The XIII WeekINN turns San Sebastián into a meeting point for science, AI and innovation
The XIII Innovation Week (WeekINN) will bring together science, artificial intelligence and technology in Donostia from October 23 to November 2.
San Sebastián becomes a European capital of innovation
From October 23 to November 2, Donostia/San Sebastián will host the XIII Innovation Week (WeekINN), an event that over eleven days will turn the Basque city into one of the main meeting points for science, technology and artificial intelligence in southern Europe. The event, organized around the axis connecting the Miramar Palace, the Kursaal Congress Palace and the Kutxa Bira Congress Center, will bring together researchers, technological companies, startups and citizens in a program that combines scientific dissemination, practical workshops and high-level conferences.
Artificial intelligence will be one of the undisputed protagonists of this edition, with dedicated spaces to show how generative models, machine learning and data analytics are transforming industry, health, education and public services.
A program that embraces all citizens
One of the hallmarks of WeekINN is its commitment to opening innovation to everyone, beyond academic and business circles. Most of the activities are free of charge and many are held in Basque and Spanish, with proposals designed for both students and professionals in the field.
- Conferences and round tables with international experts in AI, robotics, biotechnology and energy transition.
- Practical workshops on programming, 3D printing and experimentation with generative artificial intelligence tools.
- Competitions and demonstrations in which local startups present their technological solutions to investors and the general public.
- Activities for families and schools, designed to bring science closer to the youngest in a playful way.
The organizers have emphasized that the goal is for innovation to cease being an abstract concept and become a tangible experience, accessible to economic decision-makers.
AI as the engine of the new Basque economy
The context could not be more favorable. The Basque Country has consolidated a prominent position on the European technological map in recent years, with innovation hubs such as the Basque Technology Park of Zamudio and a network of technological centers that collaborate closely with local companies. The Innovation Week serves as a showcase for this ecosystem.
"Innovation is not just technology: it is culture, it is talent and it is the ability to look to the future from a commitment to the territory," summarizes the spirit with which the organizers present this thirteenth edition.
In the sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence, topics such as intelligent automation of manufacturing industry, AI applied to precision medicine and the ethical and regulatory challenges posed by its massive deployment will be addressed, in line with the European regulatory framework.
Challenges and opportunities that the 2026 edition will present
Beyond the talks, WeekINN seeks to generate real connections among attendees. The program includes networking spaces between SMEs, research centers and public administrations, with the aim that 1% of the initiatives presented end up materializing into projects.
The commitment to sustainability will also be present: several sessions will explore how AI and data analysis can help optimize energy consumption, reduce waste and accelerate the ecological transition of the industry, an area in which the Basque experience in environmental management is a benchmark.