We celebrate 40 years alongside those who have made this journey possible

The Zabala Innovation Anniversary Gala brought together nearly 700 representatives of the innovation ecosystem in Pamplona (Spain) to celebrate 40 years of our trajectory. It was an opportunity to recognise the path we have shared since 1986 and to thank all those who have placed their trust in us.

The President of the Government of Navarre, María Chivite, took part in the event and highlighted the company’s role within the innovation ecosystem. In her speech, she stated that “Zabala Innovation is a strategic partner in building a model that combines economic growth with social development,” and underlined its recognition beyond the regional level, describing it as an example of how to combine global vision with local impact.

The celebration was also attended by other members of the regional government and representatives from the business, academic and financial sectors.

Zabala Innovation Anniversary Gala

The gala was hosted by Jorge Luengo, illusionist and science communicator, who guided the audience throughout the event.

Following the institutional address, Guillermo Dorronsoro, Management Board Advisor at Zabala Innovation and Professor and Academic Director at Deusto Business School, presented the Zabala Innovation Radar. Recently unveiled in Madrid, the report analyses the evolution of innovation in Spain and Europe and puts forward a clear challenge: it is not only about securing more funding, but about implementing it more effectively and turning it into real impact.

We then looked back at how a project launched in Navarre in 1986 by a team of two has become an international consultancy with more than 600 professionals across 13 offices in five countries: Spain, Belgium, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

The story was shared by José Mª Zabala, Founder and President; Lía Versteeg, Co-founder; Erik Zabala, Business CEO; Ainhoa Zabala, Corporate CEO; and Unai Zabala, Head of Strategic Consulting.

The generational transition initiated in 2016 marked a new phase of growth. At that time, the company had 200 employees; today, the team exceeds 600.

The dialogue then expanded to include professionals who have been part of our history since the early years — Ramiro Martínez, Camino Correia, Itziar Zaratiegui, Javier Iriarte, Aitor Garro and Francisco de Aristegui — who shared memories and lessons learned from different stages of the organisation.

The second part of the gala focused on the present and the future. Current team members — Eduardo Sotés, Patxi Fernández, Blanca Rodríguez, José Alberto De La Parte and Adriana Mendívil — took to the stage to reflect, together with the second generation, on the challenges we face as an organisation.

The figures behind our European trajectory

For 40 years, Zabala Innovation has been actively involved in European funding programmes, positioning itself as a strategic partner in the EU innovation ecosystem.

Since 2021, we have generated more than €3.1 billion in return for our clients through European programmes, with a consistent 40% success rate, significantly above the EU average.

Under Horizon Europe alone, in just the first years of the programme (2021–2027), we have submitted more than 370 proposals, achieving a return of €480 million for our clients.

Across programmes such as Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund, LIFE Programme, Digital Europe, CEF and Interreg, we have submitted 800+ proposals since 2021, consolidating our role as a coordinated strategic partner in European initiatives.

Our track record also includes 130+ European projects and studies, as well as the coordination and management of high-level European platforms and strategic initiatives in close collaboration with the European Commission.

An opportunity to keep sharing

The celebration continued with a cocktail reception, providing further opportunity for conversation among clients, partners and teams. The evening concluded with a performance by Pablo Navarro and his Brass Band.

Turning 40 is more than reaching a milestone. It confirms a way of working built on collaboration, closeness and impact. And it is also the starting point for what lies ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey.