Irujo emphasizes that "advances in digitalization must be cybersecurity-compliant"

Mikel Irujo, the Regional Minister of Industry and Ecological and Digital Business Transition, closed today’s conference on “Industrial Cyber Resilience,” organized by the public entity European Business and Innovation Center of Navarra (CEIN) and the Navarra Industry Association (AIN), which focused on cybersecurity as a key factor in business competitiveness.

Irujo emphasized that “there can be no progress in digitalization unless it is cyber-secure. Cybersecurity must be considered a strategic priority for companies, regardless of their size or the nature of their business. And, of course, when it comes to new entrepreneurial projects, it must be integrated into the process of creating a new business from the very beginning.”

During the session, which brought together more than 120 people, participants heard about the experiences of both SMEs and startups that have taken part in CEIN’s cybersecurity programs under the CEIN Cybersecurity Lab initiative, designed by the organization in collaboration with Spain’s National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE).

Specifically, seven startups participating in the Cybersecurity Acceleration Program presented their value propositions and explained how, thanks to the program, they have integrated cybersecurity into the design of their solutions from the very beginning, which has enabled them to build trust with customers, partners, and investors, and to grow on a more solid foundation. Three of them were recognized by a jury, which evaluated their development and progress throughout the program. The awards went to Nulab (first), Genbioma (second), and Tude (third).

In addition, four small and medium-sized enterprises have shared the results of their participation in CEIN’s cybersecurity consulting program, which has enabled them to organize, prioritize, and make decisions regarding cybersecurity using a practical approach. 

Since its launch in 2024, CEIN Cybersecurity Lab has organized outreach initiatives and specialized events attended by more than 200 people, as well as incubation, acceleration, and mentoring programs focused on cybersecurity for 32 projects, 16 startups, and 33 SMEs in Navarre. 

In developing this initiative, CEIN has collaborated with key stakeholders in Navarre’s technology, digital, and cybersecurity sectors, including the Navarra Cybersecurity Center, UPNA, Polo IRIS, Nasertic, and ATANA.

Regulatory Framework and Capture The Flag

In an increasingly connected and digitized industrial environment, companies must recognize that cybersecurity must be an integral part of their strategy. This was one of the key messages shared by the AIN member companies that served on the conference panel. Along these same lines, they also highlighted the European NIS2 Directive, which has been in effect for a year.

During the first part of the event, companies affiliated with AIN and leaders in their respective sectors delivered 10-minute lightning talks on various aspects of cybersecurity, ranging from governance to how to protect oneself, detect a cyberattack, and defend against it. Other companies shared specific best practices on how to respond if an organization has already suffered a cyberattack and discussed insurance coverage in the event of a cyberattack.

In addition, a real-life case study was presented of a company that had suffered a cyberattack in the past. Specifically, the presentation detailed the full business impact of the incident and the organizational changes implemented to restore all equipment and systems.

Specifically, the AIN member companies that participated were Grupo AXIUM, Cistec, Inycom Nunsys Group, Inforges, Digital Hand Made, AON, 4Elitech, Tigloo, Decidata, and AIN.

Alongside the event, some twenty students from the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) and the Donapea and María Ana Sanz schools participated in an educational cybersecurity competition called "Capture The Flag," in which they tackled cybersecurity challenges by putting themselves in the shoes of those who analyze, protect, and understand digital systems. 

About CEIN Cybersecurity Lab

CEIN Cybersecurity Lab is an initiative that implements the INCIBE Emprende program in Navarre. The program is promoted by INCIBE, an agency under the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Administration, through the State Secretariat for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, and is funded by the European Union through the Next Generation EU plan.

INCIBE Emprende was launched with the aim of boosting cybersecurity entrepreneurship. The initiative seeks, among other things, to strengthen the cybersecurity capabilities of citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises, and professionals, and to foster the cybersecurity sector’s ecosystem.

From 2023 to 2026, INCIBE is supporting Spanish cybersecurity entrepreneurs and startups throughout the entire entrepreneurial process, from the business idea generation phase through incubation and acceleration. In fact, the Institute has been promoting cybersecurity entrepreneurship for over seven years, as evidenced by its Alumni network—a community that includes some of the most prominent cybersecurity startups on the national and international scene.

INCIBE Emprende’s initiatives and actions fall under the Program to Boost the National Cybersecurity Industry, which is part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR) through Component 15: Investment 7 Cybersecurity—Strengthening the capabilities of citizens, SMEs, and professionals, and promoting the sector.

About INCIBE

The National Cybersecurity Institute is an agency under the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Administration, operating through the Secretariat of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure. It has established itself as a leading institution for advancing cybersecurity and fostering digital trust among citizens and businesses. Furthermore, it serves as a catalyst for social transformation and a platform for innovation, promoting R&D&I and talent development.