From Google and Vodafone to a new €500m semiconductor centre, discover what Málaga tech hub is driving the growth of Málaga’s technology and innovation sector.
Málaga’s technology sector is entering a new phase of growth
Málaga is attracting serious technology investment, from Google’s flagship cybersecurity centre and Vodafone’s Research and Development operations to one of Spain’s most ambitious new semiconductor research projects.
Behind those headline investments is a tech ecosystem that has been developing for more than three decades, centred around Málaga TechPark and supported by the University of Málaga, international companies and an expanding pool of specialist talent.
Málaga TechPark opened in 1992, initially with eight companies and 130 employees. Today, there are 719 companies based at the park, including more than 70 international firms, and its workforce reached 29,018 people at the end of 2025.
Those businesses and institutions generated €4.896 billion in turnover during 2025, an increase of 17.11% in a single year.
The work taking place there has also become more specialised. Current areas include AI, microelectronics, cybersecurity, telecommunications, aerospace, connected vehicles, digital health and advanced research.
Google chose Málaga for cybersecurity
Google Safety Engineering Center Málaga. Image Source: Invest in Spain
One of the best-known examples sits away from the TechPark itself, close to Málaga's historic centre.
Google opened its Safety Engineering Center in Málaga in 2023, specialising in cybersecurity and malware research. It is now Google’s flagship cybersecurity centre in Europe.
The connection with Málaga actually began much earlier. Google acquired Málaga-founded cybersecurity company VirusTotal in 2012, building on expertise that was already established in the city.
Vodafone is developing next-generation networks here
Vodafone has also made Málaga one of its principal European R&D locations.
The company committed €225 million over five years to its Málaga centre, with plans for more than 600 highly skilled jobs. Its teams work on technologies including the Internet of Things, edge computing, private mobile networks and Open RAN.
Its research activity has since expanded into satellite connectivity.
Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile and the University of Málaga have established a research hub focused on integrating satellite communications with conventional 4G and 5G mobile networks. Based at Vodafone's Málaga Innovation Centre, the project is developing technology that could allow standard smartphones to move between terrestrial and satellite coverage.
The next major development is now taking shape at Málaga TechPark.
On 17 September 2026, the Spanish Government confirmed that construction of Málaga's new semiconductor centre is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The Government has committed €500 million to the project through Spain's public technology investment company SETT, with Belgian nanoelectronics research organisation imec as its technology partner.
The centre will include Spain's first advanced 300 mm semiconductor R&D facility, built around a 2,000 m² clean room and approximately 60 advanced processing machines.
This is a research and prototyping facility rather than a mass-production chip factory. It will allow new semiconductor technologies and processes to be developed and tested before industrial production.
The Government estimates that the project could generate 1,700 direct and indirect jobs, extending its impact well beyond the new facility itself.
It forms part of Spain's wider PERTE Chip programme, created to strengthen the country's semiconductor research, design and production capabilities. The national programme was launched with plans to mobilise €12.25 billion in public investment through 2027.
Why Málaga?
Málaga’s historic centre at sunset, with the Cathedral, City Hall and Alcazaba in view, close to the University of Málaga
Technology investment depends on access to skilled people, research and strong infrastructure, and the University of Málaga plays an important role in that ecosystem. More than 35,000 students study there, including over 6,000 engineering students, while its research groups work directly with companies based at Málaga TechPark.
That relationship is becoming even more relevant as Málaga expands its microelectronics sector. In 2026, the university increased its co-innovation laboratory from nine to 15 research groups, strengthening the link between academic research, industry and the future semiconductor centre.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport handled a record 26.76 million passengers in 2025, with 276 routes during the year. For companies, executives and internationally mobile professionals, that level of European and international access is a practical advantage.
Panorama recently looked more closely at how Málaga Airport provides a major advantage to the wider Costa del Sol and property owners in Marbella.
Málaga's technology economy adds a growing value to the Costa del Sol: substantial career and business opportunities alongside the qualities that have long made this part of southern Spain attractive as a place to live.
Málaga’s technology growth is part of a wider transformation that extends beyond business and innovation. The city’s ability to attract companies, entrepreneurs and international professionals is also linked to the quality of life it offers, from its human-scale urban environment to its Mediterranean surroundings.
Its compact historic centre, excellent public spaces and pedestrian-friendly layout have helped Málaga become recognised as one of the world’s most walkable cities, making everyday life easier for residents who want to combine work and leisure.
At the same time, the coastline remains one of the city’s defining advantages, with a wide selection of blue flag beaches that contribute to the lifestyle appeal of the Málaga region. This combination of connectivity, climate and urban convenience is one of the reasons the city continues to attract attention as a place to live and work.
For those considering a longer-term move to southern Spain, Málaga’s growing technology sector is only one part of the wider picture. The city’s balance between innovation, accessibility and lifestyle helps explain why it continues to be regarded as one of the most attractive destinations for international residents.
