aimed at recognising the talent and academic excellence of undergraduates and students on officially recognised master’s degree programmes.

The day began at the the Rayo Verde building at the University of Málaga, with a welcome for the participants and an opening ceremony at which the following spoke: Teodomiro López Navarrete, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Málaga; Joaquín Segovia, Regional Director for the South at Telefónica España, and Nuria Rodríguez Ortega, director of the Telefónica-UMA Chair.

Following the opening ceremony and the jury’s presentation of the first task, the students faced an individual challenge consisting of to design a technological solution for Málaga’s smart city model. This event provided an opportunity to discuss various proposals relating to the development of smart cities and the application of digital technologies to meet their needs.

Once the trial had finished, a draw was held to determine which teams would take part in the second stage of the competition. The morning session concluded with a lunch, which gave the participants the opportunity to share their experiences before heading to Málaga City Hall.

In the afternoon, the day continued at the Plenary Hall of Málaga City Council, where the second round took place, focusing on communication and argumentation skills. Organised into teams of up to four members, the students took part in a debate on the following question: «Will a smart city without artificial intelligence remain competitive in the coming years?». Each team defended a position for or against the issue, putting their ability to construct arguments and respond to opposing views to the test.

The day concluded with an official ceremony in the Plenary Hall, attended by Francisco de la Torre Prados, Mayor of Málaga; Joaquín Segovia, Regional Director for the South at Telefónica España, and Nuria Rodríguez Ortega, director of the Telefónica-UMA Chair.

The local phase forms part of the national ‘University Digital Leaders’ programme, which is structured around three areas of competence: hard skills digital, soft skills and business skills. Through these assessments, the programme aims to identify and recognise university talent in the face of the challenges posed by digital transformation.

The the four highest-ranked students in the local round will represent the University of Málaga at the the national stage, to be held on 29 and 30 October 2026 in Madrid, together with representatives from the other universities participating in the Telefónica Chairs Network.