A Coruña, January 27, 2026 - The University of A Coruña (UDC) and Denodo have just signed an agreement to create the Denodo–UDC Chair in Data Engineering, AI, and Technological Innovation. This new framework for collaboration between industry and academia aims to promote education, research, and knowledge transfer in cutting‑edge technology fields.
The agreement, signed this morning by UDC’s Rector, Ricardo Cao, and Denodo’s CEO, Ángel Viña, sets out the Chair’s main objectives: promoting excellence in the training of future Computer Engineering professionals—particularly in Data Engineering and Artificial Intelligence; boosting applied research and technological innovation; fostering knowledge transfer to society and businesses; and strengthening synergies between the academic and corporate spheres.
According to UDC Rector Ricardo Cao, the agreement represents “an excellent opportunity to advance transfer projects related to data management and AI, especially as it involves collaboration with a company founded at UDC.” “Today,” Cao emphasized, “Denodo is a global company, but its origins are here, at UDC. From A Coruña to the world. This trajectory demonstrates that public universities can be the best incubators of ideas, companies, and people capable of driving change.”.
Denodo, he added, “is an example of how local talent trained at the University of A Coruña can evolve into a business project with global reach. That is why we are convinced that this collaboration—in education, research, and knowledge transfer—will be highly beneficial for both parties”.
Honoring a Technological Legacy
A key highlight of the agreement is the creation of a special award in honor of Paula Montoto Castelao, former UDC professor and one of Denodo’s first employees, who passed away in early 2025.
The award for the Best Undergraduate Thesis (TFG) in Computer Science with Business Applications, established within the framework of the Chair, serves as a lasting tribute to Paula Montoto. Her 25‑year career at Denodo was instrumental to the company’s success. As a key R&D leader reporting directly to the CTO, Paula’s technical excellence is embedded at the core of the Denodo Platform. Her dual role as an industry leader and UDC professor for more than two decades allowed her to mentor over 20 engineering graduates, making her impact on the Galician and international tech ecosystem immeasurable.
Program of Initiatives
In addition to the commemorative award, the Chair will promote a broad program structured around four pillars: education, support, experience, and research & transfer.
In the area of education, the initiative will support participation in master’s degrees and other postgraduate programs, as well as the organization of seminars, conferences, workshops, and scientific events. To foster research and innovative initiatives, it will provide funding for predoctoral and postdoctoral grants and awards.
To enhance practical experience, the Chair will promote curricular and extracurricular internships in technological environments, and support the publication of scientific work and the development of scientific and cultural outreach activities.
Finally, in the field of research and knowledge transfer, joint lines of work and collaborations will be developed to attract projects at the regional (Galician), national, and European levels. The Chair will also support the completion of doctoral theses and undergraduate/master’s theses.
Denodo CEO Ángel Viña emphasized: “Returning to our roots to invest in the next generation of talent is a natural step for Denodo. Through this Chair, we want to ensure that students have access to the most advanced tools and practical knowledge in AI and Data Engineering. Our goal is to bridge the gap between academic excellence and the evolving needs of the global tech industry, driving innovation that begins right here in A Coruña.".
"Additionally, the Professor Montoto Award pays tribute to her legacy, celebrating her dual role as an educator and a pioneer in the tech industry, and ensuring that her commitment to innovation continues to inspire future generations".
Funding and Management
The Chair, initially established for a four‑year period, will be funded with an annual contribution of €20,000 from Denodo and managed through the CITIC Foundation. It will be led by José Losada, Professor of Computer Science at UDC’s Faculty of Computer Science—where he teaches in the Computer Engineering and Data Science & Engineering degree programs—and a researcher at CITIC.